NEPA Rescues Over 15,000 Smuggled Birds, Animals

The National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) stated that during the current solar year, the smuggling of over fifteen thousand species of birds and wild animals in the country has been prevented.

Officials from this agency stated that birds and wild animals, including falcons, vultures, bears, and other species, have been returned to nature after receiving treatment.

Hamed Safi, head of the natural heritage conservation department of NEPA, said: “Reports from provinces indicate that in the year 1403 of the Solar Hijri calendar, around 15,313 birds and animals were confiscated from traffickers and released back into the wild.”

Safi added that the agency has launched a campaign to prevent the hunting of birds and animals and to protect the environment in all 34 provinces of the country.

He stated: “Since the return of the Islamic Emirate, 3,000 awareness campaigns have been conducted in 34 provinces, directly educating 500,000 people.”

Afghanistan, with its diverse and rich nature, is home to many rare animal species.

However, illegal hunting, smuggling, and habitat destruction have seriously threatened these animals.

“To prevent smuggling and illegal hunting, the government must develop a clear and comprehensible strategy for the public, emphasizing that no birds should be hunted while also increasing public awareness,” said Mohammad Sulaimankhail, an environmental analyst.

Officials from NEPA have pledged that efforts to expand campaigns against the smuggling and hunting of birds across the country will be intensified.