Hyderabad: Animal protection groups have urged the public, on the eve of Dasara, to help safeguard the Palapitta (Indian Roller), Telangana‘s state bird, from illegal capture.Humane World for Animals India (formerly Humane Society International India and Citizens for Animals), and the forest department, appealed to citizens to immediately report any instances of the bird being caught or displayed. Information could be sent through the helpline numbers 9803338666 or 1800-425-5364.Protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Palapitta is often subjected to cruelty due to the belief that sighting it on Dasara day brings good luck. To ensure this, the birds are captured from the wild, with their wings glued or feet tied, often leading to suffering and death.“Even last year, at least 10 Palapittas were captured in Hyderabad alone. Most don’t survive such cruelty,” said Mishi Aggarwal, cruelty response specialist at Humane World for Animals India. “Festivals should be a celebration of life, not a cause of suffering. We urge people to protect the Palapitta, not harm it,” the Humane World for Animals India specialist said.Conservationists warn that the bird’s numbers were already dwindling. A recent survey by birdwatchers in Hyderabad found Indian Rollers in only 22 of 120 surveyed locations, mostly along the Outer Ring Road, suggesting the birds were retreating from the city’s core.With Palapitta populations declining by 35% over the past decade, experts say illegal festival-time captures add further pressure. Forest officials echoed the appeal. “While it is considered auspicious to see the Palapitta during Dasara, we ask the public to admire it in its natural habitat,” said A Shankaran, from the forest department.
