Authorities Hinder Illegal Bird Trafficking

VIVAnews - West Sumatra Natural Conservation Agency has hindered myna trafficking - an endemic species of Mentawai Islands. 120 mynas were confiscated by the authorities from a ship docking at Muaro Harbor, Padang.

Chief of Conservation Area II of West Sumatra, Chandra Putra, said two men were arrested for being allegedly involved as traffickers. "We suspect that both men are traders in illegal market," said Chandra.

The mynas were kept in boxes aboard Sumber Rezeki ship. Inside the bags owned by Nurtini and Syafrial, the authorities found the same species known as the talking birds.

Investigators at the conservation agency plan to bring the case to the court.

Mynas are not included on the list of protected animals. However, the government has prohibited the species from being traded.

The captured birds are to be released in their natural habitat in Mentawai Islands.

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Coverage by: Eri Naldi | Padang