Bali, center of turtle trade

DENPASAR, Bali: Environmental organization Fauna Conservation for Life (KSBK) claimed that Bali is the biggest site of turtle trading in the country.

In the period between May through to August 1999, it reported, some 9,400 of the protected animals had been traded.

According to Putu Lisa Kusuma Mustika, a reptile expert from the Indonesian World Wildlife Fund (WWF), tortoises have long been killed in several areas of Indonesia, with the highest number in Bali.

"Most of them are consumed as food while some of them are used for traditional ceremonies," Putu told Antara.

Besides its meat, Putu said, tortoise shells are also used as souvenirs for tourists.

The tortoises which are traded in Bali, she added, came from Maluku, Sulawesi and East Nusa Tenggara.

"Based on KSBK investigation, there are several tortoise traders. One of them is now undergoing legal proceedings at Denpasar Court," Putu said. (hdn)