More attention sought for birds

JEMBER, East Java: Many do not know that Baluran National Park is a haven for 160 species of birds, many of them protected species; not even the local people living near the park.

A bird expert at the park, Widyantoro, said that the locals' low awareness about the protected birds often had a negative impact on the birds' habitat and ecosystem.

"We face problems in conserving the habitat and ecosystem in order to protect the birds," he said as quoted by Antara here while speaking in a seminar at the University of Jember on Saturday.

Widyantoro added that most of the bird species in the park were found in Bekol Savannah, some in Bekol Evergreen and others in Bama forest.

He also revealed that Java island is home to at least 494 bird species, out of 8,600 species all over the world. (bby)