As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men and a regular segment on On The Track... particularly about out-of-place birds and rare vagrants. There seem to be more and more bird stories from all over the world hitting the news these days so, to make room for them all - and to give them all equal and worthy coverage - she has set up this new blog to cover all things feathery and Fortean.

Monday, 14 September 2015

Palapitta, the state bird of four states at risk of being illegally captured by poachers for Dusshera

Summary: The society said poachers and traders take advantage of the common belief that the sighting of Palapittas is a lucky omen during the Hindu festival of Dusshera. The birds are usually starved up till the day of Dusshera and kept in small cages for public viewing, the society explained. These birds are often sold or placed outside temples for viewing during Dusshera.

HYDERABAD: The Humane Society International/India has urged the Telangana government officials to crack down on the cruel capture and trade of the Palapitta (also known as the Indian roller or blue jay). The society said poachers and traders take advantage of the common belief that the sighting of Palapittas is a lucky omen during the Hindu festival of Dusshera. Poachers typically capture the birds a month before the festival, tie their legs with thread, trim their wings and stick them with glue to prevent them from flying. The birds are usually starved up till the day of Dusshera and kept in small cages for public viewing, the society explained. Most of these birds die in captivity or immediately after being released. In response to a letter sent by HSI/India, Telangana`s Department of Animal Husbandry called on the state`s Director General of Police, State Forest Department and State Animal Welfare Board to work in tandem and take necessary actions to strictly monitor the illegal capture and trade of Palapitta, which is the state bird of Telangana. 


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