Rare birds for sale

SOLO, Central Java (JP): Several endangered species of birds protected by Law No. 5, 1990 on the Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystem were found to be sold freely at the Depok bird market in Balekambang, Solo.

Among the endangered species are the white sterling, birds of paradise and crows.

Most of the local vendors claim they were not aware that the birds they were selling were endangered and protected by law. They said they obtained the birds from vendors from other cities.

Most buyers also come from Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung and Semarang.

The local office of the Ministry of Forestry told The Jakarta Post that endangered species are not allowed to be sold and those who want to keep them as pets are required to have special permission from the government. Without permits, the pets may be seized and the owners fined.

No money is needed to obtain permits, except for certain species, such as Bali sterling, tigers and orangutans, which need special permits from the Minister of Forestry.(har/pwn)