Arie Susanto Jakarta Globe 26 Sep 13;
The Solo branch of the government’s conservation agency together with local police has managed to seize twenty protected animals during a two-day inspection in the Central Java city, as part of ongoing operations against illegal trade.
The Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) captured several black-capped lories and palm cockatoos after finding them caged and on display at the Kartasura subdistrict government office, while a porcupine, white-bellied sea eagle, a white heron and an oriental darter were seized from a trader at the Depok Bird Market.
Additionally, illegal traders were found at the Sondokoro Agritourism Park, also in Solo, where officials confiscated several peacocks, eclectus parrots, black eagles, yellow-crested cockatoos and Javan rusa, among other animals.
The animals captured by the BKSDA were then brought to a safari park in Batang, Central Java, and the Jurug Zoo in Solo.
According to an official, the agency has long been monitoring the traders at the Depok Bird Market in relation to illegal activities there.
“We are now investigating a seller. He has long been the target of our operations as he would often trade in protected species,” said Johan Setiawan, head of conservation for the local BKSDA office.
Johan also said that the BKSDA had previously issued notifications to traders, warned them against trading in protected species.
“We had previously issued a notification to all traders in the Depok Bird Market warning them not to sell protected animals, but some have violated the regulation. We have also sent a letter to the Sondokoro Park before,” he said.
Following the seizure of the animals, Johan said the BKSDA would expand its inspections to several other Central Java locations that are popular with animal traders.
The Depok Market Vendors Association expressed regret over the captures and insisted its members had obeyed the law.
“We have earlier encouraged the 300 bird traders here not to sell protected species. But one trader has broken the rules and marred our reputation as legal bird traders,” said Suwarjono, chair of the group.
Animals seized by the BKSDA are protected under the 1990 Indonesian Law on Natural Resources Conservation. Traders found violating the law could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to Rp 100 million ($8,700).
In a 2009 study by animal conservation group Profauna, the Depok Bird Market was named as a hub for illegal trade in protected bird species. Arie Susanto
