30 Alexandrine parrots rescued in Jammu, two held

At least 30 Alexandrine parrots, known for their ability to mimic humans, were rescued here when they were being illegally transported from Punjab, a senior wildlife official said Monday.

Two smugglers, hailing from Punjab, were arrested while the search for a man who was to receive the consignment for illegal trade was on, wildlife warden, Jammu, Amit Sharma told PTI.

All 12 species of parakeets, including the Alexandrine, are protected under Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.

Acting on a tip-off, Sharma said a wildlife team intercepted a passenger bus, which had come from Punjab, Sunday night near K C road in the heart of the city and recovered 30 Alexandrine parakeets kept in several cages.

The Alexandrine parakeet is listed as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) because of its steep population decline in its native range due to habitat loss, persecution and excessive capture to cater to the demands of the illegal wildlife trade.