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In November 2018, while walking across some fields in my village, Gundbala, in Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka, I was happy to see a lot of bird activity around my village. However, something caught my eye from afar, and when I ventured near I saw that there was a thin net spread across some shrubs/short trees along the dividing fence between adjoining paddy fields. It was thin and looked like a giant spider web, but really strong, with a female Plum-headed Parakeet and an Ashy Drongo struggling helplessly in it. Tragically, a male Plum-headed Parakeet (attached image) was already dead.
I also saw some stronger nets laid across freshly harvested paddy field. This is the first time I have encountered this in my village. Upon inquiry, it seems that unscrupulous elements are making a quick buck selling trapped birds in nearby markets. In just one day, in a single net, three birds had been trapped.
I contacted the Forest Official at the local Forest Range, who initiated an inquiry and took action. It was also reported in a local newspaper to create awareness on why this is wrong.
Nets are widely used for capturing birds in forests and farmland. The net is strung across trees or bushes so as to lie in the flight path of birds. A bird flies into the nearly invisible net and usually gets entangled. This cruel method doesn’t just kill the birds but leaves some mutilated and in agony, often with torn wings and broken legs.
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Nets are widely used for capturing birds in forests and farmland. This cruel method doesn't just kill the birds but leaves some mutilated and in agony, often with torn wings and broken legs.