The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) celebrates a remarkable scientific discovery that reaffirms the importance of biodiversity and the power of meticulous field research. A new species of honeyeater bird has been officially described from the remote Indonesian island of Babar, according to a study published in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club.
Led by BirdLife International’s Red List Officer, Alex Berryman, and supported by regional experts and conservationists, the study reveals that what was once considered a single species, the Banda Myzomela (Myzomela boiei), is in fact three distinct species—each unique to one of three remote Indonesian island groups: the Banda Islands, Tanimbar, and Babar.
The newly described Babar Myzomela (Myzomela babarensis) stands out not only for its striking red and black plumage but also for its unique song. Scientists found significant differences in vocalizations, size, and appearance among the island populations—strong evidence that they do not interbreed and thus merit recognition as separate species.
“This discovery reminds us that nature’s diversity often hides in plain sight, waiting to be revealed through patient, scientific observation,” said Alex Berryman. “By analyzing their calls, plumage, and other traits, we could finally name and recognize the Babar Myzomela as its own species.”
The study sheds light on how island isolation in Indonesia—a country made up of over 18,000 islands—drives evolutionary change. Birds adapting to local environments gradually evolve distinct traits, eventually becoming new species. While the newly described myzomelas appear resilient to habitat changes, many of Indonesia’s endemic birds are not so fortunate. Over 150 species face extinction, underscoring the urgency of conservation action.
SPNL applauds the work of BirdLife International and its local Partner, Burung Indonesia, who are at the forefront of protecting avian biodiversity in one of the world’s richest ecosystems. Their efforts resonate with SPNL’s mission to safeguard Lebanon’s unique wildlife and habitats while contributing to the global conservation movement.
This discovery is not just a win for ornithology—it’s a call to protect the delicate and often overlooked ecosystems that sustain our planet’s natural wonders.
