High market demand, Trade in protected birds is still widespread in Pekanbaru

News related to the trade in wild animals and protected animals is not often heard. Even though, News related to the trade in legally protected animals still graces the news pages in the livelihood column at least every month.

SCENTS was inspired to conduct a survey regarding the distribution of trade in wild and protected animals, especially birds, in Pekanbaru City, Riau. Apart from having high biodiversity, Indonesia, especially the island of Sumatra, is also a transit route for wildlife trade in the Southeast Asia region. At the beginning of this year, SCENTS successfully identified 16 bird market, 30 bird stall/pet shop, as well as 3 bird keeping house (bird-keeping) spread across 15 sub-district in Pekanbaru. SCENTS then carried out field visits to find out directly about the types of wild animals, origin, as well as identifying domestic and international trade routes through Pekanbaru.

The types of birds that are bought and sold around Pekanbaru are very diverse, ranging from birds commonly used for singing bird contests to birds that are aesthetically attractive. These birds came from a colleague (put it up for sale) or subscription agent, both from inside and outside the region. At least, there is 4 entry point for the bird trade in Pekanbaru, namely by route: 1. North Sumatra (Barumun, While, Padang Sidempuan), 2. West Sumatra (Pasaman, Solo, Fifty Cities, Padang Panjang, Pariaman), 3. Riau (Kampar, Lower Rokan, East route to Jambi (Pelalawan and Pangkalan Kerincin)), 4. Internationally by sea (Thailand).

Prices vary depending on the type and level of singing ability. Since March 2023, since many chirping birds from Thailand come in by sea. These birds are much cheaper, like the forest Kucica type (Copsychus saularis) which is priced at Rp 900.000,-, very significant when compared with the same type of bird from a local supplier which is priced at Rp 2.000.000,- per head. Higher prices are also set for the purchase of stuffed birds, birds that have been trained to have certain sounds. Some sellers also provide services for training birds to have more melodious voices (filled). When there is an order, The sellers are also willing to look for certain types of birds.

Although most kiosks comply with applicable regulations by only selling animals that are allowed to be traded, The SCENTS team still finds the sale of various types of protected animals based on the Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia Number P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 and the IUCN red list (International Union for Conservation of Nature). For types of birds protected according to the Law, The SCENTS team succeeded in identifying Rain Paok (Pitta moluccensis), Cica-small leaves (Chloropsis cyanopogon), Cica-large leaves (Chloropsis sonnerati), Blue-winged cica (Chloropsis cochinchinensis), Serindit malay (Loriculus galgulus), Gold tiong (Religious gracula), Poksai Sumatra (Garrulax bicolor), and Bali starling (Leucopsar rothschildi).

The Lesser Leaf Cica is also included in the list of birds with vulnerable status according to the IUCN along with the scaly Cica (Pycnonotus squamatus) which was found at one of the stalls for trading. Meanwhile, the Big Leaf Cica, Blue Winged Cica, and the Sumatran Poksai are also classified as endangered birds, together with Empuloh Jenggot (Alophoixus bres) which was also identified in the field. The Bali starling itself is classified as a bird with critical status according to the IUCN red list. Apart from birds, The team also encountered the sale of other protected animals such as the Kuwung Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis). Kiosk selling big bats (Pteropus vampires), Ape (Nemestrian monkey), and Long-tailed Monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) can also still be found at Palapa Market even though all three are classified as endangered mammals.

The public's continued interest is certainly one of the reasons why these animals are still sought after and traded. A singing bird competition, especially in Pekanbaru could also be a cause. Intended to accommodate the hobbies of bird lovers, Until now, there are still singing bird competitions that compete against bird categories that are classified as protected animals. One of the competitions held in the year 2020 also competed in green Cucak, Commercial term for small-leaf Cica, Cica-large leaves, and the blue-winged Cica-leaf. This is getting ironic, because the event also involved government officials who should be examples for society in enforcing the law.

These animal traders know that the animals they buy and sell are classified as protected animals. They also understand very well that the Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA) Riau often holds raids, especially in the Jl. Garuda Sakti. Even though, This does not stop them from continuing to sell protected animals. Apart from 'playing' more carefully, Traders also set special prices that they feel are commensurate with the risks they face.

Even though, What is the actual law that applies in Indonesia??

Need to know, whoever catches, injure, kill, store, own, maintain, transport, and trading in protected animals, whether alive or dead, can be prosecuted with a maximum prison sentence 5 years and a maximum fine of Rp 100.000.000,- as stated in Law no. 5 Year 1990 on Conservation of Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems. Criminal threats also apply to individuals who are negligent or do not realize they are committing this violation, with a maximum threat of one year in prison and a maximum fine of Rp 50.000.000,- .

The exception to this prohibition only applies for research purposes, Science, and/or saving the type of animal in question. Exceptions also apply to second generation breeding (F2) and the next generation from captive breeding, because it meets the requirements as an unprotected specimen as recorded in Minister of Forestry Regulation Number P. 19 Year 2015 on the Appointment of Wild Plants and Animals. Captive-bred animals must be given a permanent tag by the breeder, either in the form of a tag/stamp/transponder/tattoo/label/or cutting off other body parts to distinguish them from animals caught from the wild. Captive-bred animals must also be accompanied by a certificate containing a marking code, type name, sex, master code, date of birth/hatching/breeding, generation level, as well as the code/name of the breeder so that this can be done tracking.

Even though, Breeding activities cannot be done as easily as turning the palm of your hand. Breeding is a business unit whose results can be used as objects or traded for commercial gain. To become a breeder, Prospective breeders need to fulfill permits by completing various strict requirements, including documents on the origin of the parent animal from the relevant authorities. The breeding permit that has been obtained is also not permanent because it needs to be extended every time 5 year. other than that, Broodstock used for breeding do not necessarily belong to the breeder. Broodstock that comes from natural habitats (W) as well as the first generation of captive breeding (F1) has the status of state property and is entrusted to the state, causing the broodstock to not be sold and must be handed back to the State if requested. Those that are classified as animals or broodstock come from natural habitats (W) are animals that come from looting, community submission, or findings, whose origins or hereditary status cannot be known.

As a citizen who obeys the law, we need to be careful and pay attention to every step we take, including in animal sellers. Let's care and report every illegal action against wildlife!

Be a part of SCENTS mission to save beautiful creatures from illegal wildlife trafficking.