Photo: Rolandandika, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How is the Bali myna different from other myna species?

Many myna species are considered invasive, imitate human voices in captivity, and eat insects and fruit (like many other bird species). The Bali myna, critically endangered and nearly extinct in the wild, is highly distinctive as it is entirely white. By 2001 experts estimated only about six Bali mynas were living in the wild, with thousands in captivity across the globe.

Did we save the Bali Myna?

Since the 1980s, Indonesian breeders can apply for licenses to breed the birds and are allowed to keep 90% of the offspring for private sale. The remaining birds are rehabilitated and released at West Bali National Park, where 420 Bali mynas are currently monitored by park authorities, according to a June 3, 2022, AP report.