KARACHI, Nov 29: Forty-one falcons of protected species were confiscated and three alleged bird handlers were arrested in two separate raids conducted by teams of the wildlife department.

The confiscated falcons – 38 sakers and three peregrines – are migratory species and are protected under Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance, which forbids catching, trading, keeping in possession of the falcons.

Conservatively valued at Rs50 million the confiscated birds would be released soon, said Dr Dayaram, the provincial minister for wildlife, who visited the wildlife office where the birds were brought by confiscators.

Thirty-one falcons – 29 sackers and two peregrines – were recovered in the first raid, conducted in Punjab Colony on Friday. The falcons had been brought in from Dera Ismail Khan, sources said. However, trader Naeem Khan could not be held as he was not there when the place was raided.

Ten falcons – nine sackers and one peregrine – were recovered in another raid conducted in the same vicinity. It was said that the falcons belonged to wildlife trader Aziz, who also could not be held. Ghulam Haider, Azizullah and M. Ibrahim, who are said to be bird handlers, were held during the raids.—Staff Reporter