LifespanAround 10 years
Quick facts
DietBerries, figs, seeds, spiders, insects and snails
HabitatAlong river banks and near forested areas
RangePeninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Borneo
The straw-headed bulbuls
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Silenced!
Known for its melodious calls, the straw-headed bulbul has been hunted to extinction across much of its range in Southeast Asia.
Once widespread, relentless trapping has resulted in its disappearance in Java, Thailand and possibly Sumatra. The populations of this species in Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia are on a steep decline.
Safe haven in Singapore
Globally, there are between 600 and 1,700 wild straw-headed bulbul, of which 200 to 500 can be found in Singapore, making our sunny island a stronghold for the species.
Within Singapore, Mandai precinct are home to a substantial population—possibly hosting up to 5% of the global population.
Together, we protect wildlife
The Last Straws Are Here To Stay
As the custodian of Mandai precinct that hosts about 5% of the global population of the straw-headed bulbul, it is imperative that we work with our stakeholders and conservation partners on a multi-prong approach to ensure that this species continues to thrive in Mandai, Singapore and its remaining range in Southeast Asia.
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
The Last Straws Are Here To Stay
We work with our conservation arm, Mandai Nature on an action plan to protect wild straw-headed bulbul within Mandai precinct. Amongst other initiatives, Mandai Nature funds a study by a Masters’ student to establish the bulbul’s wild population size within Mandai precinct.
The study also gathered information on the bird’s behaviour and determined its key habitats for feeding and nesting, which is useful to inform us in habitat enhancement to better protect the bulbul.
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
The Last Straws Are Here To Stay
We care for the straw-headed bulbul in Bird Paradise. To date, we have successfully bred eight chicks. Our aspiration is to reintroduce the species in its native range eventually and we will continue to work with partners and stakeholders towards achieving this goal.
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
The Last Straws Are Here To Stay
The knowledge we gained in caring for the straw-headed bulbul has been documented as EAZA best practice guidelines, which detail care requirements of the straw-headed bulbul to share with zoo professionals who are interested to work with the species.
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
The Last Straws Are Here To Stay
We, together with Mandai Nature, are a member of the Straw-headed Bulbul Working Group. The group implements a Species Action Plan to ensure that we can continue to enjoy the melodious songs of this species in Singapore for generations to come.
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is widely recognized as the most comprehensive, objective global approach for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species.
DD
Data Deficient
Unknown risk of extinction
LC
Least Concern
At relatively low risk of extinction
NT
Near Threatened
Likely to become vulnerable in the near future
VU
Vulnerable
At high risk of extinction in the wild
EN
Endangered
At very high risk of extinction in the wild
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
EW
Extinct in the Wild
Survives only in captivity
EX
Extinct
No surviving individuals in the wild or in captivity
Saving The Straw-headed Bulbul
This species has disappeared in much of its range in Southeast Asia because of the illegal songbird trade. Happily, its wild population in Singapore remains stable.
Watch this episode of Conservation Webinar to find out how we join hands with our partners to save the last straws.
