OBC supports breeding centre for Critically Endangered Indonesian species

Captive breeding is a lifeline for the Critically Endangered Rufous-fronted Laughingthrush Garrulax rufifrons
© Cikananga Conservation Breeding Center.

The Oriental Bird Club (OBC) is providing co-funding alongside ASAP (Asian Species Action Partnership) to keep the Cikananga Conservation Breeding Center going during the uncertain economic times.

This special Wildlife Center, located in West Java, Indonesia, has the goal of breeding endemic Indonesian species that are threatened with extinction with the long-term aim of re-establishing viable wild populations. They include Critically Endangered species like the Black-winged Myna Acridotheres melanopterus, Javan Green Magpie Cissa thalassina and Rufous-fronted Laughingthrush Garrulax rufifrons. With the combined threat of habitat destruction and poaching for the caged bird trade, all three species teeter on the brink of extinction in the wild.

Conservation breeding programmes are one of the final tools in the conservation toolbox for the survival of species. For now, the Cikananga Conservation Breeding Center is managing captive populations to maximise their genetic diversity, with the future aim of reintroducing birds into a safe habitat.

The funding from OBC will enable the team at Cikananga to provide a high-quality diet to the birds, which should encourage them to breed. The funding will also support a locally employed member of staff who has a wealth of avicultural experience with these species.

The team at Cikananga © Cikananga Conservation Breeding Center.

The funding from OBC will enable the team at Cikananga to provide a high-quality diet to the birds, which should encourage them to breed. The funding will also support a locally employed member of staff who has a wealth of avicultural experience with these species.