The Bali Myna, also known as the Bali Starling, is a type of bird that can only be found on the island of Bali in Indonesia. Sadly, this species is on the brink of extinction, making it even more special. What makes this bird so beautiful are its white feathers and blue eye ring, which make it highly desirable to bird enthusiasts worldwide.
Despite its flashy appearance, the Bali Myna has a complicated and tumultuous history. Due to loss of habitat and illegal poaching for the bird trade, the species was on the brink of extinction in the 1960s. Shockingly, by the mid-1990s, there were only six known Bali Mynas left in the wild.
To save the Bali Myna from extinction, conservationists began a captive breeding program in the 1970s. Through the program’s success, hundreds of Bali Mynas were hatched in captivity by the 1980s. However, releasing these birds into the wild proved challenging as they lacked prior experience outside of captivity, resulting in many not surviving.
To tackle the issue of Bali Mynas struggling to survive and breed when released alone, conservationists came up with a new approach. They started releasing them in pairs, as this increased their chances of living and reproducing successfully. Furthermore, another strategy employed was the creation of protected areas and stricter measures against illegal hunting, all aimed at preserving the Bali Myna’s natural habitat.
As a result of these efforts, the Bali Myna population is showing signs of recovery. It is estimated that by 2021, there will be around 100-200 Bali Mynas in existence, which is a big improvement from the alarming numbers of the mid-90s when only six of these birds were found in their natural habitat. It’s definitely a positive step towards saving this endangered species.
The Bali Myna holds great cultural value in Bali and is not just a species that needs protection. The bird is considered a sacred animal by many Balinese people as it is even depicted on the island’s coat of arms. Tourists also visit Bali to catch a glimpse of this beautiful bird in its natural habitat.