No more crocodile exports for now

JAKARTA: The government has decided to temporarily stop the export of crocodiles starting next month until it improves its export procedures.

Purwadi, secretary of the director general of forest protection of the Ministry of Forestry, said the decision came from the government and not because of pressures from CITES, the international convention on the trade of rare species.

The move is intended to show the world that Indonesia is committed to preserving nature.

CITES, of which Indonesia is a signatory, has been pressing Indonesia to stop its crocodile exports because of what it sees as poor management in protecting the animal, Antara reported. (par)