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View all search resultsRare bird sightings highlight Jakarta Naturalist Walk exploration on urban biodiversity
A white-eye, a small songbird known locally as pleci, was among the interesting birds spotted. The pleci is becoming increasingly rare in the capital due to trapping for the bird trade.
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Rare beauty: A red-breasted parakeet (Psittacula alexandri), locally known as betet biasa, perches on a tree branch. The bird is classified as near threatened on the IUCN Red List as it is frequently targeted by illegal traders. (Jakarta Birdwatcher's Society/Muhammad Bilal Yogaswara)
O
n the eastern edge of Jakarta, a group of urban explorers gathered in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) during a long holiday in late May, seeking the rustle of leaves underfoot, the chatter of birds and the rich biodiversity hiding amid the city's tall buildings and often covered in smog.
Dozens of people were taking part in the Jakarta Naturalist Walk, a quarterly event initiated by the Jakarta Birdwatcher’s Society in collaboration with nature communities including Kupu Kita, Generasi Biologi and ASTA Indonesia.
It was the group’s second outing, following a walk in February at the Muara Angke Wildlife Reserve in North Jakarta, which observed more than 60 species of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles and plants.
By observing Jakarta’s biodiversity, participants from various backgrounds, including students, academics and curious residents, can share knowledge and foster awareness about urban conservation.
“Jakarta may be known as a metropolitan city, but it still has remarkable biodiversity,” said Muhammad Bilal Yogaswara of the Jakarta Birdwatcher’s Society in late May. “Unfortunately, conservation efforts here remain limited, and bird hunting is still common.”
He cited the white eyes, a small songbird known locally as pleci, as one of the avifauna which are getting rare in the capital due to trapping for trade.
According to a 2023 survey by the Jakarta Environmental Agency and IPB University, the city hosted almost 200 bird species, with 22 protected and seven classified as near threatened on the IUCN Red List. Among the seven is the red-breasted parakeet, locally known as betet biasa, which is frequently targeted by illegal traders.
