Locals raise concern over poaching of parakeets from Puzhuthivakkam lake

Local nature enthusiast raises concerns over illegal parakeet poaching at Puzhuthivakkam lake, prompting wildlife officials to investigate and protect the birds.

A local nature enthusiast has raised concerns over the illegal poaching of parakeets around Puzhuthivakkam lake.

The birdwatcher, who regularly walks around the lake, found a stick tied to a dried palm tree during his morning walk four days ago. The tree had a parakeet nest. He immediately took a photo of it, and later inquired with a local about its purpose.

The local informed him that poachers often use such sticks to climb trees and catch young parakeets from the nests. According to the former, four baby parakeets had been captured recently.

Parakeets native to India such as Alexandrine and rose-ringed parakeets are commonly targeted through illegal wildlife trafficking owing to their high demand in the pet trade. Both species are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, making it illegal to capture or keep them in captivity.

Expressing concerns over such poaching, the birdwatcher also flagged the presence of freshwater turtles in the lake that intensified his fears of escalating illegal practices in the area.

He warned that other accessible spots around Madipakkam could be at risk owing to poaching.

In response to these concerns, an official from the Tamil Nadu Wildlife Crime Control Bureau said action would be taken to investigate and address the issue, and ensure that the parakeets were protected.