CHITRAL: James Walker Crawford, an American national, hunted a 10-year-old non-exportable markhor in the buffer zone of Chitral Gol National Park in the presence of local wildlife officials and community representatives on Saturday.

The hunt of the non-exportable markhor took place in Rambur valley in Lower Chitral under the supervision of Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Rizwanullah Yousufzai.

The residents of Rambur valley warmly welcomed the hunter, wildlife officials, and community representatives according to local traditions and organised a special celebration to mark the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, DFO Rizwanullah Yousufzai stated that the hunt was a testament to successful conservation efforts in the region. He expressed the hope that the residents of Rambur would continue to play an active role in conservation efforts in collaboration with the Wildlife Department.

The presidents of VCC Rambur and VCC Sheikhnandeh extended their gratitude to the Wildlife Department officials. They said that the approval of this hunt fulfilled a longstanding demand of the local community. They also expressed hope that in the future, exportable hunting permits would be issued as well.