A microsite has been launched, providing information on over 70 species of shorebirds in Malaysia and their specific locations in the country. The microsite was unveiled during bird conservation awareness activities at Sungai Tembus, Penang, on Feb 2, 2024, in conjunction with World Wetlands Day.
Developed by the Shorebirds Peninsular Malaysia Project (SPMP), the microsite aims to be a valuable resource for researchers, conservationists, and bird enthusiasts. Apart from serving as a reference platform, it also acts as a learning hub to raise awareness about the important roles shorebirds play in the ecosystem.
The SPMP, founded and coordinated by Dr. Nur Munira Azman, is an independent research unit focused on shorebird conservation. According to the organization, 60 out of the 70 species mentioned in the microsite are migratory and do not breed in Malaysia.
Among the most numerous species in Malaysia are the Tibetan sand plover and common redshank. The microsite highlights increases in the numbers of certain species at the Teluk Air Tawar-Kuala Muda coast Key Biodiversity Area (KBA), such as the Asian dowitcher and black-tailed godwit.
However, the SPMP points out that these increases may be due to habitat destruction in other areas, forcing more birds to seek refuge in Malaysia. This emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts at sites like the Teluk Air Tawar-Kuala Muda coast KBA to ensure the survival of these shorebirds.
Long-term monitoring by the SPMP as part of the Asian Waterbird Census has shown drastic declines in the populations of migratory shorebirds in Asia. The main reason cited for this decline is habitat destruction along the East Asian coastline.
During the microsite launch event, Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, the state Housing and Environment Committee chairman, emphasized the alignment of the initiative with the Seberang Perai City Council’s mission to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Activities at the event included a birding tour by boat, birdwatching, educational talks, and bird photography. Canon Marketing Malaysia sponsored the development of the microsite, which includes a special section featuring experiences of birders using Canon cameras and photography tips.
Sungai Tembus in Penang is home to two globally threatened bird species – the black-faced spoonbill and lesser adjutant. Other species spotted in the area include Nordmann’s greenshank, Eurasian curlew, Far Eastern curlew, Asian dowitcher, and black-tailed godwit.
