The season for capturing cranes alive has begun in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with provincial wildlife authorities approving 100 camps for the purpose. The crane-catching season will continue from September 1 to October 15.

The approved camps will be established in areas of Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Karak and Waziristan. Each camp will be allowed to capture a maximum of 15 cranes alive during the entire season.

Under the rules, camps can only be established in designated and authorized open areas. Crane-catching will be prohibited in Lakki Marwat from Chowki Jhand to Dera Tang, in Dera Ismail Khan at Dera Darya Khan, and in Zarmalan in South Waziristan.

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Only traditional methods may be used to capture cranes alive. The use of electronic devices, firearms or nets will not be allowed. The activity will also be prohibited in wildlife refuges, sanctuaries and other protected areas.

Under the rules, the ownership fee for a crane has been set at Rs400, while the fee for an import/export NOC is Rs2,500. A record of every captured crane must be submitted to the relevant wildlife official within 24 hours.

Crane owners will also be required to submit an affidavit stating that the birds will be kept only for domestic use. Their use for commercial purposes will not be permitted.

Officials said that in case of violations, the licence may be cancelled and the person concerned may also be blacklisted for five years.