JAKARTA, Feb 3 (NNN-ANTARA) – Indonesian authorities saved two babies of critically endangered Sumatran orangutans, from a wildlife trafficking, and detained a man suspected of illegal trading.
The two Sumatran orangutan babies were seized at the suspect’s house, in North Sumatra province’s district of Langkat, Director General of Law Enforcement, at the Indonesian Environment and Forestry Ministry, Rasio Ridho, said in a statement.
The 38-year-old man, who owns the baby orangutans, was declared a suspect of wildlife trafficking, and could face a five-year jail term and a fine of 100 million rupiahs (7,283.3 U.S. dollars), if convicted.
The official urged all parties involved, to fight wildlife trafficking, stressing that the government has given priority to the protection of rare animals.
“We must protect our biodiversity, particularly orangutans, as they are an exotic species. Therefore, the perpetrator of the crime against orangutans must be punished as harsh as possible,” he said.
Based on evidence, the man is believed to be a member of an international ring of animal trafficking, according to Jefri Susianto, head of the Mount Leuser National Park Centre in the province.
The population of Sumatran orangutan, which is one of the three species of orangutans and occurs only on Indonesia’s island of Sumatra, is estimated at about 7,000 as of 2015.– NNN-ANTARA
