Illegal hunting in the reserve: rare goats covered in blood

In Surxondaryo region, a situation was recorded where human needs were placed above the rights of nature. Driven by self-interest, three individuals ignored the law and shot rare mountain goats, dealing a blow to a centuries-old biological balance, reported ecology.uz.

It was revealed that the incident took place on July 5 of this year in the Oltiqunlik tract of the Surkhan Reserve. During a routine patrol in the protected area, environmental safety inspectors noticed armed individuals. They were engaged in poaching without having any hunting license.

The inspectors monitored the suspicious individuals using special equipment – binoculars and mobile surveillance tools. At that time, the poachers carried out their plan and shot two rare markhor goats. These animals are extremely rare in the Surkhan Reserve and are considered to be at risk of extinction.

It was reported that one of them was a male approximately three years old, and the other was a female about one year old. This was later confirmed by biology specialists from Termez State University. Most tragically, shortly after killing them, the poachers had already begun to skin and butcher the animals.

The actions of the apprehended suspects are being viewed not only as a violation of the law but also as an attempt to destroy national natural treasures. The total amount of environmental damage caused by this offense is estimated at 4.5 billion soms.

The offenders were caught at the scene with evidence – hunting weapons, animal skins, and other material items. All case materials have been handed over to the relevant law enforcement agencies. A pre-investigation inquiry is currently underway.

Such incidents show that ecological literacy in our society is still insufficient. Some people think they can make money by killing rare animals, but their extinction is a shared responsibility of all humanity. Nature is silent today, but it will answer tomorrow.

The Surkhan Reserve is considered one of the country’s richest areas in terms of biodiversity. The markhor, deer, snow leopards, and other animals here are not only part of the ecological balance but also symbols of national pride. They must be protected by every citizen.

The Committee for Environmental Protection calls on all citizens not to remain indifferent to such situations and to immediately report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities. Every attack on nature is a blow to the future.

Poaching is not just illegal hunting – it is immorality and an escape from responsibility. Behind a few dead goats lies a lost natural habitat, a broken biological chain, and a shameful reflection of humanity in the face of nature.

This case once again shows that strengthening environmental control, increasing accountability, and changing society's attitude toward nature are urgent tasks. Otherwise, not only the markhor but the entire ecosystem may disappear tomorrow. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!