Southwest Papua Regional Police and BKSDA Release 17 Endemic Protected Wild Animals into the Wild
Sorong (ANTARA) - The Southwest Papua Regional Police (Polda Papua Barat Daya), together with the Balai Besar Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam (BBKSDA) and the Sorong District Prosecutor’s Office, released 17 protected wild animals endemic to Papua into the wild in Kampung Klamis, Asbaken Ward, Makbon District, Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua.
The Director of Special Criminal Investigation at Polda Papua Barat Daya, Iwan P. Manurung, stated on Friday that the animals released were evidence seized from cases of illegal wildlife trade and smuggling of protected species.
“This release activity is a follow-up to the series of case revelations conducted by Subdit IV Tipidter of Ditreskrimsus Polda Papua Barat Daya,” he said.
He explained that this step represents the commitment of law enforcement apparatus to safeguarding the preservation of ecosystems and biological natural resources, particularly in the Southwest Papua region, which boasts a high diversity of endemic fauna.
Before being released into their natural habitat, he added, all the animals first underwent a quarantine process and health examinations to ensure they were fit to return to the wild.
According to Iwan, the release of these endemic animals is an important part of maintaining ecological balance and preventing the threat of extinction for Papua’s endemic species due to hunting and illegal trade.
He emphasised that Ditreskrimsus Polda Papua Barat Daya will continue to enhance monitoring and law enforcement against the circulation or smuggling of protected plants and wild animals.
“It is hoped that the natural ecosystem remains preserved and the wild animals that are Papua’s wealth do not become extinct,” he stated.
He also hoped for synergy between law enforcement apparatus, conservation agencies, the prosecutor’s office, and indigenous communities in supporting the protection of biodiversity in Southwest Papua.
He urged communities around conservation areas to actively participate in protecting wildlife habitats by refraining from hunting or trading protected animals, which could disrupt the natural balance.