The most endangered tortoise in the world is being sold openly at a plant and animal exhibition in the heart of Indonesia's capital, highlighting concerns about the rampant - and growing - illegal pet trade, wildlife campaigners said today.

The country has become a major trading hub for endangered tortoises and freshwater turtles, including species from Africa, South America and Asia, said Chris Shepherd, of Traffic, a British-based international wildlife monitoring network.

He said the government has failed to follow up on repeated promises to crack down.

Those found today at Jakarta's annual flora and fauna expo - taking place from July 2 to August 2 - included the world's most threatened ploughshare tortoise and the critically endangered radiated tortoises, both from Madagascar and fetching around 150 dollars.

Cages also were filled with rare Indian star tortoises, which are protected under the Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species, known as Cites, and the endangered pig-nose tortoise, from Indonesia's easternmost province of Papua, both selling for 1,500 dollars.

Vendors told The Associated Press that other threatened tortoises and turtles not found on display could easily be obtained for a price.

"Recent surveys, and this expo, have shown that the trade continues and, in fact, now involves more illegally imported species than ever," said Mr Shepherd. "Dealers know full well that it is illegal and are taking advantage of the enforcement agencies' lack of action."

Indonesia, one of the most biologically diverse nations in the world, has for years sold everything from eagles and leopard cats to gibbons as pets in the capital, though often less openly. Shady transactions continue to take place in the back alleys of the popular Pramuka Market.