Protect Wildlife Sustainability, 24 Reptile Animals Moved From Jakarta To Maluku

Dozens of animals from the tranlocation received by the Maluku BKSDA from the Jakarta BKSDA, Ambon. (DOC. ANTARA)

AMBON - A total of 24 reptile species were received by the Maluku Province Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) from the DKI Jakarta BKSDA.

"These animals will now undergo observation and treatment processes at the Maluku Islands Animal Conservation Center," said Maluku BKSDA Forestry Police (Polhut) Arga Christyan in Ambon, quoted from ANTARA, Saturday, May 10.

The animals received consisted of 13 panana lizards (Tiliqua gigas) and 11 Ambon turtles (Cuora amboinensis). All animals arrived in good health and have been placed in conservation facilities that comply with animal standards of handling and welfare.

According to him, this translocation is part of efforts to preserve wildlife and transfer animals from areas with a high level of pressure to habitats that further support the rehabilitation process.

"Small steps for conservation have a big impact on sustainability," said Arga, emphasizing the importance of the role of all parties in maintaining the survival of Indonesian wildlife.

The Maluku BKSDA invites the public to participate in supporting the preservation of animals by not maintaining, trading, or destroying the natural habitat of protected animals.

He also ensured that the translocation process was carried out in a planned and procedural manner, ranging from licensing to transportation, in order to minimize stress on animals and maintain their survival.

This translocation is part of the synergy between BKSDA working areas throughout Indonesia in saving and rehabilitating wildlife confiscated or handed over by the community.

The goal is to return the animal to its natural habitat or a more ideal conservation center for the species' sustainability.

In the future, the Maluku BKSDA will continue to strengthen education to the public about the importance of protecting wildlife and supporting the preservation of biodiversity, especially in the Maluku Islands which is rich in endemic species.

Based on the provisions of Law no. 5 of 1990 concerning Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and their Ecosystems that anyone with intent to arrest, injure, kill, store, possess, maintain, transport, and trade protected animals (Article 21 paragraph (2) letter a), is threatened with a maximum imprisonment of five years and a maximum fine of Rp. 100 million (Article 40 paragraph (2)).