The police also took into custody two suspects, identified by their initials as Sam and Idr, when they were on the verge of selling the endangered animal species, Chief of the South Sumatra Provincial Police's Public Relations Senior Commissioner Supriadi revealed.
The police are thoroughly probing several witnesses in a bid to catch more suspects in the case, he noted.
Slow loris or Nycticebus coucang is native to Indonesia and listed as endangered by Law No. 5 of 1990 that stipulates the protection of natural and biological resources and their ecosystem. Their trade is prohibited and cannot be kept as pets.
Even though the species belonging to the Ordo primate are protected, but Kukang frequently kept as exotic pets.
Wildlife species, including kukang, are instrumental in maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem and in forest conservation. Related news: Central Aceh develops wild elephant ecotourism
Related news: Four Sumatran tigers showcased at tierpark zoo, Germany
Related news: Government thwarts attempt to smuggle lobster seeds worth Rp37 billion
Translator: Yudi Abdullah, Suharto
Editor: Azizah Fitriyanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
