NAVI MUMBAI, Aug. 22 -- The forest department rescued 42 munias and arrested two wildlife traffickers from Ulwe Node area of Panvel taluka on Thursday. Munias come under Schedule II, Part B of the Wildlife Protection Act, which states that the species is native to India and any attempt to illegally sell or harm them is strictly prohibited. The police identified the traffickers as Devendra Lalchand Patil, a resident of Thane, and Haresh Damodar Patil, a resident of Pen, Raigad. Officials found the caged birds in a pet shop after a raid by the forest department and the Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA). The rescued birds are currently in the custody of the forest department. "We have a unit called Wildlife Conservation Enforcement that deals with wildlife trade. We received a tip-off and conducted the rescue," said an official of the WWA. Among the species kept for illegal trade, officials found the Red Munia, the Scaly-breasted Munia, and the Tricoloured Munia. "These birds are often trapped from grasslands and sanctuaries and are sold at Rs.700 a pair," said a forest official. Environmentalist and NatConnect Foundation director BN Kumar appreciated the team's effort and said, "Many people are unaware that the exotic-looking birds they keep in cages are actually protected species." The two accused have been booked under various sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. The Panvel court has remanded the duo to days of police custody....