Wildlife Under Pressure: New Study Exposes Illegal Trade in Papua
An initial investigation reveals the scale of hunting, smuggling, and market demand threatening Papua’s unique species, from Birds of Paradise to pig-nosed turtles.
The scale of the trade
Papua, Indonesia’s easternmost region, is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, home to hundreds of endemic birds, reptiles, and mammals. A new investigation has shed light on the widespread illegal wildlife trade taking place across the province. Researchers documented at least 82 species being traded, with 25 of these – representing some 16,800 individual animals – classified as illegal. Birds dominated the market, with the Western Black-capped Lory (Lorius lory) emerging as the most heavily traded species, while the endangered Pig-nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) was targeted for both its meat and eggs. In total, over 42,000 turtle eggs were found to have been collected and sold during the study period.
The study revealed that wildlife trade in Papua is not a marginal issue but a widespread practice cutting across different districts, from Jayapura to Merauke. Reptiles dominated the markets in some regions, while birds were more common elsewhere. Of the traded animals, 35% were protected under Indonesian law, with several species listed as threatened or endangered by the IUCN.
Hunting methods and smuggling routes
Hunting methods varied by culture and species. Indigenous Papuans often relied on traditional techniques such as bows, arrows, spears, and dogs, while migrants from other islands used snares, nets, birdlime, catapults, and air rifles. Smuggling routes linked remote forests to major Indonesian cities like Surabaya, Makassar, Bali, and Jakarta. Birds were often stuffed into plastic bottles or hidden in boxes to evade airport and seaport checks, while turtles were packed into holed crates for shipment.
Much of the hunting and selling was carried out as a side job, but the economic pull was clear: Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea spp.) sold for up to 2.7 million rupiah each, while colourful parrots and cockatoos fetched high prices depending on plumage and ability to mimic sounds. Demand, particularly from the pet trade and cultural markets, was the main driver of the trade.
Rising threats to familiar species
Some species once rarely targeted are now emerging as new commodities. The Papua Butcherbird (Cracticus cassicus), valued for its powerful song, is gaining popularity across Indonesian markets, raising fears of future population declines. Meanwhile, the Pig-nosed Turtle faces relentless pressure, with egg collection far exceeding government quotas in several regions. Despite some attempts at regulated ranching, overharvesting continues to threaten its survival.
Researchers warn that the scale of the trade in Papua is greater than that documented in other Indonesian regions, making it a hotspot of concern. The findings highlight how quickly cultural and subsistence hunting practices are shifting towards commercial exploitation.
Implications for conservation
While enforcement agencies in Papua have stepped up operations, the study emphasises that seizures and arrests are not enough. The authors call for coordinated monitoring at key hunting and trade hotspots, stronger partnerships between local communities, government, and NGOs, and the development of alternative livelihoods to reduce reliance on hunting. They also urge further research to track trade flows across seasons and years, warning that short-term surveys cannot capture the full scale of the problem.
At the heart of the issue is a clash between cultural traditions, economic opportunity, and conservation needs. Papua’s wildlife – from its iconic Birds of Paradise to little-known reptiles – faces mounting threats from a trade that stretches far beyond its forests. Without stronger protections and alternative economic pathways, some of these unique species may not survive the growing demand.
September 2025
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