Parrots, cockatoos face extinction

Parrots, cockatoos face extinction

MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Protected parrots and yellow-
crested cockatoos are on the brink of disappearing from the
province due to poaching, a local official said here yesterday.

The few remaining birds are mainly confined to Moyo island, in
Sumbawa regency, and are now rarely seen on Lombok, said Agus
Bambang of the provincial office of natural resources
conservation.

The birds are in danger because of their popularity with
poachers. A newly captured parrot fetches about Rp 35,000 (US$15)
and a cockatoo Rp 25,000. But ones which have been trained to
imitate sounds can sell for up to Rp 500,000 each, Antara
reported.

According to Bambang, there are only about 500 cockatoos on
Moyo and a similar number of parrots.

Reared in the forest, they lay eggs and raise their young in
holes in dead trees. People catch them with nets or glue. (pan)