THE Union environment ministry has adopted an unusual conservation strategy to save the dwindling population of edible-nest swiftlets (Aerodramus fuciphagus) in the Andamans. It has taken them off the Schedule-I list of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which accords the highest protection to a species.

The nests of these swiftlets are made of hardened saliva and are taken away by poachers to be sold in the market. In Singapore and Hong Kong, a kilogramme of nests fetch US $3,000 to US $4,000. They are used in fine dining restaurants to make birds