Sabah’s Babagon Dam serves as both a crucial water source and an important habitat for migratory predatory birds.
Tan Gim Cheong, chairman of the Nature Society Singapore Bird Group, stated that there are at least five species of resident raptors around the dam, which is located in Penampang, about 25km away from Kota Kinabalu.
According to Tan, these raptors play a critical role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
During an excursion at Babagon Dam, part of the “Sabah Raptor Workshop: Identification and Observation Skill” organized by the Sabah Bird Watchers Association, Tan, an expert on raptor migration patterns, urged the association to collaborate with water concessionaire Jetama Sdn Bhd to monitor the migratory raptors in this essential man-made environment.
Babagon Dam is a major water source for the west coast of Sabah, including the state capital.
The field activity was held in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Tourism Malaysia, and Jetama, and had a total of 35 participants.
President of the Sabah Bird Watcher Association, Ron Pudin, expressed surprise at the beauty of Babagon Dam, comparing the experience to the well-known river cruises in the Kinabatangan River in the state’s east coast.
He emphasized that despite the common perception of dams as environmental destruction, Babagon Dam has become an important sanctuary for raptors, highlighting nature’s ability to recalibrate itself.
Pudin also mentioned the sighting of a blue banded kingfisher, which is an indicator of healthy water quality.
Ahmad Zaki Abu Bakar, Jetama’s general manager of environmental, social, and governance, affirmed the company’s commitment to safeguarding the dam area and stated that Jetama actively engages in green sustainable initiatives aligned with the state government’s Sabah Maju Jaya development plan.
He expressed enthusiasm for future joint efforts, including activities like the birders’ workshop.
The workshop aimed to enhance bird enthusiasts’ understanding of raptor behavior, especially during their northern winter migration through Sabah.
This collaborative effort reflects a shared dedication to promoting sustainable tourism and environmental preservation in Sabah.
