OCT 26, 2017, 12:26 PM SGT
SORONG, INDONESIA (AFP) - Deep in
Indonesia's easternmost province, a group of birdwatchers wait in earnest
hoping to glimpse the renowned birds-of-paradise. Once plentiful in Papua's
jungles, rampant poaching and deforestation have devastated populations.
The tourists are in luck, their
patience is rewarded: Perched on the branch of a tall tree near the remote
village of Malagufuk, a red king bird-of-paradise can be seen darting between
the leaves.
Agricultural plantations, touted
as a means to improve economic opportunities, are rapidly expanding in Papua.
But some villagers and conservationists warn this will result in forests being
destroyed and the birds that inhabit them driven to the brink of extinction.
Birds-of-paradise numbers were
already dwindling in Papua as they are poached, killed and used for decoration.
Authorities have since banned the sale of the species but there is still a
thriving illegal trade because international demand is high.
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