Officials who are probing the case, claimed that they have managed to net the kingpin Mujeeb Hussain, 49, the biggest distributor. The officials are trying to extract information as to from where and how these parakeet chicks are brought to Chennai.
In a major crackdown on the illegal trade of wild birds, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau(WCCB) and Tamil Nadu Forest Department managed to seize 187 Alexandrine Parakeets on Friday. Most of the birds were barely few weeks old and were picked up from their nests to be sold in pet shops, both offline and online.
Officials who are probing the case, claimed that they have managed to net the kingpin Mujeeb Hussain, 49, the biggest distributor. The officials are trying to extract information as to from where and how these parakeet chicks are brought to Chennai.
"We have been chasing the illegal sale of parakeets since November and cracked down a few cases. All the evidence pointed towards Hussain and finally after a lot of efforts, we managed to raid his home in Ayanavaram and found the birds locked up," Pradeep TP Inspector WCCB said. He also informed that Chennai was becoming a hub of illegal dealings of several wild birds as well as other animals and reptiles.
Sources in the forest department said that they believe that the entire operation is inter-state and involves several heads. "According to the information we have, these birds are mostly coming from Andhra Pradesh. There are people who pick up the chicks from the nests and then send it to Chennai. From here, it reaches people like Hussain who then sells the birds to various pet shops and individuals," the officials said. They found out that college students were also being employed to sell these birds online as it was quick pocket money for them.
T Murugesan, Range Forest Officer (RFO) informed that Hussain is currently under custody. "It was a sad sight to see the birds cramped up in small cages. One of the cages had around 100 chicks who are only a few week to a month old. All these birds have been shifted to the rehabilitation centre of the forest department where these birds are being cared for and being fed at regular interval," he said. The forest department officials are also making efforts to ensure these birds can be rehabilitated in their natural habitat soon.
According to activists involved in busting, the illegal animal trade under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 says one cannot trap, trade or keep Parakeets as pets. Despite the act, these are the most commonly traded birds across India. "People need to get sensitive and not buy these birds as pets," said an activist.
Of the 12 native species, eight are regularly found being illegally trade. They include Alexandrine, Rose-ringed, Plum-headed, Red-breasted, Malabar, Himalayan and Finsch's Parakeets and Vernal Hanging-parrot
- Source WWF
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