Years ago I read about the biggest bird market in the world (in Jakarta) and it sparked my interest. Unfortunately however I know nothing about, and have very little interest in birds. While in Jakarta for a meeting this weekend I gave a central animal market a visit though and here is a general overview of whats being sold to the pet trade commonly. I will not really comment on the animal welfare side of things. I think we can all agree on that aspect. Whether sold or not these animals don't have long.
Spoiler alert, there is not much in the way of tortoises. There were sulcatas which I didn't photograph, assuming I would come across something more interesting. I also did not photograph many birds or fish, which constituted most of the animals here.
Firstly, just an insane number of monkeys. These macquaques' native range does not extend to java, they are an invasive species here... Which is the only positive of this situation. $30 each before negotiations.
The second very common thing was owls and bats. These do not seem like practical pets to me. Can you imagine the husbandry required to keep them properly?
Flying foxes and various scops owls below. Both native and near threatened locally.
Owls are $20 a piece. Did not ask about the bats.
Fighting cocks, probably the most expensive things here.
Next we have luwaks (Asian palm civets) ($40), Sumatran flying squirrels ($20) and baby Asian mongooses ($10).
Lots of sugar gliders
Reptile wise lots of non native iguanas, some common or captive bred pythons and various other snakes.
Turtle wise, we most commonly found near threatened Asian box turtles ($10) and RES ($2-$3)
BUT, when asking around about tortoises, I was invited into a shop where they had Sulawesi forest turtles... Critically endangered but not yet protected by law here. He wanted $90 for the pair. This is the species I am most interested in, but cannot sanction purchasing from a source like this.
Oh and sent through WhatsApp after I exchanged numbers and left... Fly River turtles. Endangered and protected here.
Spoiler alert, there is not much in the way of tortoises. There were sulcatas which I didn't photograph, assuming I would come across something more interesting. I also did not photograph many birds or fish, which constituted most of the animals here.
Firstly, just an insane number of monkeys. These macquaques' native range does not extend to java, they are an invasive species here... Which is the only positive of this situation. $30 each before negotiations.
The second very common thing was owls and bats. These do not seem like practical pets to me. Can you imagine the husbandry required to keep them properly?
Flying foxes and various scops owls below. Both native and near threatened locally.
Owls are $20 a piece. Did not ask about the bats.
Fighting cocks, probably the most expensive things here.
Next we have luwaks (Asian palm civets) ($40), Sumatran flying squirrels ($20) and baby Asian mongooses ($10).
Lots of sugar gliders
Reptile wise lots of non native iguanas, some common or captive bred pythons and various other snakes.
Turtle wise, we most commonly found near threatened Asian box turtles ($10) and RES ($2-$3)
BUT, when asking around about tortoises, I was invited into a shop where they had Sulawesi forest turtles... Critically endangered but not yet protected by law here. He wanted $90 for the pair. This is the species I am most interested in, but cannot sanction purchasing from a source like this.
Oh and sent through WhatsApp after I exchanged numbers and left... Fly River turtles. Endangered and protected here.