800 live munia birds were rescued from the clutches of poachers
Munias are also small flock birds that feed mainly on seeds. Usually in relatively open habitats, preferring to feed on the ground or on reeds and grasses.
Nagpur: Forest officials of the Nagpur division have arrested three poachers from Juni Mangalwari in a major action on Sunday evening. And also seized 800 live Muniya birds being smuggled for consumption.
Munias are also small flock birds that feed mainly on seeds. Usually in relatively open habitats, preferring to feed on the ground or on reeds and grasses. These birds have been listed under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA).
Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Narendra Chandewar also said, “Based on a tip-off, a trap was laid for the accused near Mathani village near Mouda under Ramtek forest range. And with this, on retaliating, the accused accelerated the scooty, but got stuck near the toll plaza on Bhandara Road.”
“During the search, 800 live birds being brought from Bhandara in sacks have been seized. The birds were being taken away to be sold for meat. And as winter sets in, hunters become active and catch these birds and sell them to specific customers and eateries,” Narendra Chandewar said.
Birds are caught by laying nets
The main accused has been identified as Yashwant Deorao Dayre (40), Juni Mangalwari. Along with this, the scooter used in the crime has also been seized and all three have been booked under various sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, of 1972.
“All the accused appear to be habitual poachers and there is a possibility of arrest of these people,” Narendra Chandewar said.
There is also a provision of Rs 25,000 fine and six months in jail if found guilty. Munias are also killed in large numbers in winter when these small birds visit the fields in search of seeds and grains. Thousands of these birds are trapped by fishermen and hunters to meet the huge demand from meat eaters in the city.
Birds are also caught by laying nets and nets in fields and forest areas. Along with this, small vendors in the city buy them in bulk at about Rs 5 per piece, and then after frying sell them at around Rs 30 per piece.
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