Habitat of rare birds threatened

PALU, Central Sulawesi: Certain areas in Central Sulawesi declared as habitats of the Maleo (Macrocepha Lon Maleo) are in critical condition, posing a threat to the survival of the rare bird species, an environmentalist has said.

Harly, executive director of the Indonesian Forum for Environment's Central Sulawesi chapter, said on Saturday the number of Maleo had been dwindling over the past two decades.

He said a study made by foreign and domestic non-governmental organizations, the Indonesian Maleo Foundation and Britain's Cambridge University Department of Zoology last year found that at least 12 locations, home to the endangered species, had been damaged, reported Antara.

He put the blame on poor environmental awareness among people, including the way in which they took Maleo eggs from nests. The exploitation of forests near the Maleo's habitats also caused the birds to migrate to other areas, he said.