The Javan hawk-eagle is considered one of the world's rarest birds, according to Malaysia-based TRAFFIC, a wildlife body that works to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals does not pose a conservation threat.

"Our study suggests that highlighting the Javan Hawk-eagle's plight and making it an icon for Indonesia's wildlife may actually have been the main reason behind an increase in its illegal trade," said Chris Shepherd, senior programme officer for TRAFFIC Southeast Asia in a statement.

In 1993, the Javan Hawk-eagle, an endangered species, was declared Indonesia's national rare animal by former President Suharto.

Shepherd said in the last 20 years, 70 Javan Hawk-eagles have been recorded in trade, the majority of them in recent years.

"Interest in the Javan Hawk-eagle led to a demand for birds in zoo and private collections, with evidence of eagles being smuggled abroad. The species has never bred in captivity," he said.

Shepherd said raising the profile and awareness of threatened wildlife "needs to go hand-in-hand with effective implementation and enforcement of laws to protect the species concerned".

Southeast Asia is a major centre for the wildlife trade, both as a supplier and consumer of wildlife products. The region includes some of the world's poorest countries, where the rich biodiversity is exploited by communities to eke out an existence.

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