Poaching of Telangana’s State bird Palapitta rises during Dasara despite declining population

During Dasara, poachers capture the Indian Roller (Palapitta), Telangana’s state bird, to display at temples, causing high mortality. Experts warn that captivity is fatal, with nearly half dying. Citizens are urged to report cases to AWCS or Forest Department authorities.

Sangareddy: Every Dasara, poachers capture the Indian Roller, locally called Palapitta, the State bird of Telangana, and display it at temples and public places to make money. The long-held belief that sighting the bird on Dasara brings prosperity and fulfils wishes continues to endanger its survival, as the bird’s population has been sharply declining in the State.

Experts point out that seeing the bird in the wild is auspicious, but keeping it in captivity does not bring good luck. Instead, caging often leads to its death. According to the Animal Warriors Conservation Society (AWCS), nearly half of the Palapittas die after being held captive during Dasara.

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Speaking to Telangana Today, AWCS founder member Santoshi Pradeep said the organisation had rescued about 45 birds over the last five years from poachers during Dasara.

“When rescued, the birds were sick and traumatised. Despite treatment and feeding, only half of them survived,” she said. During the 2024 Dasara alone, AWCS rescued 15 Palapittas, but eight died at their rehabilitation centre. She attributed the deaths to improper feeding, stress from captivity and even feather plucking by poachers.

The Indian Roller is an insectivore that feeds on insects, small vertebrates and reptiles. However, poachers feed it grains, vegetables, fruits and even milk, causing indigestion and fatal illness.

The State of India’s Birds 2023 (SoIB) report found the Indian Roller’s population had declined by 30 per cent and recommended its inclusion in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Birdwatchers conducting the Hyderabad Bird Atlas (HBA) also reported alarmingly low numbers. Out of more than 70,000 birds of 195 species recorded during the first phase in February this year, only 26 Palapitta sightings were noted, while the second survey in August recorded just four.

Santoshi urged citizens to inform AWCS (96978 87888) or the Forest Department’s anti-poaching squad (1800 425 5364) if they spot Palapittas in captivity during the festival.