Braminy Kite and White-bellied Sea-eagle: Steps to rehabilitation and releas

Sun, 04/27/2008 12:48 PM  |  Discover

Of all birds rehabilitated at Kotok Island, approximately 50 percent are releasable. The others must remain in captivity for various reasons.

Birds that are kept for a long period in captivity are more dependent on people, and are thus less likely to be released.

Below is a summary of the steps required to prepare a rescued or confiscated bird for release.

Time required until release: minimum 3 months
Step 1: Quarantine

Bird's health checked in Jakarta

Healthy bird transported to Kotok Island, and placed in isolation cage for two weeks

Step 2: Socialization

Bird is mixed with their own species in socialization cage with shallow ponds

Live fish supplied at night during sleep to avoid human interaction

When bird is capable of catching fish and is independent from people, it is moved to a cage in the sea

Step 3: Release

Final criteria that must be met before release are optimum flight condition and survival (able to catch fish directly from sea); once a bird proves capable of these, it is ready for release.

A "wing marker" with identity number and color and a small radio transmitter is attached to bird for tracking.

Identity tag also includes JAAN phone number, in case bird is recaptured or is found in a bad condition; JAAN staff on call to come to pick up bird.

-- Ani Suswantoro

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.