JAKARTA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia has thwarted an attempt to traffic around 100 protected birds endemic to Papua through a port here and is investigating a broader wildlife smuggling network, the Forestry Ministry said Friday.

File photo: AFP

The operation, conducted on June 6-7, followed intelligence on the use of maritime routes to transport protected wildlife from Papua, said the ministry.

After the seizure, the birds were transferred to a wildlife rescue center in Jakarta for treatment and health assessments, authorities said.

Investigators were tracing the distribution chain and identifying those involved in the shipment, including senders, receivers and intermediaries.

Indonesia ranks among the world's most biodiverse countries, housing a vast array of endemic species, but it remains a major source and transit point for the illegal wildlife trade.