Continuing breeding programmes at Cikananga Conservation Breeding Centre

Organisation: Cikananga Conservation Breeding Centre (CCBC)

Project focus: Continuing Breeding Programmes for three ASAP bird species at Cikananga Conservation Breeding Centre

Location: Sukabumi District, West Java Province, Indonesia

Project date: September 2020 to August 2021

Species: Black-winged Myna Acridotheres melanopterus, Javan Green magpie Cissa thalassina and Rufous-fronted Laughingthrush Garrulax rufifrons

Supported by: Fondation Segré

The challenge

CCBC has conservation breeding programmes for three ASAP songbirds, all of which are on the brink of extinction in the wild. Maintaining sustainable populations with the intention of future release is pivotal for the conservation of these species.

These programmes are normally funded through zoological associations. However, due to the economic impacts of COVID-19 on the zoo community, this funding has been significantly reduced. On top of this, knock-on effects of COVID-19 have increased the price of medical supplies and feed.

Due to the sudden and unforeseen funding gap as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, CCBC urgently required funds to continue the conservation breeding programmes for the long-term survival of the three ASAP songbirds.

The project

With the breeding season for the Javan Green Magpie and Rufous-fronted Laughingthrush falling in the wetter months of November-March, keeping the programme going is urgent. CCBC applied to ASAP’s Rapid Action Fund to continue the breeding programmes of the three birds. ASAP has teamed up with the Oriental Bird Club to provide the funds needed by CCBC. The funds will:

Ensure the continuation of a breeding programme where every individual is included in an international studbook
Help to secure viable populations for future introductions when the situation in the field is secure
Increase the conservation outlook for the three ASAP species