Learn about Bali Starling, the threats that brought them to the brink of extinction and the conservation efforts currently being done to sustain their existence.

Bali Starling (Leucopsar rothschildi), or also known as Bali Myna, is a beautiful bird species endemic to Bali. This bird is regarded as the mascot of Bali. Its feathers are pure white and the skin around its eyes are of distinctive sapphire blue color. The white crest on their heads is a unique feature that stands up when they are happy or feeling competitive.

The beauty of Bali Starling has made this rare bird species widely sought after for caged-bird trade, causing illegal trapping which has brought this avian species to the critically endangered stage in the IUCN conservation status (International Union for Conservation of Nature). The loss of habitat due to illegal logging is making the situation more difficult for Bali Starling to survive, let alone to increase population.

Numerous efforts were taken by the government working together with various conservation organizations that fight for Bali Starling’s survival. Captive breeding program was introduced in several areas in Bali to support the population inside the West Bali National Park which is the original habitat of Bali Starling. As a result, the number of individuals identified in the wild has shown a good increase, but it is still a long way if we are to improve the conservation status of the Bali Starling from ‘critically endangered’ to ‘endangered’.

This Bali Starling Experience program takes you to Utu village in Tabanan, one of the areas appointed to carry out the captive breeding program of Bali Starling. It also gives an opportunity to visit Pura Luhur Besikalung – temple in the forest, and on the way back enjoy the wonderful scenery of Jatiluwih rice-terraces (traditional irrigation system called Subak), a UNESCO world heritage site.