Press Release: Increasing, the Illegal Wildlife Trade in Bird Markets in Java and Bali Islands

(03/14/2012) The illegal wildlife trade occurring in a number of bird (animal/pet) markets in Java and Bali Islands has been likely to increase since early 2012. ProFauna Indonesia's survey conducted in eight bird markets in the islands between January and February 2012 shows an increase in the number and species of animals being traded. In January 2012, there were more than 41 protected animals sold in the markets While in February, the figure increased to 62 individuals. Likewise, the species also increases. There were 12 species in January 2012 and increased to 15 species in February 2012.

The eight bird markets surveyed by ProFauna Indonesia included: Splendid market in Malang City; Bratang, Kupang and Turi markets in Surabaya City; Pramuka, Jatinegara, and Barito markets in Jakarta City; and Satria market in Denpasar City. The survey records that the market selling protected animals the most are Pramuka and Jatinegara markets in Jakarta and Satria market in Denpasar.

In February 2012, ProFauna team recorded that there were 62 protected animals that are traded in the markets consisting of 15 species: Javan langur (Trachypithecus auratus), slow loris (Nycticebus sp), the White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), the black-winged starling (Sturnus melanopterus), the flame-fronted barbet (Megalaima armilaris), the spotted kestrel (Falco moluccensis), Bali starling (Leucopsar rothschildi), the black eagle (Ictinaetus malayensis), the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), the banded pitta (guajana Pitta), and the otter civet (Cynogale bennetti).

The prices of the protected species vary. A Javan langur was sold for 250,000 Indonesia Rupiah (28 USD, 1 USD = 9,000 IDR). A white-bellied sea eagle cost 500,000 IDR. A slow loris, flame-fronted barbet, and a black eagle could fetch to 200,000 IDR, 100,000 IDR, and 500,000 IDR respectively.

The trade of primates and parrots

Slow loris (Nycticebus sp)In February 2012, ProFauna recorded that there were 109 primates traded in the markets. The species included the long-tailed monkey (Macaca fascicularis), the Javan langur (Trachypithecus auratus), and the slow loris (Nycticebus sp). Despite being a protected species, slow loris was highly traded. Slow loris was openly traded in Jatinegara and Pramuka markets in Jakarta.

Besides primates, parrots from Maluku and Papua were commonly traded in the markets. In February 2012, there were 91 parrots sold in the markets. The traded parrots consisted of 14 species: the Chattering lory (Lorius garrulous), the White Cockatoo (Cacatua alba), the Violet-necked lory (Eos squamata), the black-capped lory (Lorius lorry), the rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus), the Java moustached parakeet (Psittacula alexandri), the red lory (Eos bornea), the Eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus), the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galeritaTanygnathus megalorinchos), the blue-streaked lory (Eos reticulate), the red-and-blue lory (Eos histrio), the olive-headed lorikeet (Trichoglossus euteles), and the citrine lorikeet (Trichoglossus flavoviridis).

Violating Law

The illegal wildlife trade violates the Law number 5 year 1990 concerning the Conservation of the Natural Resources and the Ecosystems. Rosek Nursahid, Chairman of ProFauna Indonesia, stated, "The illegal wildlife trade in bird markets must be firmly curbed. The law clearly states that offenders are liable to a maximum of five year prison term and a maximum of 100 millions fine". ProFauna Indonesia has reported about the illegal wildlife trade to the related government, the Forestry Department. Unfortunately, there has been no positive response.

Furthermore, the illegal wildlife trade happens freely and openly in the bird markets. This gives chances to the public to buy the protected species. "ProFauna urges the government to curb the trade because ProFauna's survey shows that the trade increases", Nursahid added.

For further information, please contact:

  • Swasti Prawidya Mukti

    (International Affairs Officer, ProFauna Indonesia)
    Email: international@profauna.net
    Mobile: +62 856 369 3611

© 2003 - ProFauna Indonesia

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