An owl found dead in Poco Ndeki forest, Kota Komba district, East Manggarai regency, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, on Oct. 14. It was allegedly shot by illegal hunters. (Courtesy of/Samuel Rabenak)

Located in Tanah Rata village, Kota Komba district, East Manggarai regency, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, the forest is considered to be one of the best spots to observe various endemic Flores birds.

Samuel said the types of birds found in the area were eagles, crows, dark-backed imperial pigeons, black-nape fruit-doves, Maluku owls, blue-tailed bee-eater and crested white-eyes, among others.

“I hope this forest is well taken care of by residents, and that all birds can thrive in the area,” he said.

During his visit on Sunday, Samuel’s guests met with the residents, who then informed them that it was not uncommon to see people from outside the area hunting for birds with air rifles.

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Yohanes Jehabut, another guide in Flores, told The Jakarta Poston Monday that illegal hunting was rampant in Poco Ndeki. Captured birds are often sent to Bali, with Flores green pigeons among those targeted as they moved slowly.

“Every birdwatching guide who goes to Poco Ndeki has met people carrying air rifles,” he said.

Yohanes said the forest was the best spot in West Flores for birdwatching, but the area had grown unpleasant with the increasing number of hunters, making birdwatchers reluctant to come to the area.  

“Earlier this month, I accompanied several international bird watchers to Poco Ndeki. But upon entering, I felt ashamed as we ran into a number of people with air rifles for the purpose of hunting. That would not make guests want to return,” he said.

Yohanes said he hoped the East Manggarai administration would build a forest checkpoint and install signage for a better prevention. Failure to do so would mean the endemic birds of Flores would slowly go extinct, he said. (wng)