Indonesian birds face extinction: TRAFFIC

Hanoi (VNA) - Thirteen species of birds in Indonesia, including the country's symbolic Javan Hawk-eagle, are at serious risk of extinction mainly due to the pet trade, the wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC warned on May 25.

A study made recently by TRAFFIC shows that increasing demand for some species as pets has led to dramatic population declines of those birds in the island country.

The Helmeted Hornbillis also at risk but unlike the others, is not kept as a pet. Thousands of the species are being illegally killed and traded for their unique "casques" - a solid lump of fibrous protein that runs along the top of the bill and onto the skull.

It is used as a substitute for elephant ivory, to meet demand in China, TRAFFIC said.

TRAFFIC’s report also suggested a range of solutions to tackle the problem, including bettering law enforcement and public awareness campaigns.

Indonesia is home to an array of birds and keeping them as pets has long been part of the national culture, with birdcages a common sight outside homes and shops across the country.

It is illegal to hunt birds in the wild and sell them as pets, but major bird markets in cities still operate freely.-VNA