I took this image of a Bali Myna also known as the Bali Starling from the Roger Williams Zoo, same as I did for the previous two images. This wild bird lives in Indonesia and is CRITICALLY ENDANGERED. When I was reading the endangered statistics, I was quite disturbed. In 2001, there was only 6 birds of this specie left in the wild. This was due to destruction of its habitat to further urbanization and illegal bird trapping & trading. Huge efforts have been made by zoos, creating a national park in Indonesia, and other foundations to increase the number of this attractive and important bird. As of 2009, a total of 65 birds have been released from captivity. Since the release program in 2006, 62 Bali chicks have hatched. If it wasn't for these programs the planet might have lost the genetics of this bird. Who knows what the consequences would have been. The bird has a significant role to balance other factors in the delicate ecosystem. Man continues to disrespect life for the might dollar bill. |