Indonesia is home to more than 500 Animal species-more than anywhere else in the world. It also has the greatest number of endangered species in the world. Establishing an effective environmental conservation program is a formidable project. The government, with the help of private conservation agencies, such as the World Wide Fund for Nature and the Nature Conservancy, is working to create a viable network of national parks and nature reserves where fragile ecosystems and threatened species can be protected. Two of these national parks, Ujung Kulon in West Java (home to the world's most endangered large mammal, the Javan rhino) and Komodo in the Lesser Sundas (home to the Komodo dragon) have been declared World Heritage Sites by the World Conservation Union.
There are strict laws and severe penalties for trade in endangered species. The appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) lists more than 200 protected species of Indonesian mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, fish, and mollusks-including orangutan, parrots, cockatoo, crocodiles, tortoises and turtles, bird wing butterflies, and black coral. Visitors should be aware of the fragility of Indonesia's natural environment and not contribute to any further degradation of it.

Balinese Species
Marine turtle meat, specifically the leatherback turtle, is considered a delicacy and one of the traditional dishes of ritual feasts. Leave it for the Balinese. It is illegal to export any products made from marine turtle shells (e.g. jewelry, combs, boxes). Also protected by international convention are clams, Triton's trumpet shells, and the pearly or chambered nautilus shells.
The Bali tiger is confirmed to be extinct. Efforts are on-going through the West Bali National Park to preserve the white, blue-faced Bali starling, which is found only in the wild on Bali and is very seriously endangered.

BALINESE DANCES & ENTERTAINMENT

For the most traditional ambiance, go to the Ubud-Peliatan area. Here classical dances (legong, topeng, rajapala, gabor and others) are held in princely mansions and neighborhood halls every night. Shadow puppet performances are also held on Saturday night.
A fire dance is held on Monday, Wedensday and Friday at 6.30 at Bona, southwest of Gianyar. The Puri Anyar in Krambitan also features traditional dances upon request. Check with your travel agent or with the local tourism office.
Kecak, barong and keris are the most popular dances for tourists. The Art Center shows, at 6.30 pm daily in Denpasar, are the best for kecak while the venues at Singapadu and Batubulan are excellent for barong and keris, both daily from 9.30 am.
Bali is also famous for its ceremonial dances. If you have the patience (there is no designated "show-time") and if you are ready to conform to the local rules of dress and behavior, you may well be in for the experience of a lifetime. Ask Balinese friends for advice on attire and proper behavior, and check the Calendar of Events on the Balinese calendar found in every Balinese house. No camera flashes, no shouts, no shorts, and be discrete, please.
The Friday edition of the English-language Jakarta Post newspaper (available in all major tourist spots) has listings of traditional and contemporary music and dance performances in Bali, as well as the week's temple festivals.

ENTRANCE FEES

Almost all temples or tourist attractions levy an entrance fee or ask for a donation. Fees are usually between Rp. 500-Rp. 1,000. A similar amount is fine for a donation. Make sure it is entered into the donation book.
Some self-appointed "guides" are quite knowledgeable and willing to accept whatever you offer. Others may expect some exorbitant fee. If you want their services, it's best to agree on the amount first. Generally $1 for a half-hour escorted tour of a temple is enough.