Forest conversion endangers Sulawesi endemic bird

The government’s plan to convert 14,000 hectares of area in Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park in Gorontalo into production forest is feared to put the population of Sulawesi endemic bird Maleo at risk.

Earth Community nongovernmental organization executive Muhammad Djufryhard said on Monday the species’ extinction would be just about time as the conversion would affect Maleo’s habitat and conservation area.

“Sooner or later Maleo will vanish if the forest conversion materializes,” Djufryhard told Antara state news agency.

The conservation area has seen 2,600 Maleo birds sent to the wild since 2003. The big bird, known for its monogamous behavior, usually hatches its eggs near the coast or hot springs.

Djufryhard said the provincial government had proposed the forest conversion due to rampant gold mining activities in the national park.