Introduction 
In the southern foothills of Mount Gede, West Java, in a small village some 800m above sea level, is Cikananga Conservation Breeding Centre (CCBC). CCBC currently focuses on a small number of highly endangered Indonesian endemic bird species which are in desperate need of attention from ex situ conservation breeding programmes. By focusing on a few species, CCBC uses their facilities and resources to build large local populations which are then managed to maximise genetic diversity. Through this approach, since its inception in 2007, CCBC has had much breeding success with some of the highest priority species identified by the Asian Songbird Trade Specialist Group.
CCBC has had long-term technical support from Chester Zoo and Wildlife Reserves Singapore which has included, but is not limited to, training of staff, veterinary assistance and aviary design. This additional support has enabled a high standard of husbandry for the birds in the care of CCBC and has undoubtedly contributed to the success of the breeding programs.
Alongside supporting threatened Indonesian bird species through ex situ conservation breeding programs, CCBC also has an in situ focus. In situ programs include environmental education with communities and stakeholders located near habitat that has been assessed as a potential reintroduction site, a conservation education curriculum for schools and villages in the surrounding area of Cikananga village and, where appropriate, reintroduction of species. Working primarily with species that are endemic to Java, CCBC aims to use this two pronged approach to maximise their conservation impact with local species and habitat.
Current Projects and Recent Developments:
CCBC is currently going through a period of development whereby old facilities are getting a much needed upgrade and modernisation. This involves replacing old aviaries that are made of wood and creating larger high specification iron aviaries that give the centre more flexibility with regards to species specific breeding requirements, improving welfare and also increasing our capacity. This is a vital step for the progression of CCBC and also for the conservation breeding approach to songbird conservation in Indonesia.
During this period of redevelopment, our breeding capacity is reduced and we focus our breeding efforts on our highest priority species and individuals. Despite the limited capacity, in the past year CCBC has successfully bred, the Javan Green Magpie, Rufous-fronted Laughingthrush and Black-winged Myna.
Project Objectives:
- Ensure captive facilities are of a high standard and meet breeding requirements for the diverse species that are currently, and will be in the future, housed at CCBC.
- Maintain accurate and comprehensive records on topics such as genetics, behaviour and husbandry of the species housed at CCBC.
- Work closely with our core partners and songbird specialist groups to ensure effective conservation efforts.
- Work with other organisations, both nationally and internationally, to build global captive population numbers that maximise genetic diversity and safeguard species from extinction.
- Establish conservation education programmes for local schools and communities.
- Conduct reintroduction attempts that have had rigorous pre- and post-release planning and preparation.
This project is supported and endorsed by Silent Forest and ASTSG
PROJECT UPDATE:
February 2023: CCBC_Annual_Report_2022
December 2022: CCBC_Newsletter_#25
October 2022: Cikananga visit notes September 2022
August 2022: CCBC_Newsletter_#24
April 2022: CCBC_Newsletter_#23
February 2022: 2021 CCBC_Annual_Report
January 2022: CCBC_Newsletter_#22
December 2021: CCBC Final Report aviaries construction 2021
October 2021 Newsletter: CCBC_Newsletter_#21
April 2021 Newsletter: CCBC_Newsletter_#20
December 2020 Newsletter: CCBC_Newsletter_#19
October 2020: Silent Forest News – ASAP Grant
August 2020 Newsletter: CCBC_Newsletter_#18
April 2020 Newsletter: CCBC_Newsletter_#17
December 2019 Newsletter: CCBC_Newsletter_#16
