Details: illegal poaching of Nepenthes
In 2020, two poachers found a new population of critically endangered Nepenthes clipeata plants and were paid by Alfie Chiang (referred to as “AC” in the Jakarta Post screenshots below) to poach as many as plants possible. The poachers ripped out bags full of this near-extinct plant (which they documented in the photos they took of themselves and released online), as well as critically endangered orchids. It is not known if any Nepenthes clipeata plants currently survive in the wild. The poachers were arrested by the Indonesian West Kalimantan Police Force and admitted to selling each plant for 500,000 Rupiah (= approx US $33.50) to Alfie Chiang (see Jakarta Post article). Both poachers were charged with violating Article 21 paragraph 1 and Article 40 paragraph 2 of Indonesian Law No 5/1900 on natural resources, which stipulates a maximum punishment of five yeas in jail or a Rp 100 million fine (please see screenshot of the Jakarta Post article below). Congratulations to the Indonesian West Kalimantan Police Force for their excellent work and to all supporting government agencies in Indonesia, including the Environment and Forestry Ministry, and in particular, the Suara Pelindung Hutan (voice of the Forest Protector) community group for reporting this case of poaching to the authorities. Action like this can halt poaching by serving as a warning to others.
Recent Comments