Conservator of Forests and Wildlife P Devaraj said that while one person was directly found to be involved in poaching the egrets, the other two were only accompanying the poacher. A fine of Rs 5,000 was imposed on the poacher and the rescued birds were let off.

Last week, another poaching incident of migratory birds were found at Manaveli near here, he said.

Devaraj said acting on a tip off from local people, the forest officials recently rescued two monitor lizards which were found to be stocked in a restaurant at Villianoor.

An intensive drive against poaching of birds and animals had been launched in the area, he said.