Maluku BKSDA Secures Five Ternate Kasturi Birds During WDD Trial

The Maluku Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) secured five Ternate Kasturi birds (Lorius garrulus flavopalliatus) during a Mobile Wildlife Detection Dog (WDD) trial at several ports on Ambon Island, Maluku, on 28-29 August 2026.

“The five birds were discovered by officers during inspections at Yos Sudarso Port and Slamet Riyadi Port. The animals were known to be kept by ship crew members,” said Deni Soerwarlan, a Forestry Police officer from BKSDA Maluku, in Ambon on Tuesday.

Officers subsequently provided education to the animal owners regarding the regulations for wildlife protection. After receiving persuasive explanations, the five birds were voluntarily handed over to BKSDA Maluku officers to undergo health checks and further handling in accordance with regulations.

The activity was also conducted at the Hunimua-Liang Ferry Port. Officers, alongside the WDD, inspected approximately 25 vehicles from six ferries that arrived at the port. From these inspections, officers found no illegally transported wildlife.

He stated that the use of WDD in port inspections is part of an effort to strengthen supervision of wildlife traffic through maritime transport routes.

BKSDA Maluku reminds the public that catching, keeping, transporting, or trading protected wildlife without a permit is prohibited. Regulations regarding wildlife protection are stipulated in Law Number 5 of 1990 concerning the Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and their Ecosystems, as amended by Law Number 32 of 2024, along with its implementing provisions.

BKSDA Maluku encourages the community to immediately report any found or possessed wildlife to officers so that they can be handled according to the law.