Jakarta, April 3 -- Indonesian authorities have dismantled an illegal trade network involving protected wild birds, sending a strong signal in the country's ongoing fight against rising environmental crime.

The operation was launched after authorities detected suspects advertising rare birds for sale online. Law enforcement officers conducted inspections, seized several protected bird species and arrested individuals suspected of involvement in the trafficking ring.

Indonesia has long been regarded as a hotspot for the illegal wildlife bird trade. Keeping pet birds, especially songbirds, is a popular pastime in the country, creating high demand that has fueled illicit trafficking networks.

Experts warn that many of Indonesia's endemic ...