We thank all parties for their contribution to the control and surveillance of the illegal trade of Papua's endemic species. Such synergy and collaboration are indeed indispensableJakarta (ANTARA) - The Papua Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has consistently endeavored to protect the province's endemic birds from becoming extinct by again releasing four endangered birds into their natural habitat.
The agency had released three lesser birds-of-paradise (Paradisaea minor) and one magnificent riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus) into the Nyei Toro forest of Ravenirara Sub-district in Papua District on December 18, 2021.
As disclosed by the Environment and Forestry Ministry and quoted by ANTARA here, Tuesday, the locals initiated to hand over the birds to the Jayapura Animal Lovers Community and Rumah Bakau (House of Mangrove) several months ago.
These two environmental organizations then handed over the endemic birds to the Papua Natural Resources Conservation Agency on October 12, 2021, the agency's head, Edward Sembiring, stated.
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"We thank all parties for their contribution to the control and surveillance of the illegal trade of Papua's endemic species. Such synergy and collaboration are indeed indispensable," he remarked.
By doing so, the illegal trade of Papua's wildlife could be eradicated in future, he remarked, adding that the four endemic birds were released into their natural habitat after two months.
The Jayapura Agriculture Quarantine Agency (BKP) had also examined the birds to ensure that they were free from avian influenza prior to their release, Sembiring remarked.
ANTARA noted that the Indonesian archipelago is blessed with a plethora of flora and fauna, several of which are categorized as "iconic species."
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According to the Ocean Health Index, a valuable tool for assessing ocean health, iconic species are "animals or plants which are important to cultural identity, as shown by their involvement in traditional activities."
In addition to birds, including lesser bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea minor) and magnificent riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus), Indonesia is home to sea turtles.
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Indonesia has reported that six of the seven living species of sea turtles recognized by scientists can be found in the country.
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According to WWF Indonesia's official website, four of the six species of sea turtles -- green turtles (Chelonia mydas), "belimbing" or leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), "sisik" or hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), and "lekang" or olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) -- lay their eggs in several of the country's coastal areas.
The Indonesian waters are also the most crucial migratory route for sea turtles at the crossroads of the Pacific and Indian oceans, it stated.
Abun Sub-district's coastal areas in Tambrauw District, West Papua Province, for instance, are known as the largest nesting spots of leatherback turtles in the Pacific region.
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Translator: Prisca TV, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
