The Straw-headed Bulbul is critically endangered globally and heavily trapped across Southeast Asia due to high demand in the bird trade for its distinctive and melodious song.

Though numbers in neighbouring regions have declined, the Straw-headed Bulbul population in Singapore has remained relatively stable. We are now considered a global stronghold for this highly threatened songbird.

Constant vigilance against poaching, together with habitat enhancement efforts, is critical in ensuring the species’ long-term survival here. In May 2019, a Straw-headed Bulbul Conservation Planning Workshop was organised by the Nature Society Singapore (NSS) in collaboration with BirdLife International and the Oriental Bird Club. The workshop brought together various stakeholders, including NParks, to share existing knowledge and identify key actions to further conserve this species in Singapore.

The Straw-headed Bulbul Working Group was set up in 2021, co-chaired by NParks and NSS. It comprises members from a range of backgrounds and affiliations including the National University of Singapore, Birdlife International, and both Mandai Nature and Mandai Wildlife Group.

The Straw-headed Bulbul Working Group has formulated a National Species Action Plan for the Straw-headed Bulbul to guide conservation efforts for Singapore’s Straw-headed Bulbul population over the next five years and will be implementing the various priority actions documented within the plan.

Download the National Species Action Plan (PDF, <1MB)