Walhi West Java warns of potential extinction of Javan Green Magpie

Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (Walhi) West Java has warned that the Javan Green Magpie, known locally as the Ekek Geling Jawa (Cissa thalassina), is at risk of extinction due to environmental damage and illegal hunting.

M. Jefry Rohman, Manager of the Education Division at Walhi West Java, said the bird, which is endemic to West Java, is still observed in several forest areas, but its numbers are estimated to be very limited.

He said that based on estimates, the surviving population of the Javan Green Magpie in several forest areas of West Java ranges from 50 to 250 individuals.

According to him, this figure indicates a highly alarming situation because the survival of the bird population depends heavily on the availability of habitat, trees, and food sources.

“If the area is critical, there are no more trees, no more places to find food, then where else can they go?” he said.

Jefry assessed that deforestation and environmental damage pose a serious threat to the existence of this endemic species.

According to him, environmental pressure in West Java not only affects the habitat of certain wildlife but also the entire ecosystem.

“So it is not just a matter of the animal world, abiotic or biotic. Everything is interconnected. When their living space is disturbed, it inevitably impacts the existence of animals,” he said.

Jefry also encouraged greater public and government concern for the endemic wildlife of West Java, including through promoting the Javan Green Magpie as a regional icon or mascot.

According to him, such recognition can raise public awareness of the importance of protecting the habitat and conservation of West Java’s endemic wildlife.

“This can certainly have a broader impact on the environmental situation and conditions, including the existence of this animal,” he said.