Habitat of rare birds threatened

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.