AUTHORITIES and wildlife advocates will keep a close eye on migratory birds as they start to arrive in the city of Mandalay, attracting hunters as well as traders.
Mandalay City Development Committee member U Kyaw Sa Myint said a warning notice reminding people about the risks of illegally trading protected migratory birds, has been posted at 45 public markets.
According to The Myanmar Times, U Kyaw said that the notice states that first time offenders will be let off with a warning, but those who repeat the offence will not spared from fines or court action.
"We have issued the warning, and those at the markets vow to help," he said, adding that the notice also includes a list of migratory birds that are protected.
There are 1,125 species of water birds, of which 29 are endangered due to hunting, netting and poisoning in Myanmar, according to the Birds and Environmental Conservation Association.
Migratory birds normally arrive in December, and many would converge at areas near lakes in Mandalay. The birds’ favourite spots include the Sunye Lake, Paleik Lake, Manaaw Lake and Taungthaman Lake.
Most lakes which attract migratory birds in Mandalay are designated as protected wetlands, and a committee of experts has been formed to look into conservation efforts.
Regional Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation minister U Myo Thit said that Mandalay is drawing up plans to better protect the birds.
“In cooperation with local people, we are trying to prevent the killing of migratory birds, and we will take action against anyone who harms them.
“The migratory birds have started to arrive, and we have told people to leave them alone,” he said.