Wildlife officials save nine rare parrots in Uttar Pradesh

Forest officers in Uttar Pradesh rescued nine rare parrots from a bird catcher at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR). Four of the birds are from the Alexandrine species, an exotic breed.

The bird-catcher escaped the police leaving his bike behind at Nanakmata junction after seeing the team of forest officials. Devendra Singh, the Forest Range Officer of Pilibhit range of the division, said the criminal was carrying the birds in a plastic bag.

A departmental case under section 9, 51 of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act has been registered in the matter. Singh said the poacher will be soon identified as the bike's registration number belongs to Pilibhit district. The raid was conducted after police officials received a lead about smuggling rare parrots.

The birds are now safe in the custody of the Wildlife Department. "The rescued parrots are enlisted in schedule IV of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act". They will be set free after seeking permission from the Chief Judicial Magistrate.

India has been seeing an aggressive increase in the poaching of exotic wildlife and it doubled during the pandemic. Two weeks ago, poachers capturing blackbucks were killed in an encounter with police. Rare animals are smuggled into India as well. Kangaroos, native to Australia, were found in West Bengal after locals informed the police.

Illegal wildlife trafficking is often linked to high-paying customers who want to keep them as exotic pets or use them for good luck due to superstition.

Rare animals from Thailand, Malaysia, and other Southeast Asian nations are often smuggled into India making use of the loopholes in India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. While the possession and trade of over 1800 native species are banned under the act, it doesn't mention exotic animals.