ISLAMABAD: A male leopard succumbed to injuries while being treated for gunshot wounds in Islamabad, the federal capital’s wildlife department confirmed on Monday, after rescuing him from the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) region.

Pakistan’s northern areas, including AJK, are home to diverse wildlife such as snow leopards, ibex, and Himalayan brown bears.

Despite conservation efforts, exotic animals often face threats from poaching and habitat loss. Leopards are particularly vulnerable, with illegal hunting and trafficking putting immense pressure on their population.

The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) said it had rescued the leopard named Nawab from the Hatila Balla area of Jhelum district and shifted to a veterinary clinic for medical treatment after a distress call from the AJK Wildlife Department.

“Sad News! Nawab, a majestic 6.5-[year]-old male leopard rescued from AJK, succumbs to bullet injuries,” it said in a social media post. “IWMB mourns the loss & reiterates its commitment to protecting Pakistan’s wildlife.”

The IWMB spokesperson, Omer Bilal, told the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) the leopard’s X-ray reports revealed spine injuries and multiple bullet wounds that caused severe internal damage to Nawab who weighed around 63 kilograms.

Bilal said the leopard was a “healthy and beautiful” animal before being shot.

“His tragic demise highlights the urgent need for better conservation efforts and enhanced protection of our endangered wildlife,” he added.

The doctor treating the leopard revealed that a bullet had been removed from his vertebra column while another was stuck inside. He said the entire spinal cord was damaged while vertebras were also fractured.

The IWMB has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s precious wildlife from hunters and poachers after the incident, urging the public to report illegal hunting of exotic animals to the dedicated helpline.