Help Perak Bird Sanctuary Fly into World Wetlands List

By Jaspal Singh

IPOH: Get the bird sanctuary of Kuala Gula into the “Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance” for the sake of the future generations of Malaysians, says the Malaysian Nature Society.

Calling on the authorities to consider the enlistment proposal, the MNS said the move would make sure the wildlife haven’s avi- fauna was protected for a long time.

MNS executive director Dr Loh Chi Leong said being on the Ramsar list would also give the sanctuary international recognition, an advantage to promote eco-tourism.

“It opens up the possibility of international funding for its conservation and management. To be on the list, a conservation management plan will be required to be developed and implemented.

“And this will be good for the sustainability and conservation of the site,” he said yesterday.

The sanctuary is located within a 7,000ha protected mangrove forest, which forms part of the 40,466ha Matang mangrove forest reserve.

Loh said since Kuala Gula itself was a small portion of the Matang mangrove forest ecosystem, MNS would prefer that the entire forest reserve be enlisted as a Ramsar site.

“If the greater Matang mangrove forest is made a Ramsar site, then the conservation of Kuala Gula will be more successful as the surrounding forest is also under a management plan.”

Asked about the impact of economic activities carried out in Matang on the sanctuary itself, he said some Japanese studies showed that despite the careful management of the mangroves, economic activities had impacted the productivity of the mudflats associated with the mangroves.

The vast stretch of tidal mudflats and mangroves in the Matang area makes it a strategic feeding, nesting and roosting site for waterbirds.

Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) records at least 165 bird species sightings in Kuala Gula bird sanctuary and the larger Matang mangrove forest, which has become a transitory abode for migratory birds from East Asia and sub-Arctic region during the winter season. The rare and highly-endangered Milky Storks and Lesser Adjutants as well as large numbers of waders (small waterbirds) seek shelter in the area between August and April each year.

Besides Wetlands International, MNS had recommended to the government that the Matang mangrove forest be nominated as a Ramsar site.

There are five areas in Malaysia on the Ramsar list: Tasik Bera in Pahang, Pulau Kukup, Sungai Pulai and Tanjung Piai in Johor, and Kuching.

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