50 native, wild animals rescued from illegal sale at Mirpur
The seized species include: three hill mynas, two crested mynas, two jungle mynas, two spotted doves, fourteen common mynas, two Alexandrine parakeets, twenty-three parrots, one buzzard, and one Asian koel
The Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU) under the Forest Department rescued 50 native wild animals from illegal trade at the Mirpur Kobutor Haat in Dhaka this morning (11 July).
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan confirmed the matter to The Business Standard.
The seized species include: three hill mynas, two crested mynas, two jungle mynas, two spotted doves, fourteen common mynas, two Alexandrine parakeets, twenty-three parrots, one buzzard, and one Asian koel, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said in a release.
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Adviser Rizwana said the WCCU will conduct weekly raids every Friday at the bird market from now on.
According to the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012, the collection, rearing, sale, and transportation of any native wild animal is legally prohibited and considered a punishable offense.
The Wildlife Crime Control Unit has reaffirmed its commitment to continue regular drives in bird markets to ensure the protection and conservation of wildlife.
The operation was led by Wildlife Inspector Nargis Sultana and carried out by a six-member experienced team. The drive covered several shops and locations within the market area and was supported by 'SWAN', an organisation dedicated to environmental and wildlife conservation.
Most of the rescued wild animals were later released into safe and suitable natural habitats as per the directions of the concerned authorities.
The sick or injured animals have been kept safely at the office for temporary care and will also be released into the wild once they recover.
The Mirpur Kobutor Haat, also called Mirpur Bird Market, is known for its sale of domestic and exotic birds, and has allegedly been used for illicit wildlife trade.
Although originally established in the 1980s as a pigeon market, it now spans over a kilometre and features a wide variety of birds, including smuggled foreign species.
