Grey Coral Hunting Permit Introduced in KP
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department earned record revenue of $1.9 million after auctioning 39 trophy hunting permits for Markhor, Ibex, and Grey Coral.
Officials confirmed the auction generated $1,913,842 during the current season, with Grey Coral permits introduced for the first time, attracting strong interest from international hunters.
Special Assistant for Wildlife Pir Musawar Khan said the inclusion of Grey Coral alongside Markhor and Ibex would diversify hunting opportunities while boosting provincial income.
He added that trophy hunting revenues are directed toward protecting wildlife, improving habitats, and supporting development projects for local communities living near conservation areas.
Meanwhile, the department recently allowed conditional Russian dove hunting until October 31, with hunters limited to eight birds and charged Rs25 per bird.
Authorities warned violations would attract Rs5,000 fines, while hunting was restricted to weekends only, ensuring stricter regulation of seasonal bird hunting practices across the province.
In addition, officials imposed a ban on hunting across 57 lakes, dams, rivers, and ponds until December 2025 to safeguard aquatic ecosystems.
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The department also introduced new rules, prohibiting electronic devices and call birds, while restricting hunters to five waterfowl per day under revised regulations.
Special licensing fees were fixed for duck hunters, with Rs1,500 annually for hunting dogs and Rs500 daily for using specialized hunting guns.
Earlier this month, a record-breaking trophy hunting permit for the endangered Astore markhor was auctioned in Gilgit-Baltistan for Rs100 million ($370,000), the highest bid ever in Pakistan and worldwide.
The permit, secured by Shikar Safaris’ Raja Farhad Maqpoon for Nanga Parbat conservancy, was part of the Wildlife Department’s annual auction.
For the 2025–26 season, 118 permits were sold, including four Astore markhors, 100 Himalayan ibex, and 14 blue sheep..
