Walhi West Java Urges Sunda Green Magpie to Become West Java Mascot

The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) in West Java is urging the government and the public to increase awareness of the Sunda green magpie, also known as the Javan green magpie (Cissa thalassina). One strategic measure being proposed is to designate the bird as an official icon or mascot of West Java.

M. Jefry Rohman, Manager of the Education Division at Walhi West Java, explained that establishing this endemic bird as a regional mascot would not be merely symbolic, but rather an effort to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting the habitat and conservation of a species that is increasingly under threat.

“This could certainly have a broader impact on environmental conditions, including the existence of this animal,” Jefry said in Bandung on Thursday (27/8/2026).

Jefry warned that the Sunda green magpie is currently on the brink of extinction. The main factors behind the declining population are massive habitat destruction and illegal hunting practices that continue to occur.

Based on observational data, the bird is still found in several forest areas such as Mount Salak and Mount Gede Pangrango. However, field monitoring and interaction have become increasingly difficult due to the very limited numbers.

“In West Java, several are still observed. But it is difficult to conduct exploration or observation. Because the numbers are limited, interaction is difficult,” he added.

The estimated population of Sunda green magpies surviving in the wild in West Java is currently thought to range from only 50 to 250 individuals. This figure is considered highly alarming for the species’ survival.

Walhi West Java stressed that the survival of this endemic species depends heavily on the availability of trees and natural food sources. Ongoing deforestation poses a serious threat that not only destroys the animal’s living space but also disrupts the overall balance of the ecosystem.

“If the area becomes critical, with no trees left and no place to find food, where else can they go?” Jefry asserted.

He reminded that environmental pressures in West Java have a domino effect. Damage to both biotic and abiotic components will influence one another, making the protection of the Sunda green magpie’s habitat urgent in order to preserve the integrity of West Java’s ecosystem.