April 23, 2008	Wednesday	Rabi-us-Sani 16, 1429

MITHI, April 22: Expressing concern over depletion in the population of rare wildlife species in Thar owing to unabated and unchecked trapping, poaching and hunting, speakers at a seminar called for amending wildlife protection laws and declaring Karoonjhar mountain area as national park.

The seminar was held under the aegis of Society for Conservation and Protection of Environment (SCOPE) here, on Monday.

Deputy Conservator Wildlife Department Saeed Akhhtar Baloch said protection of environment and wildlife was necessary along with declaring Thar region as national park. He also called for conducting survey of wildlife.

The environment and wildlife can be adequately protected with active participation of community people in such task, Mr Baloch added.

Chairman Marooara Coordination Council Obhayo Junejo said a few decades back, peacock and deer were found in large number in Thar but they were now on the verge of extinction due to indiscriminate trapping and hunting. He said if effective measures were not taken then there was the possibility these species may be completely wiped out.

Bhooromal Kolhi said there were flaws in wildlife protection laws and it never happened that influential violators were ever awarded severe punishment on the contrary a nominal fine was imposed.