GILGIT: A three-year-old young Astore Markhor was released into its habitat here on Friday after treatment for the injuries the goat suffered when it fell from a cliff.

According to Gilgit-Baltistan wildlife department, the markhor had fallen from a cliff in Jutial Nullah area three days ago.

The age of the male markhor is three years measured by the length of its horns.

Some local people had rescued the injured animal and handed it over to the wildlife officials, who shifted it to the veterinary hospital in Gilgit.

According to the doctors, the injured animal received minor injuries in its legs and was suffering from fever.

After three days of treatment, the injured goat recovered, with the doctors declaring it fit to be released into its natural habitat.

However, the wildlife staff will keep looking after the young goat till it rejoined its herd.

Meanwhile, a man involved in illegal cutting of trees on the outskirts of Gilgit was sent to jail with fine on Friday.

Alam, a resident of Chakarkot area of Gilgit, was wanted by the wildlife department for his alleged involvement in illegal cutting of trees and transportation to other areas.

Range forest officer Ziauddin along with FC personnel raided a house in Chakarkot and arrested the man, who was later presented before forest magistrate Mohammad Iftikhar.

The forest magistrate sentenced the man to three years imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs300,000 on him after he pleaded guilty of the offence.

The police said the man was also leading a group involved in illegal cutting of trees in the area.

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2020