Last week in Pallishree village, Bharatpur Block (Murshidabad), local residents alerted the HEAL field team after spotting suspected bird hunters in open fields.
These landscapes become vital stopovers for migratory larks and pipits, locally known as Bogari.
Our zonal coordinator Soumyadip Mondal immediately coordinated with the Forest Department and local police. A joint team reached the site and intervened before trapping could begin.
The group claimed they were allowed to hunt for “two days a year.” This is not true. There is no such exemption. Attempting to trap migratory birds is a punishable offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
What may appear to be a small incident is part of a much larger, organised crisis that unfolds across central West Bengal every winter — when migratory birds gather in large flocks and become easy targets for commercial poaching.
These birds travel thousands of kilometres across continents. Protecting them begins on the ground — with awareness, community action, and rapid response.
Since 2022, HEAL has been actively fighting on the ground to save migratory birds from this yearly practice. Sustaining this vigilance on the ground requires continuous support for field patrols, rapid-response coordination, community awareness and legal action against wildlife crime.
We’re raising funds to deploy field operatives, conduct outreach, and install awareness signage to stop this crisis.
If you believe migratory birds deserve safe passage across our landscapes, stand with us and help keep these efforts going.
Support us by clicking this link – https://healearth.in/end-migratory-bird-poaching/ or scanning the QR code.
Saving Migratory Birds from Poaching in Central West Bengal
Large-scale commercial poaching for meat threatens the survival of migratory birds in districts of Central Bengal. HEAL is actively using law enforcement, extensive field investigation and community participation to combat this destructive trade and ensure the feathered guests a safe journey back to their breeding grounds.