Begawan Foundation Information

Begawan Foundation’s first initiative, the Bali Starling Conservation Project, was established in 1999 with the aim of saving this precious bird from the very real threat of extinction. Also known as Bali Myna, Jalak Bali and Leucopsar rothschildi, the Bali Starling became the official mascot of Bali province in 1991. The Bali Starling has clear white feathers, with black-tipped wing and tail feathers, and a long drooping crest. Its most amazing feature is the beautiful bare blue skin that surrounds its eyes. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, the wild population never exceeded more than around 200 birds. In 1991, it was estimated that there were only 15 birds remaining in the wild. Between 1999 and 2005, the Foundation’s captive population grew from four to 97 birds, and in total, between the years 2005 and 2012, around 80 Bali Starlings were released into the wild. Unfortunately, poaching was still a problem. The Foundation made the decision to work with the local community in Melinggih Kelod village in order to further develop awareness of our conservation efforts. A community-based conservation program began in the village in late 2017, providing locals with the opportunity to breed Bali Starlings, for possible release. The community through monitoring and village traditional law enforcement has also shown that it is interested to be responsible for the safety of the birds in the wild. Involvement with the local student community is just as significant as the contact with the adults in the community, and the breeding and release program is complemented by a number of our education programs, such as 10-week programs in local schools as well as after-school activities through the Foundation’s Learning and Conservation Centre. These programs aim to educate students on the importance of conservation and environmental protection. A small flock of wild-born and captive bred Bali Starlings is now flying in the area of our breedng and release site.