Thousands of Raptors Migrate through the Skies of Batu and Malang

Thousands of raptors (birds of prey), from the northern hemisphere pass the skies of Indonesia for wintering. The raptor migration to Indonesia usually takes place in October-November every year. Among the species migrating to Indonesia are the Chinese Goshawk (Accipiter soloensis), Japanese Goshawk (Accipiter gularis), and Oriental honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus).

Observations conducted by Protection of Forest & Fauna (PROFAUNA) Indonesia in Mt. Banyak, Batu showed that Batu and Malang, in East Java, happen to lie in their migration route. In early November 2015, at least 100 raptors have passed above Mt. Banyak.

"When it is winter in the northern hemisphere, raptors will migrate to warmer regions like Indonesia to look for food," said Made Astuti, a birdwatcher of PROFAUNA. The raptors will then return to their origins in March-May.

PROFAUNA, who has observed such migration since 1996, notice that migration watching can be an interesting tourism activity, and improve our concern towards the conservation of raptors. "If we love the birds, especially raptors, we should let them live in their natural habitats. One way we can enjoy them is by watching their migration," added Made.

PROFAUNA's investigation on wildlife trade, both in markets and online, shows that raptors have been long time favorites. The most frequently traded species are the Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela), Javan Hawk-Eagle(Nisaetus bartelsi), White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), and falcons (Falco spp). They are sold for IDR 500,000 up to millions.

"The rampant trade of raptors on the internet is also a result of the prevailing 'raptor lovers" communities whose members buy and keep raptors as their collections," stated Rosek Nursahid, the founder of PROFAUNA Indonesia.

All raptor species are protected by law; thus, any kind of trade and ownership is strongly prohibited, and anybody who violates the law shall receive a maximum 5 years of prison penalty.

"Raptors are natural predators who plays a vital role in the ecosystem, such as controlling the population of rats and squirrels that can turn into pests if they overpopulate. When raptors are hunted for trade, it actually maims the ecosystem's balance, which can eventually jeopardize human life," explained Rosek.

© 2003 - ProFauna Indonesia

ProFauna Indonesia is an Indonesian society for the protection of
wild animals and their habitats