Species of Langkawi's Poachers

With the increasing number of poachers in Langkawi, I can now categorise them into three species:

JUST FOR FUN (SMALL TIME) KEH LEY FAY POACHERS

These locals were seen waiting to trap birds in the mangroves. They came by long boats especially at high tide when their boats can access further inside. When they walked out carrying covered small cages, you can tell what they were doing. 

These are just some youngsters who have nothing else better to do on their weekends.

Do you notice the small cages on the ground?

The picture above shows the locals were out of the forest with the cages. The types of birds these locals usually trap are the Oriental Magpie Robins (Copsychus saularis), White Rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus),  Bulbuls (Pycnonotus sp.) and Hill Mynas (Gracula religiosa). 

AMATEUR (MID RANGE) POACHERS

This anchovies (ikan bilis) purse seiner was spotted harvesting marine life too close to the shore. All purse seiners must do their catch at least 5km away from the coast or shore.

Their modus operandi were usually during the neap tide period. On days like that, we don't see the enforcers from Marine or even the Jabatan Perikanan (Fisheries Department).

PROFESSIONALS (BIG TIME) POACHERS

They are mysterious. They came by day or night. They acted quietly and their action is huge. They could be one of the big stake players involved in Langkawi's tourism industry. They may be the one talking to the public on their love for the rainforest and looking after the community. These are the Destructive ones. Even the lawmakers and enforcers would bow down and kowtow to them.