Former Bird Hunters Transform Java's Menoreh Hills into Songbird Sanctuary
In Java's Menoreh Hills, former bird hunters like Parman and Kelik Suparno have become key figures in a community-led initiative to restore the region's songbird populations. Once notorious for hunting rare birds, these individuals are now contributing to conservation efforts that aim to reverse the decline of species such as the Javan blue flycatcher, which is critically endangered.
The Menoreh Hills, part of the Merbabu–Menoreh–Merapi UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, have seen significant changes since the mid-20th century when Java's lowland forests were largely fragmented. Today, the community-managed forests of Menoreh support a diverse avian population across approximately 67,326.5 hectares.
In Jatimulyo village, a 2014 regulation banning hunting prompted a shift towards conservation, leading to the establishment of a 'nest adoption' initiative between 2020 and 2023. This program successfully facilitated the adoption of five Javan blue flycatcher nests, with four nests successfully fledging chicks despite challenges from predation and weather conditions.
Efforts in Donorejo village, where a hunting ban has been in place since around 2024, have reportedly led to an increase in wild flycatcher sightings. Residents have engaged in activities such as planting fruit and nectar-rich flora, mapping bird corridors and nesting trees, and protecting natural springs to support the local ecosystem.
Launched in January 2026, Kanopi Indonesia's 'Songbird & Biodiversity Conservation Program' operates in seven villages across three subdistricts. The program promotes citizen science, environmental education, agroforestry, ecotourism, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, aiming to enhance biodiversity conservation in the region.