{
  "id": 1729443,
  "title": "On an Indonesian island, an ancient ritual evolves to protect an endangered cockatoo",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/on-an-indonesian-island-an-ancient-ritual-evolves-to-protect-an",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-18T14:10:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mongabay",
    "slug": "mongabay",
    "url": "https://news.mongabay.com/2026/08/on-an-indonesian-island-an-ancient-ritual-evolves-to-protect-an-endangered-cockatoo/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Indonesia's Seram Island, a centuries-old Indigenous ritual is being preserved while simultaneously aiding the protection of the endangered salmon-crested cockatoo, according to a recent study. The research, published in July in the Journal of Ethnobiology, details how the Huaulu people adapted the Cidaku coming-of-age ceremony in tandem with conservationists and government officials. The Cidaku ritual symbolizes young men's transition to adulthood and traditionally included wearing the unique crest feathers of the salmon-crested cockatoo, a bird endemic to the island. The Huaulu, an ancient Indigenous community on Seram, perceive the island's forests as a living realm inhabited by powerful spirits, which guides their conservation efforts. Study lead author Dwi Agustina, a researcher at Indonesia's Gadjah Mada University and coordinator at the Indonesia Cockatoo Conservation Association, explained to Mongabay that the use of cockatoo feathers is deeply rooted in their cultural system and significantly differs from bird hunting for commercial purposes. The Cidaku ritual once included head-taking, but after colonial authorities and Christian missionaries suppressed this practice in the early 20th century, the Huaulu adapted the ceremony to focus on hunting wild animals. As a result, the salmon-crested cockatoo became one of the traditional targets, with its crest feathers used in the ceremonial puheliam headdress. The white feathers symbolize sacred life, peace, and community, while the peach-tinged feathers signify great strength and courage. Due to various factors, the salmon-crested cockatoo has become endangered.",
  "summary": "An Indigenous community on Indonesia’s Seram Island is preserving a centuries-old coming-of-age ritual while helping protect the endangered salmon-crested cockatoo, a new study has found. The study, published in July in the Journal of Ethnobiology, documents how the Huaulu people adapted the sacred Cidaku initiation ceremony in collaboration with conservationists and government authorities. The…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}