Nusa Penida Bird Sanctuary

The Bali starling (Leucopsar rothshildi) is an indigenous bird that is part of the fauna of Bali Island. This fascinating bird has clean white feathers and black beak. Population of this bird grows few and far between, the more so in its wild habitat in the Bali Barat National Park. For this reason, the Begawan Giri Foundation, in cooperation with the National Park Enthusiasts Foundation, held a program to breed and preserve this fauna that progressively comes into extinction.

Breeding programs transpiring for 5 months since July 2006 indicated that of the 25 birds bred, 23 birds could survive. This signified that its mortality rate amounted to 8%. Incapacity factor to adapt naturally on the first deliverance showed that a bird only survived for five days, while another died as it was preyed by a snake when it was incarcerating its eggs in a tree.
During the breeding period, there were 5 additional populations. This shows an increase of population as much as 20%. Therefore, the adaptability and birth rate of this bird in the wild nature is moderately good. Proven, the increase of its population is adequately high.
Up to these days, there have been 10 couples established. Those that have indicated the signs of nestling and breeding were 7 couples and even 4 couples have had five offsprings and accomplished to look them after until they could live independently.
The progress of breeding and preservation of this Bali starling on Nusa Penida is not separable from the participation of several parties in which one of them is the local community. This proves that the people of Nusa Penida have shown their commitment to conserve the existence of this rare bird. Support of the locals for the conservation of Bali starling to its wild habitat is the most significant matter if viewed in terms of similar programs in the last habitat of Bali starling, namely the Bali Barat National Park.
(BTN/rai/*)