One of the Takau Rimba (Java broadbill) birds that was recorded during the project.
The Nature Sustainable Ecosystem Society (Nest) has recorded the discovery of over 100 bird species through observation activities conducted in two forest reserves in Seberang Perai, Penang.
Nest’s fieldwork coordinator Shaiful Azhar Abu Bakar said the activity was part of the “Forest Bird Species Checklist Survey in Seberang Perai” project, aimed at updating bird species data to conserve biodiversity, which plays an important role in human life.
He said that Nest had received a grant from Think City, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, to prepare a forest bird species checklist report, which would serve as a reference for research, development planning, policy-making and eco-tourism.
“The birdwatching activity, which recently began in the Air Hitam Dalam Forest Reserve, has successfully recorded around 60 bird species, while the Bukit Mertajam Forest Eco Park has documented 40 species to date.
“This process will later move on to the Bukit Panchor State Park in Nibong Tebal,” Shaiful said to reporters during a recent visit to the Bukit Mertajam Forest Reserve in Cherok Tokun, Penang.
Nest photographers Zaidie Abdul Aziz (second from right) and Apiq Sulaiman (second from left), with bird expert Abdul Rahman Ahmad (left) and avid birdwatcher Ramlah Hamdan during an observation exercise in Seberang Perai.
Shaiful said that the observations at the Air Hitam Dalam Forest Reserve uncovered flocks of young birds, such as the Black Kite, indicating an increase in the breeding of this species in the area, and he expected more species to be discovered in the future.
He said the activity involved 10 bird activists and experts from local universities, as well as experienced birdwatchers and photographers who collaborated to identify local bird species and migratory patterns.
He added that this data was vital for ensuring the sustainability of forest reserves, allowing these birds to return to the area in the coming years.
“This observation process is usually conducted in three sessions, namely in the morning when birds are active searching for food, in the afternoon when they return to rest, and at night to observe nocturnal birds like owls,” he said, adding that the team faces many challenges in the field, including navigating hilly terrain and carrying heavy equipment.
A blue-winged pitta spotted at one of the forest reserves.
Meanwhile, project coordinator Dr Siti Norasikin Ismail said the project aims to provide a checklist report on forest bird species to Think City and the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MBSP), as part of the Seberang Perai empowerment project.
“This project is also an effort to provide a report on knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions, as well as to raise awareness about bird conservation within the Seberang Perai community.
“We will publish printed materials such as brochures on forest bird species, short videos, and data on digital platforms for public access,” she said.
Siti Norasikin said that storing and updating bird data was crucial, having a significant impact on eco-tourism development in the affected areas, while also serving as a reference for both researchers and the public.
She added that the survey results would also be shared with the Seberang Perai community through discussions and presentations at workshops focused on natural heritage, especially on the importance of bird conservation and its habitat.
Siti Norasikin said that participants will be introduced to birdwatching activities, the bird identification process, how to share findings, and bird photography techniques in the field.
Another bird that was recorded, the black kite or ‘burung helang kembara hitam’.
Eco-friendly tech
Meanwhile, the fishing community in Malaysia must adopt environmentally-friendly fishing technology, and adhere to closed fishing seasons and catch size limits to ensure sustainable marine resources, said Department of Fisheries (DOF) director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain.
He stressed that these measures are crucial to alleviating pressure on fish stocks and allowing marine species to reproduce and thrive.
Adnan said that the DOF is actively developing and promoting fishing equipment which minimises environmental impact, such as trawls equipped with turtle excluder devices (TEDs).
TEDs are designed to ensure that only target species are caught while reducing unwanted bycatch.
“The DOF is conducting training and awareness programmes, to educate fishermen on the importance of using sustainable fishing gear. Additionally, the department provides technical support and incentives, to encourage the fishing community to transition to more eco-friendly equipment,” he said.
Currently, 112,344 fishermen are registered nationwide.
Shaiful said that observation activities at Air Hitam Dalam Forest Reserve recorded about 60 bird species. — Photos: Bernama
Adnan said strict enforcement measures are in place to prohibit the use of destructive fishing gear, such as “bubu naga” fish traps. The department is also working closely with other agencies to ensure fishermen comply with relevant laws.
He added that technology, including the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), is being used to track fishing activities in real-time, helping to detect and prevent unsustainable practices.
“The DOF also promotes the use of advanced fishing technology, such as sonar, echo sounders, and GPS, to help fishermen locate fish more efficiently while preventing overfishing. This includes the implementation of Fishing Site Identification (FSI) technology,” he said.
He said that the fishing community plays a crucial role in supporting the DOF’s efforts in conserving and managing fish stocks. Fishermen are actively involved in managing fishing zones, including marine protected areas (MPAs), and assist in monitoring fishing activities to ensure a high level of compliance with regulations.
“Local fishermen serve as ‘eyes and ears’ at sea, reporting illegal fishing activities, the use of prohibited fishing gear, and other threats to fish stocks, to the authorities. Their vigilance plays a crucial role in supporting the enforcement of fisheries laws,” he said.
Additionally, Adnan said that the DOF is actively promoting alternative economic initiatives, such as aquaculture and marine ecotourism, to reduce fishermen’s reliance on marine resources. These initiatives help alleviate pressure on capture fisheries, contributing to the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems.
He stressed that with the implementation of effective management strategies, fish stocks can be restored and maintained at optimal levels, aligning with the principles of sustainable development. – Bernama
