The Bali Myna or Bali Starling, a bird species found only on the island of Bali in Indonesia, is facing severe endangerment. Its distinct features include the beautiful white feathers and unique blue eye ring, which make it one of the most coveted and visually stunning birds worldwide.
The Bali Myna may seem like a flamboyant bird, but its history is quite tumultuous. Due to habitat destruction and poaching for illegal trading, the species faced extinction in the 1960s. By the mid-1990s, only six Bali Mynas were left in their natural habitat. In response, conservationists initiated a captive breeding program in the 1970s to save the species. The program was successful, with hundreds of birds hatched in captivity by the 1980s. However, reintroducing these captive-bred birds into the wild proved challenging, as many lacked survival skills learned from living outside of captivity.
Conservationists have found that releasing Bali Mynas in pairs instead of alone increases their chances of survival and reproduction. To further protect these birds, efforts have been made to establish protected areas and enforce laws against illegal hunting to preserve their natural habitat.
The efforts to save Bali Mynas have been successful, resulting in a gradual increase in their population. By 2021, there may be around 100 to 200 Bali Mynas worldwide, which is a significant improvement compared to the mid-1990s when only six of them were known to exist in their natural habitat, and their population was at high risk of extinction.
The Bali Myna bird holds great cultural significance in Bali and is highly regarded by the Balinese people. Not only is it a conservation icon, but it is also considered a sacred animal and features on the island’s coat of arms. Many tourists visit Bali to catch a glimpse of the bird in its natural habitat and enjoy its beauty.
