BKSDA Maluku Repatriates 20 Protected Endemic Animals

RRI.CO.ID, Ambon - The Maluku Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has successfully repatriated 20 individual protected wild animals following a series of high-profile law enforcement rescues spearheaded by BKSDA Jakarta.

The confiscated wildlife arrived safely in Ambon, where they were immediately transferred to the Maluku Kembali Wildlife Conservation Center (PKS-KM) to undergo intensive medical rehabilitation and behavioral observation before their eventual release into their native forest ecosystems.

"All the animals arrived alive and are currently undergoing rehabilitation and observation at the PKS-KM as part of efforts to ensure their physical and behavioral condition before being returned to their natural habitat," Arga Christyan, a Forest Ranger for the Maluku BKSDA, confirmed in Ambon on Wednesday evening, July 1, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The highly delicate translocation initiative marks a crucial victory in the cross-provincial fight against the syndicates driving the illegal domestic pet trade.

The group of repatriated animals features several highly vulnerable endemic species, including one Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis), eight eclectus parrots (Eclectus roratus), two Moluccan king parrots (Eos bornea), four chattering lories (Lorius garrulus), one Aru monitor lizard (Varanus becarii), and four coconut crabs (Birgus latro).

BKSDA Maluku officials emphasized that these cross-regional operations are essential to shield unique island species from severe black market pressures, which continue to threaten local wildlife populations. The agency also issued a stern warning reminding the public that possessing or trafficking protected wildlife carries severe criminal penalties under Law No. 5/1990 concerning the Conservation of Living Natural Resources and Ecosystems.

Under Article 21, paragraph (2) and Article 40, paragraph (2) of the conservation law, anyone caught deliberately capturing, injuring, killing, possessing, keeping, transporting, or trading protected species faces up to five years in federal prison and a maximum criminal fine of IDR 100 million (USD 5,578). ***