Indonesian wildlife under threat from collectors

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http://www.terradaily.com/2003/030416075603.fym4kdsg.html

Indonesian wildlife under threat from collectors

JAKARTA (AFP) Apr 16, 2003

 

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

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 the state

Antara news agency as saying.

 

Ardyanto blamed a trend among wealthier Indonesians for 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 exactly 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.