Malaysian ornithologist advocates for the protection of shorebirds

Shorebird surveys are a test of endurance, requiring researchers to brave rocking waves for the sake of data. Photo: Dr Nur Munira Azman

Every year between July and April, thousands of birds descend upon the shimmering mudflats along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, in a gruelling journey of thousands of kilometres from the north.

To the casual observer, these are simply migratory birds passing through. But to ornithologist Dr Nur Munira Azman, these shorebirds carry a profound message of peace and love.