Inp.polri.go.id - Bandarlampung. The Bengkulu-Lampung Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and Lampung Regional Police seized 4,354 illegally transported birds on kilometer 136 if the Terbanggi-Bakauheni Toll Road. 

The birds smuggling were intercepted in a silver Luxio minibus carrying 111 fruit crates and 32 cardboard boxes.

The Bengkulu-Lampung BKSDA Head, Hifzon Zawahiri, said on Sunday (1/12/2024) that the operation followed a tip-off from conservation non-government organizations Flight. The vehicle, driven by two South Sumatra residents, was stopped en route from Palembang to Natar, Lampung Selatan.

Among the seized birds were 1,699 bar-winged prinia (Prinia familiaris), 1,  yellow-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier), 640 great tit (Parus major) , and 240 white-eyes small passerine (Zosteropidae). Rare species, such as black-throated laughingthrush (Pterorhinus chinensis) and black-naped oriole (Oriolus chinensis), were also found. The birds were allegedly destined for illegal sale in Java, where demand for songbirds remains high.

“Illegal wildlife trade threatens bird populations in their natural habitats,” Zawahiri said, adding that the birds will undergo rehabilitation before release.

Flight’s Executive Director Marison Guciano emphasized that Lampung often serves as a transit hub for the trade.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)