PARTNERS:
Taman Safari Indonesia II Jatim and Prigen Conversation Breeding Ark (PCBA)

INDUSTRY:
Wildlife conservation and captive center

OBJECTIVES:

Releasing wild animals into natural habitats to strengthen wildlife populations in nature..

CHALLENGE:

The population of Java suren starlings shows a declining trend. However, it is estimated that more Javan suren starlings are kept in homes on the island of Java as a result of poaching and trading activities on the island of Java. Due to these conditions, since 2016 the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has upgraded the status of the Javanese suren starling to a CRITICALLY Endangered conservation status. Java suren starlings have a high risk of extinction in nature if conservation action is not taken immediately.

SOLUTIONS:

Indonesia has a diversity of flora and fauna spread across various regions. Its existence needs to be maintained and protected so that it remains sustainable and prevents it from becoming extinct.

With the 2022 National Love Puspa and Wildlife Day (HCPSN), Filantra together with Taman Safari Indonesia and Prigen Conversation Breeding Ark (PCBA) contributed to the “Release of the Javan Suren Starling (Gracupica jalla)” program.

The activity was carried out on Saturday,  5th November 2022 at Taman Safari Indonesia II East Java by releasing 40 Javan suren starlings.

Java suren starlings are the focus of breeding in PCBA, this is because the natural population of Java suren starlings continues to show a downward trend. By carrying out this program, one of them is to strengthen wild animal populations in nature.

“The purpose of this activity is to allow birds to fly freely and carry out their functions in nature as guardians of the balance of the environmental ecosystem,” said Main Director of Taman Safari Indonesia II East Java, Tony Sumampau.

Having a black and white coat color with an ivory white beak and orange skin around the eyes, the Javan suren starling is a songbird whose conservation status is Critically Endangered (CR).

Tony said the suren starlings experienced threats in their survival, namely a decrease in the quality of the habitat where they live, narrowing of the distribution area due to exploitation or logging, conversion for agricultural land, plantations and settlements as well as forest fires. Another threat is poaching and keeping this bird as a pet at home. 

Apart from contributing to the program, Filantra also provides assistance for the conservation of rhinos at Prigen Pasuruan Safari Park.