Zulqarnain Assiddiqi
The Menoreh Hills, located in the western part of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia, are part of the Merbabu Menoreh Merapi Biosphere Reserve designated by UNESCO. This area, characterized by a community forest landscape, supports high biodiversity, including several endemic and endangered bird species such as Cyornis banyumas and Alophoixus bres. Despite facing threats from songbird demand, the region shows conservation promise through successful initiatives like the bird nest adoption program in Jatimulyo village. Expanding this program to neighboring villages could enhance the protection of more bird populations within the Menoreh Hills.
One of the landscapes inside Menoreh Hill. ©Zulqarnain Assiddiqi..
Several villages in the Menoreh Hills, situated between Kulonprogo and Purworejo districts, have documented bird species lists. Jatimulyo has recorded 109 bird species (Wanapaksi 2024), Purwosari has 42 species (Fathoni 2024), while Tlogoguwo, Donorejo, and Purwosari together
have 42 species (Ismail 2022). Among these, Cyornis banyumas, Alophoixus bres, and Rubigula dispar are species that need careful monitoring due to their status. Although these four villages lack designated conservation areas, there are ongoing bird protection efforts showing positive effects for both birds and local communities. Jatimulyo has successfully managed its rural area to protect birds while providing economic benefits and received the Kalpataru award in the 'environmental savior' category from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
Due to the similarity in bird habitat characteristics, species presence, and threats, the success in Jatimulyo is worth expanding to other villages. We have been assisting with their conservation programs since 2021. All three villages have established village conservation agreements. Purwosari and Donorejo currently have village regulations on environmental protection, while Tlogoguwo has a draft regulation pending official enactment. Purwosari has initiated a local conservation group and developed a program called "Mupu Susuh," which follows the concept of bird nest adoption. In Donorejo, a spontaneous trial to adopt Phodilus badius nest received a positive response. In Tlogoguwo, the community has started actively reporting bird sightings. These developments indicate a strong enthusiasm for conservation, making it an opportune time to expand the successful Jatimulyo program to these villages. The expansion aims to create a landscape-level bird conservation program by involving multiple villages. With evidence of economic benefits from the nest adoption program in Jatimulyo, continuing this program in other villages can further enhance both conservation and economic outcomes. This expansion will also facilitate the development of village conservation agreements and regulations, contributing to long-term sustainability.