Navy rescues birds

\ Kochi, Oct 26 (PTI) Playing the role of wildlife\conservationists, personnel from Southern Naval Command have\rescued two birds one of which figured in the list of\threatened species.\ A Navy spokesman said one white necked Brahminy Kite and\one Black Kite of about two years of age were rescued by\personnel yesterday and handed over to Kerala Forest\Department.\ \\"The birds were entangled in kite strings lying on top of\peepal tree. The strings were sharp enough to rip the feathers\and cut through the skin of birds as they struggled to free.\Both were rescued with injuries to their wings,\\" he said.\ The spokesman said the birds were given treatment at the\Southern Naval Command Pet Clinic by the veterinary officer\before handing over to Forest Department of Kerala.\ The population of Brahminy Kite is declining, especially\in South-East Asia, owing to loss of habitat, persecution,\over-use of pesticides and, possibly, increased human hygiene\resulting in reduction of available scraps. PTI TGB RC\AMS\DK\