The Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture on Thursday, 03rd March, confirmed sending a detailed report on the method of extermination of illegally imported birds to the President of Maldives.
The imported birds, all falling under the parrot family consisted of at least 120 different types of birds, which included 10 Southern mealy amazons (Amazona farinosa); a bird that is classified under "near threatened" in the International Union for Conservation of Nature's red list.
The birds were confiscated upon entry through Velana International Airport and were held at the airport's quarantine facility for at least six months.
Meanwhile, the extermination of over 100 birds has grabbed the attention as well as the scrutiny of the public with many criticizing the state's move.
Although an official from the ministry has attested to sending a detailed report to the president, the particulars of the report will only be made public following relevant decisions by the executive.
Moreover, the ministry has asserted that the birds were exterminated after seeking legal counsel from the Attorney General's Office.
On the other hand, Attorney General's Office had commented that the regulations provide the option of sending back illegally imported animals, while fines are levied on the consignee.
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