Poaching of Telangana's state bird spikes during Dasara, 6 rescued in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GHSPCA) rescued six Indian Roller birds, locally known as Palapitta, from four city locations over the past week during the Dasara festival. Poachers often target the state bird of Telangana because they believe in superstitions associated with the festival.

According to Soudharm Bhandari, Coordinator GHSPCA, the rescues occurred throughout the week: one bird was seized from a pet shop in Abids during an alleged sale transaction of Rs 3,000, three birds were rescued from the Tadbund Hanuman Temple area, one from the Mahakali Police Station limits, and another from the Astalaxmi Temple in RK Puram. A team of 20 GHSPCA members conducted the operations.

The GHSPCA found all six rescued birds dehydrated and stressed. Veterinary doctor Dr. V. Chaitanya is currently observing and treating them. The organization confirmed that it will release the birds back into their natural habitat once they recover.

The rescue operation was coordinated by Soudharm Bhandari, with team members including Dinesh Anchaliya, Mahip Jain, and Taqi Ali, among others.

Soudharm Bhandari added that the illegal practice sees a predictable increase during the Dasara period, driven by the belief that seeing or handling the bird brings good luck or absolves sins. As a result, captured birds often have their wings clipped, are bound, or are glued to prevent them from flying. Many birds die from stress, injuries, or an improper diet.

Data shared by the GHSPCA shows a fluctuating but persistent number of rescues over recent years, with 9 birds rescued in 2024. The practice is a violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The GHSPCA has urged the public to report instances of caged or displayed birds to their emergency helplines.