Migratory birds in peril as poachers on the prowl

Deccan Herald , Saturday, February 18, 2006
Correspondent : Staff Reporter
Poaching of migratory and resident birds of Ranganatittu Bird Sanctuary near here has shocked bird enthusiasts.

Wildlife photographer Lokesh Mosale has captured images of broken legs and bleeding legs of birds and nylon wires or strings (used in traps) tied to the legs of birds during a photo shoot by him at the sanctuary a couple of days back.

Birds which breed at the premier sanctuary, fly around the area surrounding the sanctuary in search of food.

They either go in search of food in the morning or in the night. They can even travel to a distance of 50 kms in search of food.

He alleged that nomads who have expertise in poaching big birds like painted storks, spoonbills, are laying traps at places near water bodies or fields where these birds come in search of food. The traps are made of wires, nylon strings and other crude materials, he said.

“I noticed a painted stork with bleeding leg, nylon strings tied to the legs of a spoonbill and also an open bill stork with a broken leg at Ranganatittu,” he told reporters here.

Many such birds may have become easy preys of small-time poachers which may have gone unreported. “But on seeing the injured birds that have survived, they are in danger and need long-time protection,” he observed.

Since it is a problem concerning everybody, not only the forest department, public awareness on safeguarding these beautiful birds from poachers has become the need of the hour, he stressed.

Appeal to public

When contacted about the reports of poaching of birds, Assistant Conservator of Forests Prasanna Kumar told Deccan Herald that his office will act swiftly if the public inform him or his office if they come across traps or nets laid for poaching birds in the vicinity of Ranganatittu.

“On priority we will respond to save birds if we come across any such acts. Since birds travel to a maximum distance of 50 to 60 kms in a day in search of food, it is difficult to pin-point the location where poachers are active. Hence, support from the public becomes significant to protect the birds,” he said.

Public can call Prasanna Kumar at his office - 0821-2481159 or his mobile - 94485-70016, if they notice threat to migratory birds.

 
SOURCE : Deccan Herald, Saturday, February 18, 2006
 


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