Straw-headed bulbul

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Songs of the Forest

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Quick facts

LifespanAround 10 years

DietBerries, figs, seeds, spiders, insects and snails

HabitatAlong river banks and near forested areas

RangePeninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Borneo

The straw-headed bulbuls

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Data Deficient

Unknown risk of extinction

Least Concern

At relatively low risk of extinction

Near Threatened

Likely to become vulnerable in the near future

Vulnerable

At high risk of extinction in the wild

Endangered

At very high risk of extinction in the wild

Critically Endangered

At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild

Extinct in the Wild

Survives only in captivity

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.

The Wild Scoop

Straw-headed bulbul

Quick facts

The straw-headed bulbuls

Silenced!

Safe haven in Singapore

Together, we protect wildlife

The Last Straws Are Here To Stay

The IUCN Status

The Last Straws Are Here To Stay

The IUCN Status

The Last Straws Are Here To Stay

The IUCN Status

The Last Straws Are Here To Stay

The IUCN Status

The Last Straws Are Here To Stay

The IUCN Status

Saving The Straw-headed Bulbul

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