Three arrested under Wildlife Act for poaching

Chennai, May 13 (UNI) Three people were arrested under the 'Wildlife Protection Act' last night after a team of foresters rounded up the trio, who were poaching the migratory birds at Pallikarnai Marshland here, Mr M S Ramadoss, Range Officer, Tambaram, who headed the team today said.

Mr Ramadoss said the Wildlife Department seized about 54 dead migratory birds, including Pelicans. The poaching was planned on every Wednesdays and Sundays, he added.

He said, the hunters hide themselves in the marshland and operate, using illegal country guns. Last week when a similar operation was carried on, one of our staff members got stuck in the marshland and our attempt to arrest the gang went in vain, he added.

The officer said this time a 15-member team was formed to nab the hunters. All the three, including K. Rajendran (25), P Ravi (30), and S Durai were been booked under 'Wildlife Protection Act and Arms Act', he added.

He said the trio after shooting large migratory birds used to cut their wings and head to ensure that the identity of the birds goes unnoticed.

V Irulandi, Conservator of Forests, Chennai Circle, who conducted the preliminary enquiries said the wildlife department would take stern action against the hotels and restaurants that buy migratory and exotic birds. ''We would trace such private restaurants and hotels during the course of time,'' he added.

UNI