Lestari

Lestari

The Lestari organization is engaged in research and protection of critically endangered species and ecosystems. It was founded in 2014 by Czech scientists and conservationists to promote and support nature conservation, especially in Indonesia. The organization’s initial activities focused on raising awareness of the negative impacts of the palm oil industry, but over the years the organization has become more concerned with island ecosystems and endangered species there. Currently, it focuses on the conservation of the Indonesian islands of Bangkaru and Babi, the conservation of the critically endangered species of Nias hill myna (Gracula robusta), and the conservation and research of sea turtles.

Threats to Nias hill mynas

In the strip of islands on the west coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra, several species of mynas, i.e. songbirds from the starling family, live. The Nias hill myna (Gracula robusta) is the largest of them. It is classified as a critically endangered species on the Red List of Threatened Species, and was even considered extinct for a long time. It is known for its ability to mimic sounds including human speech. Unfortunately, just like other charismatic songbirds, Nias hill mynas face enormous pressure from poachers who sell them as pets and for bird singing competitions.

Activities of the Lestari project

In 2015, a team of scientists and conservationists from the Lestari organization managed to discover a viable population of Nias hill mynas, which scientists around the world believed to have been extinct several decades ago. Also, thanks to this discovery, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) prepared a large pan-European conservation campaign titled Silent Forest, which aimed to prevent the extinction of several dozen species of songbirds.

Currently, the project’s activities are focused on investigating and combating the illegal capture and sale of the last surviving specimens of Nias hill mynas in the vicinity of the Bangkaru Island. Part of the efforts to protect this critically endangered species is the support of a sustainable way of life for local communities, including through education and practical training.

You can learn more at http://www.protectingnature.org.

How Ostrava Zoo helps

In Indonesia, the field workers of Ostrava Zoo in cooperation with the Lestari organization have long been actively combating the illegal trade in Nias hill mynas, Sunda pangolins, and other endangered species. From 2022, the Ostrava Zoo together with all its visitors support the activities for the protection of Nias hill mynas conducted by the Lestari project through the "3 CZK for Wildlife" program. The need to raise funds to save the last surviving population of this critically endangered hill myna is urgent, which is why in 2022 the Ostrava Zoo also hosted a charity Ostrava Zoo Run for Hill Mynas. The participants of the run helped the Ostrava Zoo to donate 153 thousand CZK (6,200 EUR) to save these birds.