``This was the richest haul ever. We seized birds belonging to nine scheduled and endangered species,'' stated Nitin Kakodkar, Deputy Conservator of Forest (Thane Wildlife). The confiscated birds were protected under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act and their trade was prohibited, he added.

Among the seized lot (total 4,223) were Red Munia (1,550), Spotted Munia (875), Black Headed Munia (1,510), White Backed Munia (65) and Daya (weaver) (50). Other species included Jungle Maynah (20) Barn Owl (1), Pariah Kite (2) Alexanderine and Roseringed (150), two Bonnet Macaque monkeys and nine endangered turtles. The raids were carried out jointly with the Regional Deputy Director, Wildlife, Government of India.

Wildlife wardens pointed out that the large numbers of birds weresmuggled into city shops at Crawford Market on the eve of forthcoming Savatsari festival, when birds are released to attain `salvation'. Incidentally, the festival coincides with Ganeshotsav. The birds cost between Rs 50-60 and are a bit cheaper if purchased in bulk. The pious buy the captive avians on Savatsari day and release them from the market chowk a few feet away from the shops where they are bought. ``Though the intentions are noble, most of the released birds fall prey to other birds of prey which circle over the area. Moreover, there is almost no natural habitat in the nearby area to provide shelter once they are set free,'' lamented Kakodkar.

Senior Wildlife officials told Express Newsline that the birds are smuggled in trains from eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. The contraband is concealed in baggage and often transported with the connivance of railway officials.

The seizure assumes significance since the Bombay High Court last year appointed a committee to go into theongoing illegal trade of birds in the city after a writ petition was filed by the Viniyog Parivar Trust (VPT). An interim report to this effect has already been submitted to the Chief Justice recently.

The committee, with Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) nominee as its convener, comprises representatives from the Thane Wildlife Division, Thane Forest Division, Central and Western Railways and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. A nominee from the Mumbai Police Commissionerate and VPT members have been nominated to prevent the illegal trade.

Earlier, pet shop owners from Crawford Market had filed a writ petition seeking directives to the Chief Wildlife Warden, Maharashtra to renew their licences for trading in birds. A similar representation has been made to the state government recently to review the earlier decision.