Jakarta, Sept. 24 -- The Ministry of Forestry has uncovered an illegal wildlife trade operation involving 48 protected Nicobar pigeons ( Caloenas nicobarica ) and arrested a suspect in Gowa District, South Sulawesi.

"This operation reflects strong inter-agency cooperation and highlights the vital role of public participation in monitoring the illegal trade of protected wildlife in Indonesia," said Director General of Law Enforcement at the ministry, Dwi Januanto Nugroho, in a written statement issued Wednesday.

The operation was carried out by the Sulawesi Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Office, in collaboration with the South Sulawesi Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) and the South Sulawesi Police.

The investigation was...