MUMBAI: Trade in wildlife parts and the resultant poaching continues to be a major threat in the survival of several species of fauna in India and around the world. The ubiquitous egrets are one of the species targeted by poachers, whose feathers are used as ornamental decorations on several social and festive occasions. For instance, ornithologists at BNHS-India pointed out an advertisement and a news item in the Mumbai edition that depict the use of egret feathers on social and festive occasions.
The ornamental plumes of egrets are known in the wildlife trade as "aigrettes" or "ospreys". These are often used as decorative materials during social and festive occasions. March and September are breeding seasons for egrets. That is when they grow the breeding plumage, which is in demand. Gulgulawa and Kurmi-Baheliya communities from eastern India poach egrets and sell their feathers to middlemen and retailers, who make the maximum profit.
Flying feathers or primaries of egrets are often used for decorating the Dhaki (drum) by the traditional drummers on festive occasions, whereas "aigrettes" are used as ornamentation on headgear during social events such as weddings. An advertisement in newspapers in the Mumbai edition today, talks about an "Exclusive Wedding Collection", where the bridegroom sports egret feathers on his headgear.
