Ecological Genetics Expert at IPB University: Indonesia (Still) a Link in the Wildlife Trade Chain

Tropical countries such as Indonesia and the Pacific region are known as centers of the world’s amazing biodiversity. Ideal climatic conditions and habitats allow millions of species of flora and fauna to thrive in these areas.

According to IPB University’s Ecological Genetics Expert, Prof Ronny Rachman Noor, this wildlife diversity is an invaluable asset. Beyond its beauty and uniqueness, wildlife is an integral part of animal population structures, food chain architecture, and habitat balance in nature.

“Unfortunately, due to various reasons such as economic needs and survival, these protected wildlife species are still hunted and traded illegally,” he explained.

For local communities, the need to hunt wildlife is often driven by urgent economic reasons. Meanwhile, traders and collectors in the larger supply chain primarily aim to profit from this illegal trade.

Countries in the Pacific region, blessed with natural beauty and biodiversity, are also not immune to the trap of wildlife hunting and trade for the same reasons.

Various wildlife species such as red parrots, doves, white cockatoos, and purple cockatoos are targeted by hunters. The captured animals are then collected by middlemen before entering the illegal wildlife trade chain, whether for private collectors or the global exotic pet market. 

“It’s not just birds; various reptiles like snakes, butterflies, and other wild animals are also targeted in this illegal wildlife hunting in the Pacific region,” he explained. 

A Lucrative Business
Prof Roni noted that data from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) shows that the Solomon Islands are the largest exporter of illegal wildlife among Pacific nations.

Once overlooked, the surge in demand for exotic pets has driven an increase in illegal hunting.

This illegal wildlife trade continues to grow and has significant economic value. The United Nations (UN) notes that countries in the Pacific region illegally export over 1.000 wild animals abroad each year. This trade enters the global market, estimated to be worth up to Rp656 trillion annually.

Prof Ronny noted that the Solomon Islands still have extensive natural forests serving as habitats for various wildlife species. Limited infrastructure and poor road access make it extremely difficult for authorities to monitor this wildlife hunting activity.

“In such circumstances, pressing economic issues force some local residents to rely on trapping and capturing wildlife for sale to collectors,” he explained.

Indonesia as Part of the Supply Chain
Among global wildlife conservationists, the Pramuka and Jatinegara markets in Jakarta are known as hubs for wildlife trade. These locations not only house wildlife from various regions of Indonesia but also from various countries, both legally and illegally traded.

“Given its reputation and the scale of its wildlife trade, it is no surprise that the Pramuka and Jatinegara wildlife markets are recognized worldwide as one of the largest wildlife markets in Southeast Asia,” explained Prof Ronny.

According to him, Indonesia actually has wildlife protection laws. These regulations aim to combat and reduce the volume of wildlife trade, with criminal penalties including imprisonment for those involved in capturing and trading wildlife without special permits. 

However, in practice, enforcement remains weak, so wildlife trade continues openly and is easily found.

At the end of the wildlife trade chain are collectors residing in various countries, such as the United States, which is the world’s largest market for exotic wildlife. 

Prof Ronny emphasized that owning wildlife without adequate knowledge about their behavior, appropriate living conditions, and proper diet poses a threat to the survival of these animals. 

“Wild animals kept in conditions unsuitable for their habitat will experience severe stress, which can lead to reproductive failure or even death,” he said.

“Isn’t it better for wild animals to be enjoyed in their natural habitats rather than being owned?” Prof Ronny concluded. (IAAS/LN)