17 protected wild birds seized in raid

In safe hands: Lai (left) handing over the baby hornbill to Nickson.

IPOH: The Perak Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) has seized 17 protected wild birds, valued at about RM20,000, from a self-employed man in Batu Kurau, Kerian.

State Perhilitan director Fakhrul Hatta Musa said the birds – seven white-rumped shama (murai batu), three blue-winged leafbirds (burung daun sayap biru), five lesser green leafbirds, a stripe-throated bulbul (burung lureh leher) and a hill myna – were found following a raid at the man’s home at Kampung Air Hitam Jelai at about noon on Tuesday.