101 Protected Birds Found in Medan, Gakkum Forestry Investigates Alleged Trafficking Network

MEDAN, GARISBUMI.com – The Ministry of Forestry is investigating an alleged wildlife trafficking network after finding 101 protected birds in a house in Medan City, North Sumatra. A total of 11 birds were found dead, while 90 others were handled to be rescued and returned to their habitat.

The Directorate General of Forestry Law Enforcement is investigating the connection between the homeowner with the initials AS and MF, a convict in a case of trafficking in protected animals. AS is known to be MF's uncle.

Apart from family relations, investigators are investigating alleged business relations between the two as well as the possible involvement of other parties in the distribution chain of protected animals.

A total of 101 birds found consisted of:

• 37 Sumatran blue-winged cica (Chloropsis moluccensis)

• 42 small leaf cica (Chloropsis cyanopogon)

• 22 Sumatran leaf lizards (Chloropsis venusta)

Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement, Dwi Januanto Nugroho, said that wild animals are not only part of Indonesia's rich ecosystem, but are also related to life, culture and the development of people's knowledge.