In a joint action, forest officials and Panvel police seized 42 protected munia birds and arrested two men for illegal trade.
The seized birds include 16 Scaly-breasted Munias, 14 Tricolour Munias and 12 Red Munias. The rescue was carried out with the help of Wildlife Welfare Association.
Range Forest Officer Nathuram Kokare said these native birds are protected under Schedule II – Part B of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. “They are trapped from grasslands and sanctuaries like Karnala and sold at around ₹700 a pair,” he added.
NatConnect Foundation welcomed the action and stressed on awareness. “Many people are unaware that the exotic-looking birds they cage belong to protected species. We must educate them to stop this practice,” said B N Kumar, Director of NatConnect.
Police identified the accused as Devendra Lalchand Patil of Kopar Khairane and Haresh Damodar Patil of Pen. A Panvel court granted two-day custody.
According to forest officials, the racket thrives through WhatsApp groups and online channels.
