Indonesia foils illegal trade of 16 protected raptors

JAKARTA, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry has thwarted an illegal wildlife trade case involving 16 protected raptors in Central Bangka regency, Bangka Belitung Islands province, an official said on Monday.

Hari Novianto, head of the forestry law enforcement agency for Sumatra Region at the ministry, said the operation was carried out on Sept. 10 following a public report. Authorities seized 13 black-winged kites and three white-bellied kites.