Indonesia’s Wildlife Crimes Unit

Black Market Tigers Video

A Wildlife Crimes Unit coordinator talks about fighting a dangerous trade in Indonesia.

©WCS

Tarsius Indonesian Wildlife Crimes Unit Photo

Tarsiers are among the wildlife impacted by hunting and wildlife trade.

©WCSIP

spectacular variety of wildlife species live on the islands of Indonesia, from birds of paradise to tigers and elephants. As one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, it also has one of the highest human populations—the fourth largest in the world. The island faces heavy development pressure, and increasingly, its people are harvesting the wealth of natural resources to supply a growing wildlife trade. The islands are now home to the highest number of internationally threatened mammals and birds, largely due to uncontrolled hunting. To help stem the trade, WCS and the Indonesian Department of Forestry work together as “Wildlife Crimes Units,” conducting on-the-ground enforcement as well as education campaigns.

Challenges

Hunting and wildlife trade have tremendous impacts on the biodiversity of Indonesia. Tons of turtles and pangolins (a type of scaly anteater), are exported on a weekly basis, and about 1.5 million wild-caught birds are sold in a bird market every year in Java, according to the wildlife trade monitoring network known as TRAFFIC. A steady demand for tiger parts fuels a lucrative export trade from Sumatra to China, where tiger skins and bones are sold as souvenirs, talismans, and ingredients for traditional medicines.

While Indonesia does have a system of laws to control wildlife hunting and trade, enforcement is weak. In addition, many of its protected areas lack adequate resources and staff to prevent poachers from entering.

Goals

• In key locations, establish Wildlife Crimes Units comprising teams of staff members from various government agencies, including the judiciary, as well as local NGOs and the media.
• Mount a media campaign to raise awareness about the perils of wildlife crime and to promote strict controls.
• Expand the network of Wildlife Crimes Units throughout Indonesia.