Bali Conservation Agency releases protected Crested Serpent Eagle and 21 confiscated birds

Denpasar - Bali Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has released a protected Crested Serpent Eagle and 21 confiscated birds in Buleleng Regency’s forest area.

“Collaboration between the public and government is crucial in supporting wildlife conservation efforts in Bali,” said Ratna Hendratmoko, head of Bali BKSDA, in Denpasar on Tuesday.

He praised residents for reporting the eagle, which had struck a window at a house in Pemuteran Village, Gerokgak Subdistrict, Buleleng Regency. The resident rescued the bird, scientifically known as Spilornis cheela, provided temporary food, and reported it to BKSDA officers.

BKSDA then transferred the eagle to veterinarians at the Indonesian Wildlife Network Foundation (YJSI) for evacuation and health checks.

The Crested Serpent Eagle is protected under the 2018 Ministry of Environment and Forestry Regulation on Protected Plant and Animal Species. Globally, the species, which preys on snakes, reptiles, frogs, and small mammals, is classified as low risk by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, international trade must be regulated to prevent threats to its survival as it is listed in Appendix II of CITES.

In addition to the eagle, 21 birds were released, including nine Bali mynas, three brown-chested jungle-flycatchers, and nine seized at Gilimanuk Port that were entrusted to YJSI on 14 May 2026. A total of 32 songbirds were involved, but 11 died due to suspected dehydration as they were juveniles.

Ratna urged the public to contact Bali BKSDA at 085333774587 or 0361 720063 if they encounter injured, endangered, or misplaced wildlife.