Sorong, SW Papua, Oct. 9 -- Authorities in West Papua thwarted the smuggling of eight black-capped lories (Lorius lory) aboard the cargo ship KM Dobonsolo at Sorong General Port on Wednesday night.

Genman Suhefti Hasibuan, head of the West Papua BBKSDA (Natural Resources Conservation Agency), said the discovery happened during a routine inspection on the ship's third deck around 7 p.m. local time.

"During the check, our team found one black-capped lory," Genman told Anadolu Agency by phone on Thursday.

A follow-up search uncovered seven more birds, one of which was already dead.

All eight birds were secured and taken to the BBKSDA office in West Papua for documentation and care.

The black-capped lory is a protected species endemic to...