Search
What would you like to search for?
Simeulue Island in Sumatra, Indonesia is home to the Simeulue Hill Myna and Barusan Shama, two songbird species believed to be extinct in the wild by researchers. The IUCN SSC Asian Songbird Trade Specialist Group has called for urgent conservation attention to be brought to save these species. To secure viable populations of these birds, Mandai Nature and Ecosystem Impact Foundation are driving the development of a conservation breeding programme at a purpose-built aviary on Mahi-Mahi Surf Resort in Simeulue.
Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, everyone stayed the course and carried on the conservation work. Physical training sessions in bird-keeping by Mandai Nature for the Ecosystem Impact team were converted to virtual sessions due to travel restrictions. The hard work and commitment paid off with several conservation successes amidst the pandemic. Less than five months into the programme, the first Barusan Shama egg was laid, and since then several chicks have been hatched.
The team is working towards developing a similar breeding programme for the Simuelue Hill Myna, and expanding on conservation strategies to include community rangers and environmental education.
Ecosystem Impact Foundation (EIF) works to keep the wild landscapes of Bangkaru and Simeulue Islands, Aceh, Indonesia, wild through a sustainability approach where business, people and nature thrive alongside each other.
The region’s nature consists of highly biodiverse tropical rainforest and coral reefs. These islands are home to some of the world’s most endangered turtle and bird species. EIF’s mission is to save these species from the brink of extinction and develop opportunities for local community’s benefit from involvement.
