As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men and a regular segment on On The Track... particularly about out-of-place birds and rare vagrants. There seem to be more and more bird stories from all over the world hitting the news these days so, to make room for them all - and to give them all equal and worthy coverage - she has set up this new blog to cover all things feathery and Fortean.

Wednesday 16 October 2013

India’s Egrets under threat from demand for feathers for social occasions

The advertisement in newspapers in the Mumbai paper talks about an “Exclusive Wedding Collection”, where the bridegroom sports egret feathers on his headgear

Wildlife parts used during social events
October 2013. Trade in wildlife parts and the resultant poaching continues to be a major threat in the survival of several species of fauna in India and around much of the world. 

Egrets are one of the species targeted by poachers, whose feathers are used as ornamental decorations on several social and festive occasions in India. Ornithologists at Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) have highlighted an advertisement and a news item in the Mumbai edition of newspapers recently that depict the use of egret feathers on social and festive occasions (see image).

The advertisement in newspapers in the Mumbai paper talks about an "Exclusive Wedding Collection", where the bridegroom sports egret feathers on his headgear. All egret species found in India are protected under the Schedule-IV of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, amended in 1990-91 and killing them is a punishable offence. BNHS-India is of the view that fashion and decoration on social occasions should not harm wildlife. Commenting on the issue, BNHS spokesperson said, "Wildlife Protection Act should be strictly implemented to ensure that birds and animals are not poached for catering to the demand for wildlife products".

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