Rare Bali Starling Rebounds from Brink of Extinction

As of November 2025, a remarkable conservation success story is unfolding in Indonesia. Just 24 years ago, the Bali starling, a beloved bird species known for its striking white feathers and blue eye patches, was on the verge of extinction. In 2001, there were as few as 6 Bali starlings left in the wild, the victim of relentless poaching driven by the bird's high value on the black market.

Despite legal protections in place since 1958, the trade in Bali starlings remained too lucrative for locals to resist. However, conservationists have since implemented a bold new approach that has dramatically revived the species' fortunes. The first step was to establish a sanctuary on the island of Nusa Penida, just south of Bali. Crucially, the plan also involved enlisting the support of traditional village leaders across the island, who agreed to incorporate bird protection into their awig-awig system of customary laws.

This community-led initiative has paid dividends, with a 2015 study reporting a 1,200% rise in anti-poaching compliance. The success has also inspired neighboring villages on Bali to follow suit, with the entire community of Tengkudak now actively aiding conservation efforts. These initiatives have not only saved the Bali starling from extinction but are also creating new economic opportunities through ecotourism, further incentivizing local stewardship of the rare birds.