Author : Djuwantoko

Summary : A survey conducted from November, 1985 to March, 1986 showed that the wildlife trade in Central Java is mainly based on the demand for pets, pleasure and recreation; for religious needs to a lesser extent; and lastly for food. Volume of wildlife annually from the wild was estimated to be about 14,048 animals. Out of these, 10,709 animals reached the hand users. A collector's monthly catch averaged about 36 animals of 5-14 species. He used a combination of mist nets, snares and adhesive. The trade scheme in Semarang was characterized by the complete turnover of wild stock from collectors to middlemen. From there, wildlife was resold to petshop owners or directly to users, On the other hand, collectors from Yogyakarta brought their goods to petshops or sold to users in the cities and to middlemen who came to their villages. wildlife collected by collectors was composed of 23 families, 55 species of birds and 4 families, 7 species of mammals. Percent injuries due to trapping was high (70-80 percent), however, mortality of wildlife captured was low (10-20 percent). Species which commanded high prices in the market were Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata), Peacock (Pavo muticus), Jungle fowl (Gallus gallus) and (G. various) and those that are coming from places outside Java like Great Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea) and Hill Mynah (Gracula religiosa). Species which were most often found in the market and cheap in price were Munia (Lonchura sp.), Java sparrow (Padda oryzivora) and Zebra Sparrow (Amandava amandava). The survey revealed that some protected species were found in the open market and immature wild animals and eggs were indiscrimiately gathered by collectors. Major drawbacks to a more effective control and monitoring mechanism were due to the lack of manpower and facilities as well as professional training in the forest protection and nature conservation field officers.