BALI PROTECTED SPECIES
Indonesia is home to more than 500 Animal species-more
than anywhere else in the world. It also has the greatest number
of endangered species in the world. Establishing an effective
environmental conservation program is a formidable project. The
government, with the help of private conservation agencies, such
as the World Wide Fund for Nature and the Nature Conservancy,
is working to create a viable network of national parks and nature
reserves where fragile ecosystems and threatened species can be
protected. Two of these national parks, Ujung Kulon in West Java
(home to the world's most endangered large mammal, the Javan rhino)
and Komodo in the Lesser Sundas (home to the Komodo dragon) have
been declared World Heritage Sites by the World Conservation Union.
There are strict laws and severe penalties for trade in endangered
species. The appendices of the Convention on International Trade
in Endangered Species (CITES) lists more than 200 protected species
of Indonesian mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, fish, and mollusks-including
orangutan, parrots, cockatoo, crocodiles, tortoises and turtles,
bird wing butterflies, and black coral. Visitors should be aware
of the fragility of Indonesia's natural environment and not contribute
to any further degradation of it.
Balinese Species
Marine turtle meat, specifically the leatherback turtle, is considered
a delicacy and one of the traditional dishes of ritual feasts.
Leave it for the Balinese. It is illegal to export any products
made from marine turtle shells (e.g. jewelry, combs, boxes). Also
protected by international convention are clams, Triton's trumpet
shells, and the pearly or chambered nautilus shells.
The Bali tiger is confirmed to be extinct. Efforts are on-going
through the West Bali National Park to preserve the white, blue-faced
Bali starling, which is found only in the wild on Bali and is
very seriously endangered.
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