Man arrested for keeping 24 protected bird species in Kuta

A 47-year-old man in Kuta has been arrested for allegedly keeping two dozen protected bird species, after authorities launched an investigation based on tip-offs from local residents. 

According to a statement released by the Environment and Forestry Ministry, a joint task force that included officers from the Bali Police and the Indonesian Military confiscated the birds on Wednesday. Investigators are still looking into the case to determine the suspect’s modus operandi. 

Among the 24 birds are eight yellow-crested cockatoo and three black-winged starling, both of which are critically endangered. Others found include the salmon-crested cockatoo, the Bali starling, and the black-capped lory. The birds are now under the care of Wildlife Conservation Park in Tabanan regency. 

The suspect, identified by his initials INS, has been charged with violation of Indonesia’s 1990 Conservation Law, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum fine of IDR100 million (US$6,882).

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