CHENNAI: Two people were arrested for poaching local migratory birds at Thiruvidanthai on the East Coast Road on Saturday. The arrested were identified as V Selvam and S Sakthivel of Thirukkazhukkundram. Officials seized 11 dead local migratory birds from them which included seven little egrets, three cormorants and a painted stork. The poachers used sling shots to kill the birds.
Range officer T Murugesan told TOI that they received specific information that poaching was going on in Thiruvidanthai area. Attepmts to nab them failed because they used to flee seeing vehicle. Murugesan said in order to arrest the poachers, they went to Thiruvidanthai around 2 a.m. on Saturday, leaving their vehicles far away from the lake. The officials went in civil dress under the pretext of prospective buyers.
Poachers came from their home on weekends to this village to poach the birds. There is a great demand for bird meat during weekends hence the poaching is taking place, Murugesan said. Cases have been filed against the two under Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Further investigation is on.
