Observations on trade in laughingthrushes (Garrulax spp.) in North Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

SummaryThe trade in laughingthrush species native to Indonesia is not carried out in accordance with Indonesian legislation and regulations. During 65 surveys carried out in bird markets in 1997–2008, more than 11,000 laughingthrushes representing 10 species were observed, including all five species native to Indonesia. Bird dealers claim that these species are becoming increasingly scarce in Indonesia due to over-harvesting for trade, especially the Sumatran endemic Black-and-white Laughingthrush G. bicolor and the Javan endemic Rufous-fronted Laughingthrush G. rufifrons. Indonesia has legislation in place to protect these species from over-exploitation, yet the illegal trade continues on a large scale, carried out openly in city bird markets. Enforcement of this legislation is critical in order to prevent these species from becoming perilously threatened.