Pakistan has witnessed its first-ever regular trophy hunting of the Himalayan grey goral in the Hassanzai area of Torghar district, marking a milestone in wildlife conservation and community-based development efforts.

According to the Wildlife Department, this was the first regular trophy hunting of the Himalayan grey goral conducted in the Hassanzai area of Torghar district. The hunt was approved by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife and Biodiversity Board in its fourth official meeting.

American hunter participates

An American citizen, identified as Daron, carried out the trophy hunt after obtaining official permission. He paid approximately $54,500 for the hunt, making it the first time in Pakistan’s history that a foreigner has hunted a goral under the trophy hunting programme.

The Wildlife Department said six non-exportable permits were issued for hunting grey gorals. These permits generated a total revenue of $398,500, reflecting strong international interest in Pakistan’s regulated trophy hunting framework.

Conservation and locals

Officials confirmed that 80% of the revenue generated from the trophy hunting programme will be deposited into the account of the local Conservation Committee. The funds will be used for development projects in Torghar and to support the protection of rare and sensitive wildlife species.

The Wildlife Department said the project aims to ensure both the conservation of rare animals like the Himalayan grey goral and the development of the local population. The revenue will be dedicated to improving surveillance systems, strengthening wildlife protection, and creating employment opportunities for local communities.

Wildlife officials highlight success

Hazara Wildlife Conservator Iftikharuz Zaman stated that most of the proceeds from goral hunting would be spent on development works in Torghar district. He added that the goral breed is found in significant numbers across the Hazara Division, and such regulated hunting helps sustain conservation efforts.