As India probes origin of 5 baby orangutans, Indonesia prepares ground for repatriation
· India · Indian Express
Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry has reached out to Indian authorities to prepare technical requirements for repatriating five baby orangutans rescued from a forest in Balasore district, Odisha. Preliminary assessments by Indonesian officials suggest the animals originate from Sumatra, raising concerns about an organised transnational wildlife trafficking network. Ristianto Pribadi, Director of Public Relations and International Cooperation in Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry, stated that the country is coordinating through government channels and CITES while awaiting the conclusion of Indian judicial and statutory procedures. Sushil Kumar Awasthi, Director General of Forests and Special Secretary in India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, acknowledged the communication from Indonesia. Awasthi explained that state-level forest authorities must complete their investigation before any formal decision regarding the custody or transfer of the animals is authorised by a
Why it matters
The case highlights the operation of transnational wildlife trafficking networks across South Asia and requires cross-border cooperation between Indian and Indonesian environmental authorities for the repatriation of endangered species.
Read the original report — Indian Express
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.