BHIMBER (Kashmir English): The Barnala sub-division of Bhimber district has witnessed an increase in illegal hunting of the rare Alexandrine parrot, also known as the Indian raw parrot, as illegal hunters catch the birds using nets and smuggle them to Punjab for higher profits.
According to officials, the Wildlife Department, working jointly with several international NGOs, has intensified efforts to curb the growing illegal trade of these endangered parrots.
On Tuesday, authorities received a tip-off from sources that poachers had set up nets in a forested area near Perowala village of Union Council Ambriala.
Acting swiftly, District Wildlife Officer and District Council Member Amjad Ghazan Jaral, along with a team of staff, reached the site and seized the nets and other trapping equipment.
The department has also sought assistance from relevant agencies to initiate legal proceedings against the unidentified perpetrators.
On this occasion, Amjad Ghazan Jaral said that all kinds of illegal hunting are prohibited within the limits of Barnala Sub-Division.
“Birds and animals are the beauty of nature. They should not be exterminated. These birds come to berry trees during this season. And poachers set nets to catch these rare birds,” he said.
Jaral added that every effort is being made to stop illegal hunting and warned of strict legal action against the poachers.
