You many have heard the shocking recent photographs of at least 21 yellow-crested cockatoo smuggled in plastic bottles in well-filled coffers. Peering, choking birds were recently recovered by agents of the Indonesian wildlife during an attempted smuggling of Java by a wildlife trafficker. Why is obsessed with birds leading to a drastic measure, since a large part of these birds die during the process of smuggling? And what impact this has on wild populations?
The cockatoo crested is now critically endangered. He has not left much time. Yet, curiously, none of the 21 birds were captured from the island of Sumba, which made progress in the field of conservation.
?Why these protected cockatoos coveted
Apparently, these friendly birds make good pets; they are able to mimic human speech and can be trained to learn certain behaviors.
kept apart from their family groups, those sad animals have even been filmed imitating bad words - a video of an Indonesian cockatoo called Peaches watch the swearing birds and discuss with him -even after living with a volatile couple later divorced. Peaches shakes his head as angry, I do not find the video "hilarious" - I feel the impact of our actions and emotions of all living beings and nothing but the sense of sadness
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Photo by Burung Indonesia
Captured in Sulawesi Islands and the Lesser Sundas, there are actually four subspecies of cockatoo with yellow crest, including citron cockatoo Sumbanese -West. Sumba is a paradise for bird watchers. According to recent research, there are 212 species of birds on Sumba, nine are found only on this island. Sumba is home to endemic delights such as buttonquail Sumba The Sumba boobook owl, the fruit-dove neck red, green pigeon Sumba, Sumba flycatcher, apricot-breasted sunbird and Sumba Hornbill threatened, which is also traded illegally. Islands have always been colored stews and diversity and Sumba is certainly no exception. A jewel of the Wallacea region (named after the famous explorer Alfred Wallace) and near the Wallace line, the island is a place of transition between the eco-regions of Asia and Australia and the cockatoo crested is an example of a species whose ancestors descended from Australia.
Although this cockatoo has faced numerous threats on Sumba, historically, it has always been appreciated within the company. " Kaka maka bunggur pirihu kanguting " is a term Sumbanese about deliberation and consensus, and it refers to a cockatoo motif engraved on tombstones. Live in clustered groups, cockatoos symbolize the society of the island, which always seeks to maintain harmony. Ironically Sumba beginning to change its relationship with the natural world is under threat.
Onggo Simon, co-author of Membingkai Harmoni Alam Konservasi (Framing the nature conservation Harmony) is working on the conservation of Park National Laiwangi Wanggameti in East Sumba. An avid photographer, Onggo has always been keen to capture the birds of the island to allow more people to be aware of the uniqueness of each species. Using the vehicle of photography, Onggo explains why he believes that his book is a useful conservation tool. " Visual language is a better way to bring a new experience on the familiar conservation activities and inspire further potential. The images are now open to international forums to encourage interest in nature Sumba. "
Curious to know more about the citron cockatoo-crested, I asked Onggo on its main threats. "The cockatoo is considered a pest by farmers because they eat the corn harvest. The illegal trade has led to a drastic reduction of the population and clearing for agriculture and tree felling are also main causes habitat loss. the availability of holes for nests is important to support the people, so to protect certain species of trees with patrols is vital, "he said.
"The main threats to the cockatoo crested are limited remaining habitat, as forests are generally dispersed in a small area. Cockatoo poaching still occurs in some places, despite a reduction in smuggling over the last 10 years. small forest blocks reduce the scope of cockatoos and there are limited genetic exchange between populations.
"in forest protection, Burung Indonesia has worked both with authority and the local community. Working with stakeholders and villages around the National Park Manupeu Tanadaru, agreements have been facilitated that combine conservation and development needs and seek to promote the role of local people in the protection of resources and improve their means of subsistence, "said Agista.
Sumba is considered one of the poorest islands in Indonesia and that villages often engage in deforestation traditionally the links between society and nature were strong - their animist cultures interlaced with the patterns of nature. Therefore, work closely with communities is a priority.
"Our 'Forest Garden' program was also promoted to meet the timber needs. Local conservation groups were encouraged to plant forest tree species on their private land and improve forest cover . in addition, public awareness strategies have been implemented on a large scale. the message is to make people aware of the richness and uniqueness of their natural resources and to promote the importance of conservation. Burung the Indonesia has also managed to be part of the conservation of the local program has been taught in all primary schools in three districts, "said Agista.
Burung Indonesia is also involved in the mapping, research and the creation of information boards, which are used in ports around Sumba better known. Perhaps it is time to question our perception of what a caged bird is - is it really funny to see the swearing cockatoo Peaches and shaking? Or would it be more beautiful to see Peaches sat well with her family in a healthy forest? Birds speak, but the words we write.