Sat Mar 08 18:27:39 UTC 2025: ## Local Birdwatcher Exposes Parakeet Poaching Near Chennai Lake
**Chennai, March 9, 2025** – A nature enthusiast has sparked concerns about illegal parakeet poaching near Puzhuthivakkam lake in Chennai. The birdwatcher discovered a stick tied to a palm tree containing a parakeet nest, a method reportedly used by poachers to access and capture young birds. Locals confirmed recent instances of poaching, revealing that four baby parakeets were taken.
Alexandrine and rose-ringed parakeets, native to India and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, are highly sought after in the illegal pet trade. The birdwatcher’s concerns extend beyond the parakeets to the presence of freshwater turtles in the lake, hinting at a broader pattern of illegal wildlife activity. He further warned of potential poaching threats in other accessible areas around Madipakkam.
Responding to the allegations, an official from the Tamil Nadu Wildlife Crime Control Bureau stated that an investigation will be launched to address the issue and protect the parakeets. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in combating illegal wildlife trafficking in the region.
First Piper 