Wildlife Crimes Unit

The Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) in Lampung, Sumatra, Indonesia, arrested an illegal wildlife trader in the Bakauheni Seaport transporting more than 20 protected birds. The law enforcement operation, which was conducted on December 11, 2011, was based on a joint collaboration between BKSDA Lampung, the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Wildlife Crime Unit (WCU) and the Anti Wildlife Trade Forum. The successful arrest was the result of a patrol system established by WCS-WCU and BKSDA to monitor the trade of illegal wildlife in the Bakauheni Seaport.

The Bakauheni seaport in Sumatra is the main transit point between the islands of Sumatra and Java. The hundreds of ferries that cross the Sunda Strait on a daily basis constitute the main smuggling route for transporting illegal wildlife between both islands.

The smuggler was arrested on a public bus, travelling from the capital Jakarta to Medan in North Sumatra. The suspect was transporting three Palm Cockatoos (Probosciger atterimus), ten Eclectus Parrots (Eclectus roratus), nine juvenile Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus), two Birds of Paradise, and a number of other protected parrot species from eastern Indonesia.

Both the Palm Cockatoo and the Bird of Paradise are listed as priority species by Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry, and can therefore not be traded without a proper license. The list of priority species was established to reduce the pressure on threatened species. The criteria for identifying priority species include endemism, population status, habitat condition, threats, and management status. Habitat destruction and conversion, as well as illegal poaching and trading to supply domestic and international pet trade demand constitute major threats for many protected birds in Indonesia.

Based on the testimony of the smuggler, the birds were being transported from the Pramuka bird market in Jakarta to supply the pet trade demand in North Sumatra. The Pramuka bird market is believed to be the biggest bird market in Southeast Asia, as well as a hotspot for illegal wildlife trade.

The WCS-WCU calculated that the total economic loss for the Indonesian State of this particular smuggling activity could reach up to US$ 50,000. While the Palm Cockatoo can reach a very high price, up to US$ 15,000, on the international market, local hunters will receive no more than US$ 30 USD per individual from the middlemen.

Mr. Darori, the Director General Forest Protection and Natural Conservation, Ministry of Forestry commented the following on the case: “We believe that protected wildlife from eastern Indonesia is currently being smuggled abroad via Medan. The smugglers are trying to find alternative routes since both the seaport and airport in Jakarta are strongly monitored and protected by our officers.” (dna)