Traps for migratory birds found in Vasai, Virar

Garganey ducks, bluethroat and steepe eagle are some of the birds that can be hunted for their meat

Are bird species being targeted in the wetlands of Vasai and Virar is the question that nature lovers are asking these days. This has come up after three birders, who had gone birding to the wetlands in Virar West, found traps set by poachers to catch birds.

Wildlife lovers Rajan More, Mayur Keluskar and Santosh Bhoy have been going to Virar on a regular basis. Speaking to mid-day, Keluskar said, "We usually dabble in photography and a few days ago, when we visited the wetlands, we came across decomposed remains of a bird. On close inspection, we were shocked to find out that there were two to three more traps laid out."

Decomposed remains of a bird

Fearing that there will be many more such traps, the group informed the forest department without wasting any time after which a team from the department visited the area. They were, however, not able to locate any more traps.

Some of the birds that have made the wetlands their home are Garganey Ducks, Bluethroat, Watercock,Steepe Eagle which is a winter migratory bird, greater flamingoes, common hawk cuckoo, montagus harrier, Euracian whyneck, European roller, marsh harrier, storks, greater painted snipe, plum and common kingfisher, etc.

Locals also claim that they have spotted mammals in the wetlands, including mongoose, jungle cats, and wild boars. There are more than 150 birds here, and each one is important for the ecosystem.

There are several instances in the country where it has been observed that tribes and poachers set traps for catching migratory birds, which are used for meat.