RI wildlife under threat

RI wildlife under threat

JAKARTA: Almost 550 species of Indonesian wildlife are on the
verge of extinction due to the destruction of their habitats and
illegal collectors, a report said on Wednesday.

"Indonesia's orangutan, rhinoceros, elephant, ox, tiger,
monkey, cockatoo, eagle and turtle are among these endangered
species," coordinator of the Yogyakarta Wild Animal Preservation,
Ferry Ardyanto, was quoted by Antara as saying.

Ardyanto blamed a trend among wealthier Indonesians of keeping
exotic animals, birds or reptiles as pets.

"The number of people who keep wild animals as pets is
increasing. They, however, do not know how to look after them,"
he said, describing existing regulations on animal protection as
ineffective.

A conservation official called last month for a tax on exotic
pets, which are seen as status symbols.

Several members of the moneyed elite keep exotic pets ranging
from orangutans, honey bears, gibbons, monkeys, turtles and even
small crocodiles. The practice is illegal but prosecutions are
rare.

Thousands of rare and protected animals and birds are also
smuggled out of Indonesia every month with the complicity of
officials. --AFP