City birds suffer from diminishing green areas

Birds living in the capital need more trees to help them procure food and build nests to survive, as there is a lack of green areas in the city, a bird lover said Sunday.

"Today, the birds have few habitats in which to live. The trees provide nesting spots, flowers and seeds and fruits for them," said Ady Kristanto, spokesperson for Jakarta Green Monster, a nongovernment organization advocating sustainable management of wetlands.

Green areas in the capital have shrunk due to the massive development of high-rise buildings, houses and roads, forcing the number of species down from 100 to 83 within a short period of time, Ady said.

“The diminishing green areas force the birds to move out of the city. Muara Angke Wildlife Reserve, for example, has lost some bird species.”

"We hope the city administration can do something about it, such as closely monitor the area and punish those who break the law," he added.