The Bali Starling
The FNPF has one of the greatest success stories for the comeback of a national emblem on the brink of extinction, the Bali Starling. After many failed attempts to reintroduce the starling into the wild in West Bali, the population was reduced to just 10 birds, as poachers would capture the birds to sell for the ornamental trade.
The program started in 2004, and involved 2 years of working within the community, educating the local people of the importance of protecting such an iconic species. In 2006, the villages on Nusa Penida agreed to introduce customary regulations into the Awig Awig (traditional law agreement) to protect the bird from threats such as poachers, and help to maintain their habitats.
Between 2006 and 2007, 64 starlings were reintroduced into the wild, and by 2010 more than 100 starlings were observed in their natural habitat, making it the only successful starling rehabilitation centre ever. The last count was conducted mid-2012, where around 124 birds were spotted, however this was done after a large rainfall event, so actual numbers are predicted to be closer to 200.
Currently, the foundation is housing 4 breeding pairs of starlings, one which has an egg in its care. The continuation of the starling project by the FNPF will help to ensure a sustainable and stable population for this iconic emblem. The help of volunteers and charitable donations will support the cause, and ensure future success for both the Bali Starling and the foundation.
Future Development
The Friends of the National Park Foundation (FNPF) are in the process of developing and constructing a new site to perform their significant work. The new site is a 20 minute walk from the current location of the FNPF grounds. This short walk leads to a traditionally handcrafted development overlooking the forest. If walking is not an option, the foundation has 2 motorbikes that are shared and available for use.
Site Manager Katum at the new FNPF site
The development includes 6 bamboo houses that can house 2-3 people with a veranda that captures a cool breeze. All furniture featured has been made by volunteers and FNPF staff members and the entirety of the development has used traditional techniques of building. A dormitory is currently under construction that will house 8 people, along with a common area for all guests, volunteers and staff. In the coming weeks bathrooms will be constructed into local flush toilets. The development is approximately 1km from the nearest shop and approximately 20 minutes from the beautiful beach. Gardens that feature at FNPF cover a large area at the new site with rows upon rows of eggplant, spinach, chilli, corn and long beans to name a few. These gardens are community and volunteer run with only one part-time staff member paid to water morning and evening. This community garden looks to form a farmers market with the produce available for all in the community. Along with this, traditional cooking classes with ingredients from the gardens.
Rotary Partnership
Rotary Micro loan project Rotary is an international organisation that brings together dedicated individuals to exchange ideas, build friendships and help to make lasting improvements in the community and the world. The Rotary Club of Bali Seminyak has partnered with the Friends of the National Park Foundation (FNPF) to create a micro loan scheme for goat farming on Nusa Penida. 
Director of FNPF, Drth. I Gede Nyoman Bayu Wirayudha, assists the group of Rotarians by using his veterinarian expertise to advise the farmers on the goat-breeding program. The agreement for the micro loan scheme is that each farmer is given a male and female goat with the expectation that in three years the cost will be repaid through the sale of an offspring. Visiting Australian Rotarian Scout Symons was able to see first-hand the success of the program
“While visiting the farmers you could see the pride in their faces as they showed us their baby goats – it is incredible to get to see hard work paying off!” Scout Symonds, SCU student
Conserve Nusa Penida 