Bali's Endangered White Starling

Abstract

Bali's endemic white starling, Rothschild's starling, is one of Indonesia's most endangered animals, along with the Javan and Sumatran rhinos. It is almost entirely confined to one reserve, in the north-west of the island, which has been severely reduced and disturbed in the 30 years since it was created. Only 13,000ha of the original 20,000ha of monsoon forest now survives, and estimates of starling numbers are 200 birds or even fewer. Capture for sale has also contributed to the bird's decline. The author urges the need for proper management of the reserve.