MALAYSIAN NATURALIST, MARCH 2019
Text by Ahmad Ismail, Malaysian Nature Society President
MALAYSIA IS very fortunate to be located in the tropical region, with good temperature and humidity suitable for flora and fauna all year round. It boasts more than 20,000 species of vascular plants, more than 300 species of mammals (30 of these endemic), 785 species of birds, and more than 240 species of amphibians, 560 reptiles and 2,000 fresh water and marine fishes.
As one of the top 12 mega-biodiversity countries in the world, it is essential that Malaysia have a good conservation plan to ensure its flora and fauna are well protected in the wild. If their habitats are not well protected and managed, the decline in the number of animals and species is a certainty. We have already seen this in our tigers, tapirs and rhinos, the latter officially extinct in the wild in Malaysia.
Most importantly, reserve forests, policies, laws and enforcement are not enough in conservation if the people are not educated on biodiversity protection and conservation.
Continuous education programmes is a must. The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) is very active in CEPA (communication, education and public awareness) activities through its KPA (Kelab Pencinta Alam, or School Nature Club) initiative. MNS has nearly 500 KPA schools with active teachers, and support from the Society’s 14 branches around the country.
MNS is also fortunate to be the country partner for BirdLife International. Through this, it has led efforts in identifying and protecting Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs), an internationally recognised standing of spots with resident or visiting birds that are globally threatened, are range- or biome-restricted, and by nature congregational.
There are 55 IBAs in Malaysia (see full list on page 24). Among them are coastal areas in the migration pathway called “East Asian-Australasian Flyway” (EAAF). For example, thousands of birds that stop at the northern Perak coast of Kuala Gula are from 48 species of eight families, the majority from the Scolopacidae (such as sandpipers) and Charadriidae (plovers and lapwings) families. The soft muddy intertidal areas are suitable habitats for benthic organisms such as polychaetes, snails, shrimps, crabs and small fishes, an important diet for migratory shore birds on thousand-kilometre journeys. This unique phenomenon also attracts bird lovers and researchers, from both the local and international arena.
MALAYSIA IS very fortunate to be located in the tropical region, with good temperature and humidity suitable for flora and fauna all year round. It boasts more than 20,000 species of vascular plants, more than 300 species of mammals (30 of these endemic), 785 species of birds, and more than 240 species of amphibians, 560 reptiles and 2,000 fresh water and marine fishes.
As one of the top 12 mega-biodiversity countries in the world, it is essential that Malaysia have a good conservation plan to ensure its flora and fauna are well protected in the wild. If their habitats are not well protected and managed, the decline in the number of animals and species is a certainty. We have already seen this in our tigers, tapirs and rhinos, the latter officially extinct in the wild in Malaysia.
Most importantly, reserve forests, policies, laws and enforcement are not enough in conservation if the people are not educated on biodiversity protection and conservation.
Continuous education programmes is a must. The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) is very active in CEPA (communication, education and public awareness) activities through its KPA (Kelab Pencinta Alam, or School Nature Club) initiative. MNS has nearly 500 KPA schools with active teachers, and support from the Society’s 14 branches around the country.
MNS is also fortunate to be the country partner for BirdLife International. Through this, it has led efforts in identifying and protecting Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs), an internationally recognised standing of spots with resident or visiting birds that are globally threatened, are range- or biome-restricted, and by nature congregational.
There are 55 IBAs in Malaysia (see full list on page 24). Among them are coastal areas in the migration pathway called “East Asian-Australasian Flyway” (EAAF). For example, thousands of birds that stop at the northern Perak coast of Kuala Gula are from 48 species of eight families, the majority from the Scolopacidae (such as sandpipers) and Charadriidae (plovers and lapwings) families. The soft muddy intertidal areas are suitable habitats for benthic organisms such as polychaetes, snails, shrimps, crabs and small fishes, an important diet for migratory shore birds on thousand-kilometre journeys. This unique phenomenon also attracts bird lovers and researchers, from both the local and international arena.
Conflict comes easy
The unfortunate bit is that some IBAs are in conflict with human activities and development. Kuala Gula (IBA MY005) is a prime example. It is recognised as one of the important stopovers for migratory shore birds on their way south to Australia and New Zealand from Siberia, Russia, China, Japan and Alaska during the winter season. In February and March, they fly back north and again stop to feed and rest.
Malaysia agreed to join the EAAF partnership in November 2012, and this pushes the need to raise awareness about migratory birds and the importance of IBAs to the local community, local authorities and related government agencies. Only through knowledge and awareness can development near IBAs be planned and managed to keep these areas healthy and contamination-free, with enough food supply and, for coastal areas, protected from erosion.
In Kuala Gula, active agricultural activities inland, aquaculture, land clearing for development and surface runoff contribute to the sedimentation and chemical pollution of its intertidal zones and mangroves. These can cause an impact to the benthic organisms, while mangrove clearing for shrimp farms would surely affect migratory shore birds, as this forest serves as roosting areas and breeding places for marine life.
In Peninsular Malaysia, there are several other important areas for migratory shorebirds – Teluk Air Tawar in Penang (MY003); Sekinchan, Jeram, Kapar and Sungai Buloh in Selangor (MY011); and Johor’s Parit Jawa, Sungai Pulai, Kukup Island and Tanjung Piai (MY015). The latter three are important wetlands complexes and recognised as Ramsar sites, and could be adversely affected by mega-developments in the Johor Straits and active shipping activities in the Straits of Malacca. All these three Ramsar sites must be monitored and maintained regularly by local authorities and NGOs.
The unfortunate bit is that some IBAs are in conflict with human activities and development. Kuala Gula (IBA MY005) is a prime example. It is recognised as one of the important stopovers for migratory shore birds on their way south to Australia and New Zealand from Siberia, Russia, China, Japan and Alaska during the winter season. In February and March, they fly back north and again stop to feed and rest.
Malaysia agreed to join the EAAF partnership in November 2012, and this pushes the need to raise awareness about migratory birds and the importance of IBAs to the local community, local authorities and related government agencies. Only through knowledge and awareness can development near IBAs be planned and managed to keep these areas healthy and contamination-free, with enough food supply and, for coastal areas, protected from erosion.
In Kuala Gula, active agricultural activities inland, aquaculture, land clearing for development and surface runoff contribute to the sedimentation and chemical pollution of its intertidal zones and mangroves. These can cause an impact to the benthic organisms, while mangrove clearing for shrimp farms would surely affect migratory shore birds, as this forest serves as roosting areas and breeding places for marine life.
In Peninsular Malaysia, there are several other important areas for migratory shorebirds – Teluk Air Tawar in Penang (MY003); Sekinchan, Jeram, Kapar and Sungai Buloh in Selangor (MY011); and Johor’s Parit Jawa, Sungai Pulai, Kukup Island and Tanjung Piai (MY015). The latter three are important wetlands complexes and recognised as Ramsar sites, and could be adversely affected by mega-developments in the Johor Straits and active shipping activities in the Straits of Malacca. All these three Ramsar sites must be monitored and maintained regularly by local authorities and NGOs.
Amazing little flyers
The fact that these birds, some like the red-necked stint (Calidris ruficollis) weighing only about 30 grammes, can fly some 25,000km every year across the continent is such a unique phenomenon. Some species can fly for three days, non-stop, covering 6,000km and reaching speeds of 60km/hour. Thus the necessary stops, and the need to find safe places with plenty of food and resting sites. Some of these birds lose 40% of their weight after long flights, and need to regain most of it before continuing journeys threatened by hot weather, storms, haze, extreme cold at night, poachers, habitat loss and chemical pollution.
The appeal of some of these migratory species is their congregation, in vast numbers, especially among shorebirds. Usually feeding in the same locations, these different species do not compete for food, as they prey on different types of benthic organisms. The differences in bill shape and size, and their legs, make for interesting observation, which could also determine and predict their habitat and diet.
The combination of intertidal mudflats, complex mangrove areas and morphology of birds makes these areas suitable for migratory shore birds, and for bird lovers. Through the identification of size and shape, colours and patterns of feathers, bills and legs, together with feeding habits, bird fanciers can do no better than productive mudflats near mangrove forests at low tide.
The fact that these birds, some like the red-necked stint (Calidris ruficollis) weighing only about 30 grammes, can fly some 25,000km every year across the continent is such a unique phenomenon. Some species can fly for three days, non-stop, covering 6,000km and reaching speeds of 60km/hour. Thus the necessary stops, and the need to find safe places with plenty of food and resting sites. Some of these birds lose 40% of their weight after long flights, and need to regain most of it before continuing journeys threatened by hot weather, storms, haze, extreme cold at night, poachers, habitat loss and chemical pollution.
The appeal of some of these migratory species is their congregation, in vast numbers, especially among shorebirds. Usually feeding in the same locations, these different species do not compete for food, as they prey on different types of benthic organisms. The differences in bill shape and size, and their legs, make for interesting observation, which could also determine and predict their habitat and diet.
The combination of intertidal mudflats, complex mangrove areas and morphology of birds makes these areas suitable for migratory shore birds, and for bird lovers. Through the identification of size and shape, colours and patterns of feathers, bills and legs, together with feeding habits, bird fanciers can do no better than productive mudflats near mangrove forests at low tide.
Then there is the raptor migration phenomenon, captured each year at MNS’s signature Raptor Watch event in Tanjung Tuan, Melaka (MY012) and also in the peninsula’s northern states. (See articles on Raptor Watch and Taiping Raptor Watch on pages 28-31 and 33-35). Flying in their hundreds (once in the thousands), the Oriental honey buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) is the main draw as they cross the Straits of Malacca to and from the nearest point in Sumatra, Pulau Rupat, twice a year from and to their homes in the Northern Hemisphere. There’s also the chance to catch others in the raptor family, such as the Japanese sparrowhawk, Chinese goshawk, black baza as well as eagles and ospreys.
In Malaysia’s other forests, there are the majestic hornbills, with 10 species being found in the Ulu Muda Forest Complex (MY002) and Belum-Temengor (MY007), and eight species in Borneo. Other pockets of green, even in cities and towns (for example in Kuala Lumpur’s Taman Tun Dr. Ismail and Kuantan), can also be home to these large birds, with a sighting of hybrids as well (see Discovery story on page 32).
In Malaysia’s other forests, there are the majestic hornbills, with 10 species being found in the Ulu Muda Forest Complex (MY002) and Belum-Temengor (MY007), and eight species in Borneo. Other pockets of green, even in cities and towns (for example in Kuala Lumpur’s Taman Tun Dr. Ismail and Kuantan), can also be home to these large birds, with a sighting of hybrids as well (see Discovery story on page 32).
Malaysia’s 55 IBAs cover 4,427,526 hectares in all, part of the larger 14,000 IBAs in 200 countries. Asia’s IBAs comprise 2,293 spots in 28 countries, a total of 2,331,560 sq. km or 233 million hectares, representing 7.6% of the continent. Commitment of countries such as Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam can save at least 50% of these IBAs in 2020. On the flip side, poor planning in conservation in rapidly developed countries may cause these sites to be adversely affected. As one of the Malaysian NGOs active in birdwatching, and the oldest naturebased society in the country, MNS is actively involved in creating awareness through education, as well as promoting habitat protection and environmental advocacy. Two recent events highlighting the Society’s efforts were the launch of the Ulu Muda Scientific Expedition and the Shorebirds Watching Course to promote the Ulu Baram Wetlands as an IBA site. Aside from the aforementioned Raptor Watch, the Society’s activities include Pesta Sayap (Festival of Wings) in Kuala Selangor each October and the Hornbill Conservation Programme in Belum-Temengor, and all three welcome volunteer participation. There is only hope for Malaysia’s coasts and forests, and its birds and other wildlife, if MNS branches and members, and the public, come together to support the protection of the country’s important sites for birds and biodiversity. |