Ornithological Note 15
Country: Java
Section(s): conservation, reintroductions, Status and Conservation
The Black-winged Myna (Acridotheres melanopterus) is listed as Critically Endangered by BirdLife International as a result of intensive poaching over at least the last 50 years on Java and Bali. Only a few individuals remain in the wild in very localised areas. To counteract this, the Conservation Breeding Centre of Pusat Penyelamatan Satwa Cikananga (Cikananga Wildlife Rescue Centre) founded a captive population in 2001 with 24 birds from the West Java subspecies (A. m. melanopterus). Currently, the centre has more than 185 individuals.
Two reintroductions have been implemented during the last year. In April 2013, 40 individuals were released in Gunung Halimun Salak National Park. In December 2013, 25 birds were released in Rawa Danau Nature Reserve. Intensive monitoring and work with local people is currently ongoing to evaluate the adaptation of these birds to their environment and to encourage people to preserve this species.
This programme has received the support of several institutions in Europe (zoos and conservation organisations) as well as from local people who are proud to be an integral part of the protection of this emblematic species.
Recommended Citation
Tritto, A. (2014). Reintroduction of the Black-winged Myna. HBW Alive Ornithological Note 15. In: Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow-on.100015
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