Maleo eggs stolen in SE Sulawesi

JAKARTA (JP): Maleo eggs in Tanjung Taipa conservation park in Southeast Sulawesi are often stolen, governor La Ode Kaimoeddin said yesterday.

Kaimoeddin said that since last week the authorities have tightened security in the area, one of the province's popular tourist destinations.

The Maleo is a bird endemic to Sulawesi. It is seriously endangered and protected by law.

The governor said unless security was tightened, the Maleo would eventually become extinct. The bird is no longer found around Tore village, 10 kilometers north of the conservation park, due to egg theft.

There are no official figures on the Maleo population. An activist from the Jakarta World Wide Fund office said in 1978, there were between 5,000 and 10,000 birds.

"The problem has to be dealt with and whoever is responsible for stealing the eggs should be brought to court," he said as quoted by Antara.

Kaimoeddin proposed fences be built around the Maleo habitat in Tanjung Taipa and at least one security guard be placed there.

The Maleo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the park. The area is famous for its beaches and fishing grounds.

The local government plans to further develop tourism potential by building more facilities, such as roads, playgrounds and clean water installations. (12)