CORRECTION: Due to an error on the part of the agency/client of this sponsored content, an earlier version of this article incorrectly attributed the post to WWF-Pakistan in the text and in the written disclaimer at the bottom. This error is deeply regretted as this article and its views on wildlife conservation and sustainable hunting are in no way reflective of, or associated with WWF-Pakistan.

Nature has so graciously endowed Pakistan with rare species such as the markhor in Kohistan, the dolphins in the Indus River and the desert gazelle in Cholistan — all of whom are a threatened species in their home.

The increasing deforestation, erratic climate changes, pollution and hunting all pose a risk to Pakistan’s wildlife. And just like in matters of governance, the government hasn’t done enough.

The evidence is in the blackbuck, black bear of Balochistan and the Indian Gazelle, which are officially extinct.

Despite coming under fire from conservationists on many occasions for failing to enforce hunting regulations, the trend continues on with impunity.

Unaware of the benefits of conservation, locals, for a quick buck, assist huntsmen in the criminal act. Owing to Wildlife Conservation Pakistan's efforts, the rapid decline of the houbara bustard over the last two decades has reduced to some extent.

Take a look: Houbara bustards: An annual massacre of national pride

There is an urgent and real need to ensure the conservation of Pakistan's wildlife — the already incurred damage is incontestable.

A mutal collaboration between the government and local communities appears to be the surest way of saving our wildlife from extinction. To prevent locals from poaching activities, monetary incentives and limits should be provided to their hunts.

While a ban on hunting is whispered among the preservation circles, it could well prove to be a disastrous move as foreign hunters may pursue hunting expeditions in other countries, leading to a decline in the economy, with locals going right back to hunting, the illegal way.

The solution? Sustainable hunting.

To counter the difficulty of not losing all our species to hunting, a quota for the hunting of the specie, as per its sustainability level.

Our country hosts some of the most biologically diverse flora, its time we gave this heritage its due respect.

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