The list of threatened
and endangered species grows year
on year and is expected to expand
even further as global warming
takes greater effect. It is not
always possible to see, yet obtain
good photographs of these species.
The pictures here are of captive
specimens kept as part of genuine
captive breeding programmes in
preparation for releases when
habitat conditions are found to
be suitable. The list of Endangered
and threatened birds continues
to grow as human greed and its
resulting effect drives the exploitation
of our planet.
The
Bali Starling (Leucopsar
rothschildi) has for many
years been at the forefront of
conservationists’ minds
and a breeding / release programme
exists but nevertheless it is
still struggling in its native
habitat.
A closely related
species, the Black-winged Starling
(Sturnus melanopterus)
is probably in a worse position
generally as its numbers in the
wild have plummeted and no formal
conservation programme exists
to maintain its existence. This
species consists of three races
and the one shown – Sturnus
melanopterus tertius –
from Bali could be down to only
a few hundred in total worldwide.
Action is needed now if we are
not to lose this handsome species.
