Since 2022, HEAL’s field team and local volunteers have been on the frontline to stop the annual migratory bird poaching crisis across central West Bengal.
With support in previous years from Wildlife Trust of India , Birdwatchers’ Society and Earth Brigade Foundation , we were able to install permanent awareness signboards, strengthen surveillance, put up posters, and respond quickly to poaching attempts.
This year too, our awareness drive began early — taking the message directly to the ground, where it matters most.
Across villages like Gohira, Bil Sankura, Jamuni and many more in Murshidabad and Birbhum, HEAL’s field volunteers are moving from community to community — putting up legal warning signboards, distributing posters, and using loudspeaker announcements to make one thing clear: trapping migratory birds is illegal and punishable under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Our field experience shows that many hunting incidents begin with misinformation — the belief that small migratory birds are abundant or that seasonal hunting is allowed. Through miking campaigns and village outreach, we are working to change that narrative while also reminding a wider audience why these birds matter.
These open fields and wetlands are critical rest stops for migratory larks & pipits, locally called Bogari.
They travel 1000s of km across continents and depend on these landscapes to survive their journey.
Yet every winter, they face an organised and growing trade in bird meat.
Over 150,000 migratory birds are estimated to be poached each year.
Sustaining this level of outreach and vigilance requires continuous support.
Your contribution helps us
– Print materials
– Install permanent awareness signboards
– Run awareness drives
– Keep our teams on the ground, day & night ensuring effective and timely dismantling of trap nets as well as rescue and release of the trapped birds.
If you believe these birds deserve safe passage across our landscapes, stand with us.
To donate, scan the QR code or visit this link: