Abstract
Wildlife trade has become one of the main causes of species loss and extinction. Increasing anthropogenic pressure posits crucial challenges to wildlife, and several species are threatened or at the edge of extinction. In this study, we aimed to examine the current wildlife trade in Makassar City of South Sulawesi, especially focusing on traded species, their area of origin, price, conservation status and traders’ distribution across the city. We conducted a market survey and direct observations of animals and wildlife traders in several locations, using a questionnaire targeting both wildlife/pet sellers and buyers. We also interviewed government bodies related with wildlife trade. Our results showed that there were 13 distribution spots of wildlife trading in the city of Makassar, and 27 different wildlife suppliers. During the seven months of observation (March-September 2018), the trade involved 62 species of birds, mammals and reptiles. More than 50% of these species had Indonesian origins, and 18% were endemic species of Sulawesi Island. The highest number of animals traded in the market were birds. Out of the 2,642 individuals being traded, 32 were considered as protected species under the IUCN regulation, 24 were species whose trade is regulated by CITES, and 10 were nationally protected according to the Indonesian Government’s Laws. The traded animals were obtained from different sources, including direct hunters, middlemen, opportunists, and breeders, mostly from Sulawesi (44.19%) and western parts of Indonesia (37.21%).
Highlights
Wildlife trade has become one of the main causes of species loss and extinction (IUCN, 2007; Harris et al, 2017), and the main threat for biodiversity conservation (Phelps et al, 2010)
3.1 Market sites We identified two wildlife markets and 11 pet sellers in Makassar City
3.2 Current Wildlife Trade Based on our observations and on the survey responses from the wildlife/pet sellers in Makassar, the total number of species found in the market was 62, with a total of 2,642 individuals from various groups of animals
Summary
Wildlife trade has become one of the main causes of species loss and extinction (IUCN, 2007; Harris et al, 2017), and the main threat for biodiversity conservation (Phelps et al, 2010). In response to increasing human population and economic growth, demand for natural resources, in particular wildlife, has escalated all across the world (Gaulke & Fritz, 1998; World Bank, 2005). This has led to unsustainable harvest of wildlife, and illegal wildlife hunting and trading (TRAFFIC, 2008), which are the primary causes of biodiversity loss in Indonesia (Harrison, et al 2016).
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