Wallabies and Birds of Paradise from Papua Smuggled in Engine Room of KM Nggapulu

KOMPAS/SAIFUL RIJAL YUNUS

A small wallaby or kangaroo from Papua was rescued by the Natural Resources Conservation Center of Southeast Sulawesi when it was about to be smuggled in Baubau, Southeast Sulawesi, on Sunday (21/4/2024).

The incident in Baubau, Southeast Sulawesi, where protected animals were found being smuggled from eastern Indonesia, has raised concerns about wildlife trafficking in the region. Among the animals rescued were birds of paradise, red parrots, and wallabies from Papua. The Southeast Sulawesi Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA) team discovered four birds of paradise, parrot parrots, and red parrots at Murhum Harbor, Baubau. In addition to these exotic birds, three small wallabies, also known as kangaroos, were found from Papua.

The Head of the Baubau BKSDA Resort, Aslimin, explained that they received information about the shipment of protected birds on KM Nggapulu, which was scheduled to stop in Baubau. Upon the ship’s arrival, a coordinated search was conducted, leading to the discovery of the smuggled animals. The animals, including the wallabies, were found in the ship’s engine room, with the mother wallaby suffering from wounds sustained in traps.

The smuggling of protected animals via passenger ships is a rampant issue, as evidenced by the BKSDA Baubau Resort thwarting the smuggling of around 150 protected animals from October 2023 to April 2024. Most of these animals were various species of birds, highlighting the need for increased efforts to combat wildlife trafficking in the region.

The discovery of the smuggled wallabies is particularly concerning, as it is the first time such an incident has been uncovered. The BKSDA team is working diligently to gather information about the smuggling operation, including identifying the sender and recipient of the animals. Despite no one claiming ownership of the animals at the time of disclosure, investigations are ongoing to determine the responsible parties.

The care and rescue of the smuggled animals, especially the injured wallaby, are top priorities for the authorities. Coordination with the Papua BKSDA has been initiated to ensure the safe evacuation and treatment of the animals. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in protecting wildlife from illegal trafficking and the importance of collaborative efforts to safeguard endangered species.

In conclusion, the rescue of the wallabies and other protected animals in Baubau sheds light on the pervasive issue of wildlife trafficking in Indonesia. It underscores the need for enhanced enforcement measures and public awareness to combat this illegal trade and protect the country’s rich biodiversity. The efforts of the BKSDA and other relevant authorities in rescuing and caring for the smuggled animals are commendable and serve as a beacon of hope for the conservation of Indonesia’s unique wildlife.