In the heart of Cebu’s dwindling forests, a tiny bird with a powerful voice is singing a new song of hope. The Black Shama (Copsychus cebuensis), or Siloy, has been given another chance to thrive after years of hovering on the brink of extinction. Found nowhere else in the world, this shy yet remarkable bird has captured the hearts of many—not just for its mesmerizing song, but for its story of survival.
Once on the Brink, Now a Step Back from Extinction
For years, the future of the Black Shama looked uncertain. As forests were cleared to make way for farms, settlements, and development, the bird’s habitat shrank, pushing it dangerously closes to extinction. Once listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), many feared that Siloy’s song—a distinct and melodious call echoing through Cebu’s forests—would soon be silenced forever.
But hope was not lost. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of local conservationists, communities, and government agencies, the situation is slowly turning around. The recent downlisting of the Black Shama to Least Concern status is a testament to the power of collective action. Though the bird is still not completely out of danger, this milestone signals that the population is stabilizing—a sign that hope is once again taking root in Cebu’s forests.
Siloy Watch: Where Science & Passion Meet
Behind every success story, there is a community that cares, a vision that inspires, and a commitment that never wavers. At the heart of this remarkable turnaround is Siloy Watch—a collaborative initiative that has been instrumental in monitoring and protecting the Black Shama.
Siloy Watch, led by the Provincial Government of Cebu, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VII, and the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. (PhilBio), brings together people from all walks of life—students, teachers, birdwatchers, mountaineers, and local communities—who share a passion for protecting Cebu’s biodiversity.
Between 2019 and March 2020, 308 citizen scientists participated in Siloy Watch, covering 149 stations across 11 sites. Their efforts produced a population density estimate of 2.4 Black Shama per hectare per habitat, resulting in a total population estimate of 6,084 individuals across all stations established. Among the monitored sites, the largest sub-population was recorded in Alcoy, followed by Argao, the Central Cebu Protect Landscape, Catmon, and Dalaguete. You can read more about the Siloy Watch
People and Nature: Together for the Future
The Black Shama thrives in a variety of habitats, but its strong preference for forest habitats makes it an indicator species for the health of the ecosystems, highlighting the need to preserve Cebu’s remaining green spaces. But beyond counting birds, Siloy Watch has revealed critical insights into the bird’s resilience, showing its ability to persist in forest habitats and mixed tree plantations—offering potential long-term solutions for the survival of Cebu’s endemic species.
While the Black Shama can survive in degraded environments, restoring connectivity between fragmented forest patches is essential for its long-term survival. But this isn’t just a story of counting and monitoring—it’s also a story of people. For years, local communities and people’s organizations, driven by a deep dedication for Cebu’s biodiversity, have poured their hearts into restoring these forests. Their efforts have not only brought life back to the dwindling habitats but also given the Black Shama a real chance to sing its song for generations to come.
Challenges Still Linger
While the downlisting of the Black Shama is a reason to celebrate, the work is far from over. Cebu’s remaining forest patches are fragile, and threats such as forest loss, habitat fragmentation, and land conversion continue to endanger the bird’s future. Without ongoing protection, conservation, and habitat restoration, the progress made could be undone.
A Testament to Collective Action
The downlisting of the Black Shama is more than just a change in conservation status—it’s a reflection of the countless hours spent by citizen scientists, local communities, conservation organizations, and government agencies working hand in hand to protect Cebu’s iconic songbird. This achievement highlights what can be accomplished when people come together with a shared vision of preserving the Philippines’ unique biodiversity.
As the Siloy continues to sing across the forests of Cebu, it serves as a powerful reminder that when communities unite to protect nature, even the most endangered species can find a way to survive and thrive.