The mysterious death of two yellow footed green pigeons, called Hariyal in local lingo, in Betla under Palamu tiger reserve has cautioned the PTR officials.
Sources said two green pigeons were found dead near forest rest house and tourists lodge in Betla in the last couple of days. Sources said the dead birds have no external injury.
Field director PTR YK Das said, “There have been deaths of two green pigeons. However, in the rest of this range, which houses National Park Betla, there is no reported case of any bird death so far. We have alerted Betla range officials over this.”
When asked if it could be a case of bird flu, Das confidently replied, “There is no evidence so far and there is no need to push any panic button suspecting big things taking lives of these two birds.”
Das said “Severe cold wave is sweeping Betla. These birds may have died due to cold wave.”
Reminded that there is no external wound or injury on their bodies, he said “Then these deaths may be natural.”
Pigeons have a very emotional bond with each other, he added. If one dies the other too dies in shock of the death of the first one.
He said this may be the case here. He said all forest guards have been directed to look for any mishap with the birds here but till date all is well with the birds here, he reiterated.
Sources said Palamu wildlife sanctuary, Betla National Park and Mahuadarn Wolf Sanctuary whose 304 villages have been notified as Eco Sensitive Zone has 174 species of birds.