Migratory birds protection campaign launched ; Wild birds hunted with toxic substances
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 28 2015 :
Even as a campaign for protection of migratory birds which are taking temporary shelter at Loktak and nearby lakes and wetlands was launched today by Imphal West SP Dr AK Jhaljit at Sekmaijin, poaching wild birds using toxic subs-tances has been noticed in different parts of Loktak Lake.
Wildlife activist and Tou-bul Youth Development Association secretary Elang-bam Premjit told The Sangai Express that some poachers have been using fishes and water-lily flowers (Thembung) smeared with pesticides for catching wild birds including migratory birds in the western side of Loktak Lake.
Wild birds which died after consuming fishes and Thembung smeared with pesticides were collected and sold to public for their meat which poses an alarming threat to public health.
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Poaching of wild birds using toxic substances has been noticed at Thinungei, Ningthoukhong, Toubul, Khoijuman and Ngaikhong.
Majority of the birds caught at these places are Uren Porom, Premjit said.
Such practice of poaching wild birds using pesticides would have serious implications on the ecology of Loktak Lake, he added.
Meanwhile, a campaign to protect migratory birds was launched today at Sekmaijin by Imphal West SP Dr AK Jhaljit.
The campaign is a joint initiative of Forest Department, Loktak Development Authority and Unique Wildlife Protection Committee.
Dr Jhaljit, while underscoring the importance of launching more such campaigns, stated that human civilizations and wildlife have a very close link.
He also assured all possible assistance from the side of Imphal West District Police towards protection of wild animals.
Pointing out that 100 new houses have been built inside Loktak Lake, LDA Project Director L Bhagaton appealed to all the people not to encroach into Loktak Lake.
He also stated that there is no prohibition on fishing in the lake.
Central Forest Division DFO L Joykumar was also present at the campaign launching function.
Later, volunteers who took part in the campaign, Mayang Imphal police and Forest officials, two persons who were poaching wild birds at Awa Palli of Loktak Lake were nabbed along with gun.
The apprehended poachers have been identified as Sanjina Chesam of Uchiwa Nasatao and Md Buyamayum Baboi of Uchiwa Wangband.
One single barrel gun, one live bullet, two nets and one crane were seized from their possession.