Flamingos Killed at Islamabad's Rawal Lake; Investigation Underway
Approximately 12 to 13 flamingos were killed by poachers with local assistance at Rawal Lake in Islamabad on June 3, with additional water birds also reportedly slaughtered. The incident is particularly significant because flamingo sightings at the lake are rare, and the birds' presence was considered an ecological opportunity after many years. Pakistani authorities have launched an investigation, collected evidence, and pledged strict legal action under wildlife protection laws.
Poachers working with local accomplices killed a flock of flamingos resting at Rawal Lake in Islamabad on June 3, according to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB). The exact death toll remains under verification, with estimates of 12 to 13 birds, though other water species including coots and moorhens were also killed. The incident was reported by a bird photographer and is considered an ecological tragedy because flamingo sightings at Rawal Lake are exceptionally rare—the IWMB noted it had been many years since the species was observed there. The IWMB suspects a contractor holding commercial fishing rights for the lake may be involved. Evidence collected at the site includes discharged cartridges, and authorities have submitted a report to the assistant commissioner. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination has pledged strict legal action under applicable wildlife protection laws if allegations are substantiated, with a first information report expected after investigations conclude.
What different sources said
- DawnCenter
Flamingos’ killing at Islamabad’s Rawal Lake raises alarm
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