Pakistani Researcher wins prestigious Wildlife Conservation Award for study on trophy hunting impacts

Pakistani researcher Bilal Mustafa has received the Young Researcher of the Year Opinion Award from the International Council for Conservation of Game and Wildlife, one of Europe’s oldest hunting and wildlife conservation organisations. Mustafa is the first Pakistani to receive the award, which was conferred on the basis of his ongoing research on the impacts of trophy hunting on mountain carnivores, ungulates, and the local communities living in and around the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan.

His research examines the ecological and socioeconomic dimensions of trophy hunting in Gilgit-Baltistan, a region known for its rich biodiversity and iconic species such as the snow leopard, ibex, and markhor. The findings are expected to contribute to a better understanding of how trophy hunting can be managed to balance conservation goals with the livelihoods of local communities.

Mustafa is currently pursuing a PhD at Tarleton State University in Texas, United States, with co-supervision from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Speaking about the achievement, Mustafa said the award was a recognition of his research and an important milestone for Pakistan’s contribution to wildlife conservation science. He expressed hope that the recognition would encourage further research and international collaboration in the field of biodiversity conservation.

The International Council for Conservation of Game and Wildlife, founded in 1928, is a leading organisation dedicated to the sustainable use of wildlife and the conservation of natural habitats. The Young Researcher of the Year Opinion Award is given to emerging scientists whose work demonstrates excellence and innovation in wildlife conservation.

Mustafa’s achievement highlights the growing importance of research in Pakistan on issues such as human-wildlife conflict, climate change, and sustainable resource management. His work has the potential to inform policy and practice not only in Pakistan but also in other mountain regions facing similar challenges.

The award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Pakistani scientists in the field of conservation. It is expected to inspire a new generation of researchers to engage in interdisciplinary studies that address the complex challenges facing biodiversity and local communities in Pakistan and beyond. Mustafa’s success serves as a reminder of the valuable contributions that Pakistani researchers are making to global scientific knowledge and conservation efforts.