On World Wildlife Day 2025 (March 3), WWF-Pakistan took a major step toward wildlife conservation by launching an innovative mobile application designed to combat wildlife crimes in the country.
The app will serve as a tool for reporting illegal activities that threaten Pakistan’s diverse and majestic wildlife, including poaching, illegal trade, hunting, and ill-treatment.
App designed to address urgent need for Wildlife Protection
Pakistan is home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife, including the snow leopard, brown and black bears, Indian pangolins, Indus river dolphins, and an array of resident and migratory bird species. However, these species face severe threats due to wildlife crimes.
WWF-Pakistan’s new app aims to tackle these challenges by providing a platform for the public, conservationists, and wildlife officials to report wildlife crimes and coordinate timely responses from the relevant authorities.
Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General of WWF-Pakistan, emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to tackling wildlife crimes. “Addressing wildlife crimes requires an inclusive approach involving government departments, law enforcement agencies, civil society, and local communities,” he said.
Khan further added that “Tackling such crimes could be improved by building capacity, fostering collaboration, raising awareness, and creating enabling conditions that integrate the expertise of AI specialists, conservation experts, and members of local communities.”
Empowering Communities with Technology
The launch of this application comes in alignment with the theme of World Wildlife Day 2025, Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet, which focuses on leveraging innovative technologies to improve conservation efforts. As the use of software applications, artificial intelligence, and satellite data continues to transform conservation strategies, WWF-Pakistan aims to use these technologies to fight wildlife crimes effectively.
The app will allow users to report illegal wildlife activities and gather valuable data, enabling government departments and law enforcement agencies to take immediate action. This marks a significant step forward, as it is the first time such an app has been introduced in Pakistan to tackle wildlife crimes.
The application will create a platform for wildlife officials, conservation experts, and the public to interact and share valuable information about illegal wildlife activities.
“To protect wildlife, we need to work together and take immediate action to combat wildlife crime, as it is one of the key reasons for species decline at local, national, and international levels,” Khan said.
Importance of Wildlife for Ecosystem and Human Well-being
WWF-Pakistan underscores the importance of wildlife conservation for both ecological balance and human well-being. Wildlife and their habitats contribute to the economic and social fabric of communities. Protecting wildlife, however, requires more than just enforcement; it requires a holistic approach that includes the use of innovative technologies, strong policies, and, most importantly, community engagement.
“The role of wildlife in promoting ecosystem management and human well-being cannot be overstated. Effective wildlife conservation requires innovative technologies, effective policies, and community engagement plans to ensure local populations recognize the value of coexistence with wildlife,” said Khan.
A Step Towards Sustainable Conservation
The application was developed under WWF-Pakistan’s Securing the Future for Indian Pangolin Project, which is supported by the Pangolin Crisis Fund. The app, initially accessible through a link on Google Drive, will soon be available for download on the Google Play Store.
This launch is another example of WWF-Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to protecting the country’s threatened wildlife species and fostering collaboration between various stakeholders to strengthen conservation efforts.
WWF-Pakistan’s wildlife crime reporting app offers an innovative solution to a growing problem, providing a much-needed platform for public engagement and swift action in the face of wildlife crime. As the app moves closer to public availability, it’s clear that WWF-Pakistan is leading the way in utilizing technology to protect Pakistan’s wildlife and preserve its biodiversity for future generations.