Palapitta in peril as poachers cage Telangana’s State bird during festivitiesDespite repeated warnings, poaching and rituals during Dasara have endangered Telangana’s State bird, the Palapitta, as hundreds were caged or tied for display. Despite repeated warnings, poachers kept the birds in cages at temples across the State where Jammi rituals were held. The NGO, however, managed to rescue one bird and handed it over to the forest department. As citizens continued to post images with Palapitta, it stood as evidence of both the failure of the forest department and the negligence of temple staff. Although repeated reports have highlighted the sharp decline of Telangana’s State bird, serious conservation efforts remain absent.