By: Putri Nidyaningsih

There are still many poaching problems in the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (TNBBS) forest area, making the patrol team work extra. Patrols that are carried out regularly every month lead to direct encounters with hunting groups in the forest. The patrol team arrested two bird poachers. Through a friendly approach, the patrol team tried to find information. The two hunters, who were sitting relaxed, were successfully interviewed by the patrol team.

Hunting activities are usually carried out in groups. Each group of hunters usually consists of 2 to 5 people. The targets hunted also vary, depending on the request. Sometimes hunting groups, hunt anything that is encountered and can be sold.

On this occasion, a variety of birds were the targets of the two hunters. According to one of the hunters, the birds are usually sold around the Biha bridge. They get a loan to go hunting with a total of Rp 300,000 per person which includes rice, and side dishes for needs in the forest.

For about 5 days the hunting group stayed in the forest by making a temporary camp on the edge of a small river. In addition to avoiding forest security officers/police, the reason for choosing near the river so that the need for water for drinking and cooking can be easily obtained.

This is not the first time this group of hunters has entered the TNBBS area. "I have been in and out of the forest four times to look for birds," said one of the hunters. The vast area of TNBBS, while the number of security teams is limited, makes it difficult and overwhelming for the TNBBS Center to protect this conservation area rich in biodiversity. Therefore, to protect the TNBBS area, joint patrol activities are carried out involving several partner institutions and the community.

The joint patrol team between WWF-Indonesia, TNBBS rangers and the community managed to release 28 birds including 4 Flores parrots (Gracula religiosa mertensii), 3 birons or blue cucak (Irena puella), 1 green cucak (Chloropsis sonnerati), and the most species of twig cucak (Chloropsis cochinchinensis) 20 birds. All of these hunted birds are popular for their beautiful voices. These birds are often entered in birdsong contests.

According to Law No. 5/1990 on the Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems, the trade of protected wildlife is prohibited and subject to sanctions. However, weak law enforcement has made poachers indifferent. Due to high demand, poaching is still common in TNBBS. Therefore, a joint effort is needed to stop the wildlife trade.