Latest news with #Alexandrine
Hindustan Times
11-08-2025
- Hindustan Times
Over 200 protected birds, reptiles rescued from Crawford Market in major wildlife crackdown, one held
MUMBAI: In one of the largest recent actions against illegal wildlife trade in Mumbai, the Thane Forest Department, in coordination with the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) and NGO Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA), seized 226 protected birds and reptiles from the city's Crawford Market and a nearby godown in Masjid Bunder on Friday. Over 200 protected birds, reptiles rescued from Crawford Market in major wildlife crackdown, one held The raid followed a tip-off from WWA's legal cell, which specialises in combating wildlife trafficking. A 15-member team, supported by multiple forest patrol units from Thane, Wada, Bhaliwali and Mumbai, kept watch until the suspect, Mukhtar Shaikh, 39, of Thane, opened his shop. Inside, officials found 30 caged animals and birds in distress. Further questioning led them to the godown, where more species were discovered. The seizures included 10 Alexandrine parakeets, 112 rose-ringed parakeets (11 found dead), 67 Indian star tortoises, 10 Indian tent turtles, 16 Indian roofed turtles, 10 Indian eye turtles — considered among the rarest species in India — and one Indian softshell turtle. All are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which grants them the highest level of protection. Forest officials said the animals were found in poor condition. 'The primary flight feathers of the parakeets had been cut to prevent them from flying, causing permanent damage. Some had fractured limbs,' said Rohit Mohite, honorary wildlife warden, Thane. 'The turtles were severely infected due to unhygienic conditions. Many of these animals are sprayed and displayed for sale, which causes them further stress.' Shaikh has been arrested and remanded in forest custody until August 12. A preliminary case has been registered under multiple sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, including sections 9 (prohibiting the hunting of wild animals), 39 (animal declared property of the state government), 48 (purchase of animals), 48A (restricts the transportation of wild animals), 49A(a) (trafficking of protected animal), 49B (prohibits various dealings in trophies and animal articles derived from protected animals) and 51(1) (penalties for trafficking of protected animal). All rescued animals have been moved to WWA's wildlife rehabilitation centre in Manpada, Thane, for medical care. They will be rehabilitated and released into their natural habitats once fit. Officials believe more shops in Crawford Market may be engaged in similar illegal trade. 'We come across such cases because people are unaware that these species are protected. Buyers need to be sensitised about the origin of such animals and the illegality of their sale,' said Yogesh Warkad, deputy director, WCCB. The forest department has urged citizens to report any information on illegal possession, sale, or hunting of wild animals at the nearest forest office or via its toll-free number 1926.
Mint
16-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Mint
Why birds make great pets
Gift this article If you've ever wondered whether birds make good pets, the answer is a resounding yes. 'Birds are smart, social, and often much easier to care for than dogs or cats," says Mumbai-based Dr Sayali Narvekar, a wildlife science veterinarian. 'They don't need daily walks or a garden, and many adapt very well to smaller spaces like apartments. Their colours, songs, and even the ability of some species to mimic human words make them endlessly engaging." If you've ever wondered whether birds make good pets, the answer is a resounding yes. 'Birds are smart, social, and often much easier to care for than dogs or cats," says Mumbai-based Dr Sayali Narvekar, a wildlife science veterinarian. 'They don't need daily walks or a garden, and many adapt very well to smaller spaces like apartments. Their colours, songs, and even the ability of some species to mimic human words make them endlessly engaging." For Indian pet parents, the first and most important step is to understand what species are legal to keep. 'India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, strictly prohibits the keeping of native wild birds as pets," says Dr Narvekar. 'This includes birds like Indian ringneck parakeets, Alexandrine parakeets, mynas, and munias." Instead, pet parents should opt for birds of foreign origin, which are legally permitted and widely bred in India. Popular examples include budgerigars (budgies), cockatiels, lovebirds, African Grey parrots, macaws, canaries, and certain finches. For Indian pet parents, the first and most important step is to understand what species are legal to keep. 'India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, strictly prohibits the keeping of native wild birds as pets," says Dr Narvekar. 'This includes birds like Indian ringneck parakeets, Alexandrine parakeets, mynas, and munias." Instead, pet parents should opt for birds of foreign origin, which are legally permitted and widely bred in India. Popular examples include budgerigars (budgies), cockatiels, lovebirds, African Grey parrots, macaws, canaries, and certain finches. However, legality isn't enough, ethics matter too. Dr Narvekar says to source birds from reputable, registered breeders who can provide documentation proving the bird's foreign origin. Once you've welcomed your bird home, creating the right environment becomes key. 'A cage should never be a prison—it should be a safe, enriching base that allows the bird to move comfortably," says Dr Narvekar. As a rule of thumb, the cage should be large enough for the bird to fully stretch and flap its wings without touching the sides. Daily cleaning of the cage and feeding bowls is essential to prevent infections. Also Read | How to keep your pet safe from disease in the monsoon Equally important is time outside the cage. 'Birds need to fly. Even small species like budgies and cockatiels require regular supervised time in a safe, bird-proofed room," she adds. This means shutting windows, turning off ceiling fans, and keeping toxic fumes—like those from non-stick pans, incense, or aerosol sprays—far away. Toys, foraging opportunities and mirrors can provide important mental stimulation. Dr Narvekar says that in most pet birds, routine vaccines and deworming aren't commonly administered, but exceptions do exist. 'More importantly, regular health check-ups with an avian vet are advisable to gauge if vaccines are needed and to catch any issues early." A balanced diet is critical, says Dr Narvekar. High-quality commercial pellets should form the base, with seeds given only in moderation. A mix of fresh fruits and vegetables adds much-needed nutrients and variety. 'Never feed birds avocado, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, or anything salty or fried. And fruit seeds should be avoided, as many are toxic." While their physical care is relatively straightforward, Dr Narvekar says that a bird's emotional well-being is just as important. 'Birds are highly intelligent and deeply social creatures. Some form lifelong bonds with their human caregivers, and yes, they do grieve if separated from a companion or neglected." A consistent routine, gentle handling, and regular interaction go a long way in helping birds feel safe and loved. Also Read | Pet Matters: How to breed your dog at home safely New bird parents should also be aware of common illnesses . Psittacosis, or parrot fever, is a bacterial infection that can even spread to humans if not handled correctly. 'Look out for signs like lethargy, breathing issues, and green droppings—and always quarantine new birds before introducing them to existing ones," says Dr Narvekar. Another issue to watch for is yeast infections, which often arise from damp cages or mouldy food. These can cause laboured breathing, weakness, and watery stools and require prompt veterinary attention. When prescribed antibiotics, they need them in far higher doses than dogs and cats. Giving medication like paracetamol can cause severe kidney disease. Hence, a pet bird must be treated by a veterinarian specialised in avian medicine. Birds may not wag their tails or curl up in your lap, but they do form bonds and respond to affection in a way that's hard to describe—until you've experienced it. Nameeta Nadkarni is a veterinary soft tissue surgeon and pet blogger from Mumbai. Also Read | Pets enrich the lives of the elderly Topics You May Be Interested In
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Special postal cover backs ‘Born to Fly' campaign, avifauna conservation
The Department of Posts, in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Forest Department on Thursday released a special cover on 'Born to Fly' campaign at the Head Post Office Coimbatore on the occasion of International Day for Biological Divsersity. Siva Shankar, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Coimbatore Division, released the special cover in the presence of District Forest Officer N. Jayaraj and Kasi Vishwanathan, Senior Postmaster, Head Post Office, Coimbatore. The event emphasised the importance of protecting birds, especially the 12 parakeet species native to India that are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 'This world is not just for us. It is for the birds too', said Mr. Shankar. Drawing a parallel between the travel of postcards and the migratory nature of birds, Mr. Jayaraj noted the symbolic connection between communication and conservation. 'The postal department has always been a friend of the common man, and now, of nature too', he said. The special cover was conceptualised by Joseph Reginald Louis, featuring an illustration by cartoonist G. Bala. It states that buying, selling and caging of parakeets is 'cruel' and 'punishable offence'. A brochure released as part of the special cover featured photographs of Alexandrine parakeet and Rose-ringed parakeet by T.R.A. Arunthavaselvan. Mr. Viswanathan delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of all stakeholders. As a part of the campaign, a world record attempt for the 'largest cereal grain artwork' was made for the Asia Book of Records, to create awareness against the illegal and cruel caging of parakeets, at Prozone Mall in the evening. Born to Fly campaign is supported by Animal Rescuers, The Anaamalaiss Group, ARC Parcel Service, Rotary Club of Coimbatore Cotton City and Global Medi Exporters and Sri Jayendra Saraswathy Vidyalaya.
The Print
28-04-2025
- The Print
Two arrested for keeping protected parrots in meat shops in Haridwar following complaint by PETA
Dehradun, Apr 28 (PTI) The Uttarakhand Forest Department has rescued 34 protected 'Rose-ringed' and 'Alexandrine' parrots from two meat shops in Roorkee in the Haridwar district and arrested two persons for illegally trading protected species of birds, officials said. The Forest Department officials said in Dehradun on Monday that the action was taken following a raid at some shops in the old tehsil area of Roorkee on the orders of Haridwar Divisional Forest Officer Vaibhav Singh following a recent complaint lodged by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), India.
