Bali Starling Conservation Project

Saving the Bali Starling from Extinction
The Bali Starling Conservation Project was Begawan Foundation’s first initiative, established in 1999 with the aim of saving this precious bird from the very real threat of extinction. Famed for its beauty, the Bali Starling became the official mascot of Bali province in 1991. Its beauty, however, turned out to be its potential demise. Local and overseas demand led to a drastic decrease in its numbers. At one point, there were thought to be only 16 birds left living in the wild.

Begawan Foundation has developed a successful breeding programme with excellent facilities and expert supervision by Bali’s leading avian veterinarian, Drh I. G. N. Bayu Wirayudha. By November 2005, the Foundation’s captive population had grown from four to 97 birds. In July 2006, the first 25 micro-chipped birds were released into the wild on Nusa Penida, a small island south of mainland Bali. Further releases followed and, by end of August 2009, a total of 65 birds had been released and 62 of their offspring were known to have survived and were flying free.

In its efforts to safeguard the birds’ future, the Foundation continues to monitor the birds in the wild and educate the local community about the importance of the programme. Further releases are planned to help ensure that the wild population reaches a level where the Bali Starling is no longer at risk of extinction.

The Foundation has also established similar programmes for other birds in the area, namely Mitchell’s Lorikeet and Javan Peacocks.