Protected birds seized, DFO vows action

Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, Dec 9 : Rare and endangered wild birds including Austen's brown hornbill and Kalij pheasant, both listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) were openly offered for a raffle draw at the Ukhrul town market.
In response to reports of rampant illegal wildlife trading in Ukhrul, the District Forest Office, led by DFO Laishram Gitla, Range Officer Charmisan, and their staff, conducted an enforcement drive in the town and seized over 35 wild birds being sold  at Wino Bazar in Ukhrul.
The DFO said that individuals who put the birds up for sale  managed to escape through the crowded areas but  efforts are underway to apprehend the culprits and violators of the WPA.
She said that Austen's brown hornbill and  Kalij pheasant are both listed under Schedule I of the WPA, which offers the highest level of protection.
Other birds, including the Black-crested bulbul, Blue-throated barbet and Black bulbul are listed under Schedule II of the WPA, she said.
She also stated that hunting or killing wild animals listed under Schedules I to IV of the WPA is prohibited under Section 9 of the Act.
For animals listed under Schedule I, such as the Austen's brown hornbill, Kalij pheasant, Pangolin, Indian porcupine, and Hoolock gibbon, the punishment for violations includes mandatory imprisonment for a term of no less than three years, extendable up to seven years, along with a fine of no less than Rs 25,000, the DFO said.
Gitla reminded that the DFO, Ukhrul, had imposed a complete ban on the hunting, sale, and trade of wildlife and wildlife articles within Ukhrul district from October onwards.
A Preliminary Offence Report (PoR) has been filed, and the seized items will be presented before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) in Ukhrul for further legal proceedings, she said.
The DFO appealed to the people of Ukhrul to cooperate with the Forest Department and the Government in curbing wildlife crime and support conservation efforts.
Ukhrul is blessed with rich forests that are home to many wild animals, the DFO said and warned that people involved in wildlife trade will be penalised.
When this correspondent spoke to some bystanders, they expressed that the festive Christmas season is a time when all illegal activities are organised as fete/mela in the name of fund drives.
They noted that events such as raffles and gambling with wild meat as prizes attract the public and questioned why the local law enforcement did not intervene effectively.