Bali Ecology

The wild forests of Bali stretch on the northern western part of the island. Wildlife thrives in Bali. Curious monkeys with hands stretched out constantly asking for a treat, lizards living in harmony with humans and it is thought to be a good omen if one hears the lizard call seven times. The elusive Balinese tigers might still roam the remotest northwest part of the island but a sighting is indeed rare. Bats, iguanas, squirrels, mouse deer, barking deer, civets and more than 300 species of birds share Bali's verdant greenery. Schools of dolphins gambol near Padangbai, Candidasa and Lovina, and there are colorful coral and small reef fish, moray eels, sponges, crustaceans and plankton devouring whale sharks throughout the east coast of Menjangan Island. The domestic fauna is equally varied. Ducks, chickens, roosters, pigs and cows form the complete picture of a Balinese farm life.

Although Bali is renowned throughout the world as a place to enjoy the surf, sand and sun, it carries in its folds wilderness of such extreme beauty that it only opens up to the knowing travelers. Bali is also exceptional in that it offers its explorers comfortable accommodation at Bali in good prices even in its national parks.

The Bali Barat National Park was established to preserve the forests and their wildlife. Here the tall tropical trees reach for the sky, nursing a variety of wild orchids growing on their branches. Pine trees carpet the mountains. The Bali Barat National Park, located on the north western side of the island, is a refuge for wildlife such as the Sunda Pangolin, Mouse-deer, Leopard Cat, Indian Muntjac, Black Giant Squirrel, and several species of macaque and leaf monkey. The only endemic high-level predator of the island, the Bali tiger, is supposed to have become extinct in the 1930s. Bali tigers (Panthera tigris balica) used to roam these forests in large numbers, but now you can only find deer or wild boars, a tiger sighting is like winning a lottery with impossible stakes.

Bali is a tribute to the beauty of Nature working its magic on man. Every single home, village and town carries with it a mark of unique loving beautification by its inhabitants. Ever protective, waringin trees faithfully stand at the center of every village. Flowers beautifully punctuate little gardens in every house, and most importantly, spread their sweet fragrance into the midnight air to complete the offerings to the gods and goddesses. Bali has around 280 species of birds, including the critically endangered Bali Starling. An inspiration for many a great master painter, this cute white bird got a new home with the establishment of the celebrated Bali Barat National Park. by Aparajita