Sumatran Niltafa (Cyornis sumatrana), a bird species endemic to the Sumatran highlands that lives in dense and natural mountain forests. With bright blue feathers in males and paler in females, this bird is a hidden gem that is difficult to find behind the dense trees. As an indicator of the health of the forest ecosystem, the existence of the Sumatran Niltafa shows the importance of conserving Sumatra's highland forests to maintain unique biodiversity.
As I explored the dense highland forest of Sumatra covered in thin mist and the sound of rustling leaves blown by the wind. Under the dense tree canopy, I was suddenly surprised by the fast movement of a male Sumatran Niltafa (Cyornis sumatrana) looking for food. With a bright blue color that stands out among the shadows of the trees, the bird seemed focused on hunting small insects flying around the wet leaves. Its fast and agile movements showed its expertise in catching prey, as if it were part of the calm but dynamic forest life. This brief observation shows how important the existence of birds like the Sumatran Niltafa is as a balancer of the ecosystem in the highlands of Sumatra.
The Sumatran Niltafa has a limited distribution in the highlands of Sumatra, especially in natural mountain forests that have not been disturbed much by human activities. Its main habitat includes moist forests at altitudes between 1,000 and 3,000 meters, which offer ideal environmental conditions for this species to breed and forage. Its distribution includes the Bukit Barisan mountain range, which stretches from the north to the south of the island of Sumatra. Unfortunately, forest fragmentation due to deforestation and land conversion for plantations threatens the sustainability of this endemic bird population. Conservation of habitat in the highlands is essential to ensure that the Sumatran Niltafa remains part of Sumatra's biodiversity.
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| Camera | Lens |
|---|---|
| Canon 60d | 150-500 |