Results of a detailed survey of illegal bird trade in three biggest markets in Jakarta were brought by non-governmental association Traffic. In Indonesia we can find the highest number of endangered bird species in whole Asia. Authors of this report found out 19 000 birds in 206 different species which were present at three biggest birdmarkets – Pramuka, Jatinegara and Barito during a three day period.
Most of offered birds were wild-caught native species. According to Indonesian effective law any trade of wild birds is illegal in this country. However, some private breeding facilities have an exception to capture small quantities of wild birds.
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Another interesting point is that about one fifth of all offered species is endemic in Indonesia. Eight of them are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List: Bali Myna, Black-winged Myna (critically endangered); Rufous-fronted Laughingthrush (endangered); Java Sparrow, Sumatran Laughingthrush, Chattering Lory, Straw-headed Bulbul and Javan Coucal (vulnerable).
Pramuka is considered as the biggest birdmarket in Indonesia.
“This is catastrophic news for Indonesia’s birds. Given the massive volumes recorded in just three markets in three days, the overall impact of hunting and trade on wild bird populations must be immense,” said Serene Chng, co-author of the report for Traffic.
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“As long as these markets exits in their current form, illegal trade will continue to undermine bird conservation in Indonesia. We urge the new Indonesian government, which is already taking steps to strengthen conservation efforts, to act decisively to address this threat,” said Dr Chris R. Shepherd, Regional Director for TRAFFIC in Southeast Asia. “It is imperative that the illegal trade in these markets be shut down.”
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