Dasara: Public urged to report illegal capture and display of Telangana’s state bird Palapitta

Ahead of Dasara, Humane World for Animals India and the Telangana Forest Department have urged people to report the illegal capture and display of Palapitta. The organisations warn that birds face cruelty due to beliefs associated with festival sightings.

Hyderabad: Ahead of the Dasara festivities, Humane World for Animals India (formerly Humane Society International/India), in collaboration with the Telangana Forest Department, has appealed to the public to report any illegal capture or display of Palapitta, or Indian Roller, the state bird of Telangana.

The Indian Roller species faces severe threats across India, with growing concerns over its declining sightings in Telangana. Multiple reports about Palapitta highlight habitat loss, pesticide use, and illegal trapping as major threats to its survival.

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Protected under Schedule II of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, the Palapitta is frequently subjected to extreme cruelty driven by the traditional belief that sighting the bird on Dasara brings good luck.

To guarantee sightings during the festival, these birds are often captured illegally from the wild, with their wings glued or feet stuck to prevent flight, causing much suffering and death shortly afterward, a press release said.

“Capturing these birds disrupts their lives and prevents them from carrying out their natural behaviors. We can preserve the spirit of our traditions without taking wildlife away from its natural habitat. The true auspicious beginning is one rooted in kindness, not cruelty,” said Mishi Aggarwal of Humane World for Animals India.

Over the past few years, animal protection organizations across Hyderabad have actively worked to the curb this practice through targeted awareness campaigns, enforcement support, and collaboration with local communities.

Citizens who witness or suspect the illegal capture or confinement of a Palapitta can report the incident to Telangana Forest Department using their dedicated helpline numbers: 9803338666 or 1800-425-5364.