11 Rose-ringed parakeets rescued

COIMBATORE 28/01/2015: 
Rose-ringed parakeets that were rescued on Tuesday from Kovilpalayam in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, by the Forest Department and Environment Conservation Group.
PHOTO:SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT.

Eleven Rose-ringed parakeets, kept illegally in a temple, were rescued in the district on Tuesday.

Following a tip-off, a team of Environment Conservation Group members led by its president R. Mohamed Saleem and forest officials led by Coimbatore Forest Range officer R.G. Sekar went to the temple at Kovilpalayam in the district. They found 11 rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri) kept in cages.

The Range Officer explained to the temple authorities that it was illegal to keep native birds in captivity. The birds were taken into Forest Department custody and brought to the forest wildlife rehabilitation centre here. Most of the birds, though healthy, had their wings clipped and were unable to fly. The birds will be rehabilitated and let free once they are fit. Rose-ringed parakeets are listed under schedule IV of Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and it is illegal to buy, sell, trap or pet Indian wildlife.

Those having information about illegal captivity or sales of protected birds or wild animals can inform Mr. Sekar, Ranger, mobile no: 94862 41217 or Mr. Mohammed Saleem, mobile no: 97878 78910.

The information thus provided would be kept confidential.