India, Jan. 7 -- During mid-winter, several migratory birds-mainly from the duck family-arrive from Tibet, Siberia, China and Europe and begin visiting Loktak Lake, Lousipat and the associated wetlands in Manipur. However, bird poachers often lurk in these areas to trap and kill the birds.

Acting on specific information about attempts to trap and kill migratory birds, staff of the Manipur Forest Division conducted anti-poaching drives at the sensitive Lousipat wetlands, part of the Loktak Lake ecosystem, on Monday. During the operation, over two dozen nets, typically made of terylene and suspended between vertical poles, were recovered. The poachers, however, managed to flee the scene as the drive began.

The operation was carried out un...