Nests of Cattle Egrets destroyed due to misconception of Corona Carriers

• 25 Jun 2021

• Recently, many chicks of cattle egrets were killed after authorities in Assam’s Tangla Municipal Board destroyed their nests following complaint that bird poop could be carriers of novel coronavirus.
• Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) are small-built herons that are protected under the Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act (1972).
• Destroying of habitat and nests of birds are treated as severe crime under Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
• They are often seen alongside domestic grazing animals, and feed on insects.
• Their conservation status according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is ‘Least Concern’.