MALAYSIA: Calls to turn mangrove swamp into sanctuary for migrant birds
Copyright 2001
New Straits Times (Malaysia)
October 21, 2001
MUAR, Sat. - Concerned over the safety of an increasing number of migratory birds landing at the Pantai Leka beach in the Parit Jawa fishing village here, local community leaders have set up a bird-watching committee.
Led by bird lover Mansur Poh, the committee aims to co-operate with the relevant departments to make the 20ha muddy feeding ground and shelters at the mangrove forest a bird haven. Mansur said the committee had among others intended to put a stop to the
"rawai" fishing method by inshore fishermen there in order to protect the food sources of the birds.
On Monday, an adjutant bird, which is a rare and protected species was saved by fishermen in the area after it was found stuck in the mud with a fishing hook in its beak.
Mansur said the committee would also keep a close watch on youths who catapulted or threw stones at the birds in the area.
It also plans to approach the Muar Municipal Council to propose the building of at least three gazebos in the area for the convenience of bird lovers, pending the construction of a proposed bird-watching tower by the State Government.
"It is a God-sent gift that these birds have come in droves to this place and their numbers seems to be increasing over the years."
He added that the authorities should take necessary measures to protect the birds as they are highly sensitive
"If their feeding ground and roosting places are disturbed, they would fly elsewhere, and this would cause a great loss to Johor and the country," Mansur said.
The birds which may be spotted in the area include different species of adjutants, storks, cranes, l0 species of Chinese egrets from Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Russia, local eagles and kingfishers.
Adjutants and egrets have been placed on the endangered species list, plus a few species of sand pipers.
So far, 20 species of sandpipers have been identified in the area.