Denpasar, Bali, Sept. 1 -- The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has honored Bali's animal, fish and plant quarantine office for helping rescue thousands of wild birds from illegal wildlife trafficking.

"This award encourages us to maintain integrity and strengthen cooperation with stakeholders. Protecting wildlife requires collective efforts to preserve Indonesia's rich biodiversity," office head Heri Yuwono said here Monday.

The recognition from the IUCN Species Survival Commission Asian Songbird Trade Specialist Group honors the office's efforts to stop wild-bird smuggling in cooperation with other agencies.

Bali's strategic location and high flow of goods and passengers make it a key area requiring strict monito...