Residents Protect Menoreh Mountains in Yogyakarta from Bird Poachers

In Purwosari Village, Kulon Progo Regency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, local residents are collaborating to protect precious wild birds from poachers. The area has become a target for poaching due to demand from the songbird market, which seeks various species, including many that are protected. Tegar Cahaya Putra, an activist from the "Kelompok Lestari Purwosari" (Purwosari Lestari Group), which promotes ecotourism in the village, recounted a recent incident. A man was discovered by residents in the hilly area carrying a small speaker, birdlime, and a cage. Although initially warned by residents, the man left only to move to a different location and continue his poaching activities. However, he was spotted by other residents, and information was shared through a WhatsApp group, leading to his apprehension by the community. The apprehended man was taken to the community secretariat in Purwosari Village, where his identity was verified, and his equipment, including birdlime and speakers, was confiscated. He was then made to sign an affidavit pledging not to repeat his actions. The residents immediately released several captured birds, such as the yellow-spectacled white-eye, ruby-throated bulbul, and greater necklaced laughingthrush, back into the wild. Some of these species may be protected under Indonesian law. Even after this incident, other cases of individuals attempting to poach birds in the area have occurred. Recently, a minor from the neighboring Girimulyo sub-district was caught poaching. This young individual attends a local junior high school (SMP) and was initially warned but was not cooperative, leading to them being brought to the community. The motive for poaching was to earn money, employing methods such as using small speakers to play bird songs to lure them and then trapping them with birdlime. Purwosari Village, located in the westernmost part of Kulon Progo Regency, boasts a rich natural environment. To preserve this valuable ecosystem, the residents are working together to monitor and prevent poaching activities throughout the region. This effort highlights the strong sense of community solidarity and environmental awareness within the local population. Source: Mongabay Indonesia