Maluku BKSDA Seizes Papuan Black-Capped Lorikeet With No Owner Aboard Vessel

Ambon (ANTARA) – The Maluku Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA Maluku) has secured a protected bird of the Papuan Black-capped Lorikeet (Lorius lory) Papua that was found without an owner during a routine patrol at Yos Sudarso Port, Ambon.

The surveillance activity conducted by Forestry Police (Polhut) of BKSDA Maluku initially proceeded as normal. However, officers then conducted a patrol on KM Leuser and found a bird on Deck 4 at the rear of the ship with no owner identified, said Cardolin Ch Latuputty, a Forestry Police officer of BKSDA Maluku, in Ambon on Tuesday.

After identification, the bird was confirmed to be the Papuan Black-capped Lorikeet, one of the protected wildlife species.

The bird was then secured and transported to the Maluku Islands Wildlife Conservation Centre (PKS) to undergo observation and rehabilitation before being released back into its natural habitat.

BKSDA Maluku emphasised its commitment to continue improving oversight at entry and exit points to prevent illicit wildlife trade. Surveillance at ports and other distribution routes will be intensified through synergy with related agencies as a preventive measure to curb illegal wildlife trade that could threaten the sustainability of coastal ecosystems and small islands.

Under the provisions of Law Number 5 of 1990 on Conservation of Biological Resources and Ecosystems, “Whoever intentionally captures, injures, kills, stores, possesses, keeps, transports, and trades protected wildlife (Article 21 paragraph (2) letter a), is threatened with a maximum prison sentence of five years and a maximum fine of Rp100 million (Article 40 paragraph (2)).