Black-winged Myna Research Articles

Short Communication: Avifauna survey in Bama coastal area of Baluran National Park, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Siddiq AM, Sulistiyowati H, Setiawan R, Wimbaningrum R, Wahono ND. 2024. Short Communication: Avifauna survey in Bama coastal area of Baluran National Park, East Java, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 8: 14-20. Baluran National Park is an essential habitat for avifauna in the East Java region, Indonesia. We surveyed the avifauna in the Bama coastal area using the line transect method at three stations, including Kalitopo, Bekol-Bama, and Manting. During a three-day survey, we recorded 53 bird species belonging to 47 genera and 32 families. According to the IUCN Red List, there are three conservation statuses (least concern: 49 species, near threatened: one species, endangered: three species); then, based on the CITES status, there are two categories (non-appendix: 47 species, Appendix II: six species), and finally, based on national status, there are two categories (non-protected categories: 41 species, protected categories: 12 species). Based on the frequencies, 32 common and 21 rare bird species are reported in the Bama coastal area. Three of the common species are Sunda Pied Fantail (Rhipidura javanica), Cave Swiftlet (Collocalia linchi), and Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris), which was found in all observation tracks. Furthermore, these surveys provide recommendations for further research related to ecological topics for several threatened bird species, such as Padda oryzivora, Pavo muticus, Acridotheres melanopterus, Gracula religiosa, A. albirostris, and Nisaetus cirrhatus.

Controlling trapping, overgrazing and invasive vegetation is key to saving Java’s last population of the Black-winged Myna

AbstractThe Black-winged Myna (Acridotheres melanopterus) is an Endangered passerine endemic to the islands of Java and Bali, Indonesia. Illegal trapping to supply the cage-bird trade has led to its near-total extinction, with the global population estimated to number fewer than 100 individuals. We estimated the current range and population size of the species at Baluran National Park, which supports Java’s last known population, and used species distribution modeling to evaluate potential suitability of currently unoccupied areas across the park to identify priorities for management intervention. We estimate that the Black-winged Myna population numbers 179 individuals (95% CI: 111–288; density: 14.3 ± 3.5 individuals km–2) and that its current range is 12.3 km2. Our model indicated that some 72 km2 of the park (30% of total area) has potentially suitable habitat for the species, and we infer that the principal cause for the disparity between its current and potential range is trapping, compounded by savanna loss and degradation due to illegal domestic cattle grazing and the spread of invasive thorny acacia (Vachellia nilotica). The partial clearance of acacia in recent years appears to have assisted a modest population recovery by the myna. Its further population growth and range expansion in Baluran will depend on effective management of illegal poaching, further clearance of acacia, and easing domestic cattle grazing pressure on areas of savanna, particularly through engagement with communities living inside the park. Any actions that increase the size of the Black-winged Myna population are likely to benefit other threatened savanna-dependent wildlife in the park, notably banteng (Bos javanicus) and Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus). While our models and recommendations may be applicable to other protected areas in Java, and indeed other threatened myna species, trapping and habitat change may have site-specific dimensions, especially outside of protected areas, and thus demand local bespoke solutions.

Determination of generation status of white-breasted starling (Acridotheres melanopterus) population based on cranial measurements

The objective of this study was to determine the generation status of White-breasted Starling based on cranial measurements. The research was done on July 2018 in Kudus and Klaten regencies. Forty four males and 43 females of mature White-breasted Starling. Vernier callipers and recording form of White-breasted Starling were used in this research. Length and wide of head White-breasted Starling were used as variable. The results of measurement were compared with generation status. Descriptive, correlation and regression analysis were used in this research. The result of the research showed highly strong correlation (r = 0.92) for generation status and head wide of male bird; strong correlation (r = 0.70) for generation status and head length of male bird; highly strong correlation (r = 0.88) for generation status and head wide of female bird and Strong correlation (r = 0.74) for generation status head length of female bird. The regression equation was shown between head wide and length as dependent variable and generation status as independent variable of male and female White-breasted Starling, respectively. In conclusion the generation status of White-breasted Starling can be determine based on craniometri. Head wide is the best parameter of craniomateri for determination of generation status.

The conservation value of admixed phenotypes in a critically endangered species complex

In today’s environmental crisis, conservationists are increasingly confronted with terminally endangered species whose last few surviving populations may be affected by allelic introgression from closely related species. Yet there is a worrying lack of evidence-based recommendations and solutions for this emerging problem. We analyzed genome-wide DNA markers and plumage variability in a critically endangered insular songbird, the Black-winged Myna (BWM, Acridotheres melanopterus). This species is highly threatened by the illegal wildlife trade, with its wild population numbering in the low hundreds, and its continued survival urgently depending on ex-situ breeding. Its three subspecies occur along a geographic gradient of melanism and are variably interpreted as three species. However, our integrative approach revealed that melanism poorly reflects the pattern of limited genomic differentiation across BWM subspecies. We also uncovered allelic introgression into the most melanistic subspecies, tertius, from the all-black congeneric Javan Myna (A. javanicus), which is native to the same islands. Based on our results, we recommend the establishment of three separate breeding programs to maintain subspecific traits that may confer local adaptation, but with the option of occasional cross-breeding between insurance populations in order to boost genetic diversity and increase overall viability prospects of each breeding program. Our results underscore the importance of evidence-based integrative approaches when determining appropriate conservation units. Given the rapid increase of terminally endangered organisms in need of ex-situ conservation, this study provides an important blueprint for similar programs dealing with phenotypically variable species.

Endemic species: Morphometric differences between male and female of black-winged myna (Acridotheres melanopterus)

Black-winged myna (Acridotheres melanopterus) is an endemic species from Indonesia, which has no difference between male and female based on their morphological characteristic. It can be a problem for the breeders to identify the sex when they have to pair the bird. The aim of this research is to identify the differences between male and female black-winged myna based on morphometric characteristic. There are weight, length, width, circumference, and the spread of the wings. The data is processed using principal component analysis (PCA) on the SPSS 20 program. The samples are 71 black-winged myna with minimum two years of age from breeding facilities in Java and Bali islands. Based on the research, morphometric characteristic that distinguishes male and female bird mostly is their wingspan and their weight. Morphometric characteristics of the female myna are smaller than the male. This result is essential for breeders to minimize the risk of pairing the same sex bird.

POPULASI DAN HABITAT JALAK PUTIH (Sturnus melanopterus Daudin 1800) DI TAMAN NASIONAL BALI BARAT

Black-winged starling (Sturnus melanopterus Daudin 1800) has spread across West Bali National Park (WBNP). There are three subspecies of black-winged starling; Sturnus melanopterus tertius is distributed in the area of Bali, Sturnus melanopterus tricolor is distributed in East Java, and Sturnus melanopterus melanopterus is distributed in East Java and Madura. Status of black-winged starling was Critically Endangered in 2010. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) analyze the populations (numbers, sex ratio, and age structure) and analyze habitats of black-winged starling in West Bali National Park. Bird population was estimated by transect and concentration count method and black-winged starling habitat condition was identified using vegetation analysis. The result showed that the estimation of black-winged starling population were 35 individuals, sex ratio was 1:1, and all individuals were adults. The habitat which often used by black-winged starling was savanna as feeding area, drinking area, shelter area, and cover area. Keywords: black-winged starling, Bali barat, habitat, population

PCA (Principal Component Analysis) application to differentiate hybrid and pure black-winged myna (Acridotheres melanopterus)

Black-winged myna (Acridotheres melanopterus) is an endemic bird of Java and Bali that is currently critically endangered based on International Union of Conservation for Nature (IUCN) since 2010. Hybridization in captivity occurs between the Acridotheres melanopterus with other species of myna. It is difficult to distinguish hybrid and pure black-winged myna without thorough observation. The study was conducted to determine the differences between hybrid and pure black-winged myna based on the morphometric characteristics using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The samples were selected using purposive sampling method at Cikananga Conservation Breeding Center located in Sukabumi, West Java in May 2017. The morphometric data were taken directly from 44 black-winged mynas with > = 2 years old. Data collection was done by measuring body length, body width, body circumference, span of wings and weight. The morphometric data were analyzed by PCA using the SPSS V.20 program. The results showed that body circumference and wing span were the morphometric factors which the most distinguish between them with eigenvalue of 0.943 and 0.811 respectively. In addition, the existence of morphological anomalies is also a sign that the black-winged mynas are hybrids.

Differentiating hybrid and juvenile of black-winged myna (Acridotheres melanopterus) by using morphometric data

The studies related to black-winged myna (Acridotheres melanopterus) are still very lack at the moment. The bird is an endemic species of Java and Bali which is currently critically endangered according to the International Union of Conservation for Nature (IUCN) since 2010. Hybridization of this species in captivity often occurs with other myna species. The morphological features between hybrid black-winged myna and pure juvenile white starlings are very similar. It is difficult to distinguish hybrid black-winged starling and pure juveniles without thorough observation. The study was conducted to determine the differences between hybrid black-winged myna and pure juvenile based on the morphometric characteristics using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Samples were selected using the purposive sampling method at Cikananga Conservation Breeding Center located in Sukabumi, West Java in May 2017. The morphometric data were taken directly from eight hybrid birds and 14 pure juveniles. Data collection was done by measuring body length, body width, body circumference, wingspan and weight. The morphometric data were analyzed by PCA using the SPSS V.20 program. The analysis shows that length and width are the main distinguishing factors between hybrid birds and pure juveniles with values of 0.916 and 0.862 respectively.

Wildlife trade, captive breeding and the imminent extinction of a songbird

The illegal cage bird trade is increasingly recognised as a major impediment to the survival of a large number of songbirds. Indeed some bird species are now more common in captive private hands than they are in the wild. This includes the black-winged mynas (Acridotheres melanopterus, A. tricolor and A. tertius), three species of Critically Endangered songbirds endemic to Indonesia. Only 20 years ago these species were not considered globally threatened but high levels of trapping from the wild for the largely domestic cage bird trade has brought all three species to the brink of extinction. It is estimated that less than 500 black-winged mynas remain in the wild. Here we investigate the trade in black-winged mynas, online and in bird markets, and make an assessment of the role captive breeding played in the conservation and management of the species over the period 2009–2018. We found prices peaked in 2014 at ∼ US$140 (∼75% of the monthly minimum wage) per bird and have subsequently gone down to US$85 (now ∼33% of the minimum wage), possibly indicating higher supply and lower demand. In 2015–2018 we surveyed seven bird markets in western Java and in 127/145 visits observed 1253 black-winged mynas for sale. Turnover was high, with ∼50% of birds sold after one week upon arrival in the market. We estimate that between 1300 and 2300 mynas (retail value ∼ US$170,000) are sold annually in these seven bird markets. Few birds had closed leg-rings, but were in all likelihood a combination of captive-bred, first-generation captive-born and wild-caught individuals; some appeared to be crossbreeds between the three recognised species. With additional bird markets in Java and Bali and a thriving online trade, we estimate that the number of black-winged mynas in private ownership in Indonesia is in the order of 40,000 birds. Without proper registration and regulation in the trade of captive-bred mynas, even a small amount of wild-caught birds entering this now substantial trade will act as a serious impediment to the conservation of black-winged mynas. With the species already being ecologically extinct, we anticipate that it soon will join the ranks of species like Père David's deer Elaphurus davidianus and scimitar-horned oryx Oryx dammah that are extinct in the wild but that have captive populations in the tens of thousands. In order to prevent the imminent extinction of black-winged mynas in the wild, we recommend (1) that the Indonesian authorities invest in more effective law enforcement and prosecution of lawbreakers; (2) establishing a multi-stakeholder three species black-winged myna management plan, in which commercial captive breeders participate; and (3) better coordination of reintroduction programmes.

Morphological characteristic of black-winged myna (acridotheres melanopterus)*

Black-winged myna (Acridotheres melanopterus) is an endemic bird of Java and Bali, currently critically endangered based on International Union of Conservation for Nature (IUCN) since 2010. The study about black-winged myna morphological characteristic is important because it has two relatives with almost identical features of morphology. The information can be used as a basis in breeding management to avoid hybridization. The study aims to determine the morphological characteristics of black-winged myna. The sample selection was done using purposive sampling method. Data was taken from 36 black-winged mynas with >=2 years old. Data collection was done by measuring and documenting every morphological feature of the observed body parts. Documentation of the wings, back, chest, head and sides of the body are taken from each bird using a digital camera. The results showed that almost the entire body of black-winged myna covered by white feather, black feather only present on the cover of the wings and tail. Black eyes surrounded by yellow skin without feather. The beak is orange with blackish parts around the nostrils. The bird has yellow legs with three fingers at the front and one finger at the back. The average body length of this bird is 22.5 cm, weight 89.02 g, width 5.98 cm, body circumference 14.36 cm and wingspan 38.49 cm.

Illegal trade pushing the Critically Endangered Black-winged MynaAcridotheres melanopterustowards imminent extinction

SummaryThe Critically Endangered Black-winged MynaAcridotheres melanopterusis being pushed towards the brink of extinction in Indonesia due to continued demand for it as a cage bird and the lack of enforcement of national laws set in place to protect it. The trade in this species is largely to supply domestic demand, although an unknown level of international demand also persists. We conducted five surveys of three of Indonesia’s largest open bird markets (Pramuka, Barito and Jatinegara), all of which are located in the capital Jakarta, between July 2010 and July 2014. No Black-winged Mynas were observed in Jatinegara, singles or pairs were observed during every survey in Barito, whereas up to 14 birds at a time were present at Pramuka. The average number of birds observed per survey is about a quarter of what it was in the 1990s when, on average, some 30 Black-winged Mynas were present at Pramuka and Barito markets. Current asking prices in Jakarta are high, with unbartered quotes averaging USD 220 per bird. Our surveys of the markets in Jakarta illustrate an ongoing and open trade. Dealers blatantly ignore national legislation and are fearless of enforcement actions. Commercial captive breeding is unlikely to remove pressure from remaining wild populations of Black-winged Mynas. Efforts to end the illegal trade in this species and to allow wild populations to recover are urgently needed. We also recommend the immediate inclusion of Black-winged Mynas in Appendix III of CITES to allow for international support to Indonesia in clamping down on international trade of the species.

15. Reintroduction of the Black-winged Myna

15. Reintroduction of the Black-winged Myna