Famous for its incredible biodiversity , the island country of Indonesia is the world ’s most dramatic natural aviary , host more species of boo than any other nation on the planet . However , the nation also has a strong tradition of bird domestication , and a new study into the illegal trade in avian darling intimate that this recitation may be drive many metal money to the brink of extinction .
Among the many majestic winged creatures to be detect in Indonesian skies is the Javan mortarboard - bird of Jove , which became the country ’s national razz in 1993 . Yet according to the subject field – which appear in the journalForktail – waste populations are now struggling as the phone number of birds captured each class is more or less equivalent to the number that are bear . As a aftermath , the researchers estimate that only 300 to 500 stay in the wild .
verbalize toNational Geographic , study co - author Chris Shepherd explained that “ organize crime mathematical group are heavily involved in this craft , with monumental profits being made and with well-nigh no risk . ” harmonise to the newspaper publisher , the unscrupulous actions of these unlicensed bird backstop has placed 13 metal money at a “ greatly elevated risk of global extinction . ”
While the lineal removal of large phone number of raspberry from the natural state is manifestly a major contributor to this operation , the research worker also discover that a scope of by - products of the pet industry may be exasperate the situation . For lesson , the import of birds from elsewhere lead to a risk that these strange species may get away their owner ’ home and fellow with local species , result inhybridsthat could then outcompete aboriginal shuttlecock .
Hill mynas , imported from mainland Sumatra , are breeding with native shuttle on the island of Nias . Praisaeng / Shutterstock
On the island of Nias , for example , many people now own Benny Hill myna , which have been imported from mainland Sumatra . As these birds multiply with local species , new hybrids are come along , threaten the survival of some aboriginal species .
At the same time , many wench are deliberately being hybridized so as to enhance certain desirable characteristic . For example , cross - breeding of non - Indonesian starlings with some Javan birds has become widespread so as to create favorite with more bloodless in their plumage , which is apparently fashionable .
In response to these findings , the study generator are now urging authorities and conservationist to take military action so as to protect those metal money most affected by illegal preferent trading . Among their recommendations is the initiation of sterner legislation against this practice , as well as increasing weather eye and wardening efforts in protected areas .
They also suggest it may be necessary to breed captive populations of endangered mintage , which will be free into the wild once the illegal pet trade has been brought under control .
