"Indonesia's orangutan, rhinoceros, elephant, ox, tiger, monkey, cockatoo, eagle and turtle are among these endangered species," coordinator of the Yogyakarta Wild Animal Preservation, Ferry Ardyanto, was quoted by the state Antara news agency as saying.

Ardyanto blamed a trend among wealthier Indonesians for keeping exotic animals, birds or reptiles as pets.

"The number of people who keep wild animals as pets is increasing. They however do not know exactly how to look after them," he said, describing existing regulations on animal protection as ineffective.

A conservation official called last month for a tax on exotic pets, which are seen as status symbols.

Several members of the moneyed elite keep exotic pets ranging from orangutans, honey bears, gibbons, monkeys, turtles and even small crocodiles. The practice is illegal but prosecutions are rare.

Thousands of rare and protected animals and birds are also smuggled out of Indonesia every month with the complicity of officials.

SPACE.WIRE