Shoring up shorebird protection in Malaysia

A flock of common redshanks. — Shorebirds Peninsular Malaysia Project

A MICROSITE with information on over 70 species of shorebirds in Malaysia, and their specific locations in the country, has been launched.

The microsite was introduced during a series of bird conservation awareness activities held on Feb 2, 2024, at Sungai Tembus, Penang, in conjunction with World Wetlands Day.

Created by the Shorebirds Peninsular Malaysia Project (SPMP), the microsite’s objective is to serve as a valuable resource for researchers, conservationists and bird enthusiasts.

Besides acting as a reference platform, the microsite is a learning hub to raise awareness and understanding on the vital roles these birds play in the ecosystem.

It also seeks to advance the cause of shorebird conservation and protection of their habitats within Malaysia and along the East Asian Australasian Flyway.

Founded and coordinated by Dr Nur Munira Azman, the SPMP is an independent research unit focused on shorebird conservation.

In a statement to The Star, the SPMP says of the 70 species of shorebirds recorded in Malaysia, about 10 were known to breed in the country, and only seven of these would spend the whole year in Malaysia.

“The other 60 species are migratory and do not breed in Malaysia.

“Nevertheless, they may actually spend more of the year here in Malaysia during the non-breeding season than they do anywhere else, so they should be considered ‘Malaysian species’,” it says.

The most numerous species in Malaysia are the Tibetan sand plover and common redshank.

The SPMP said at the Teluk Air Tawar-Kuala Muda coast Key Biodiversity Area (KBA), it had seen some increases in the numbers of particular species, such as the Asian dowitcher and black-tailed godwit.

“However, this is likely not due to increase in the overall population, but the destruction of previously favoured sites elsewhere, such as the east coast of Sumatra, meaning that more of the birds have had to come here.

“This may seem positive, but it actually indicates that the number of places for the birds to find enough food to survive is decreasing. This makes the Teluk Air Tawar-Kuala Muda coast KBA even more crucial for their survival,” it adds.

According to the SPMP, from long-term monitoring as part of the Asian Waterbird Census, it is known that the populations of most migratory shorebirds in Asia are in drastic decline.

“There are multiple reasons for this, but perhaps the most significant is habitat destruction along the length of the coastline of East Asia.

“Several species, such as the great knot and Far Eastern curlew, have recently had their conservation status upgraded because of this,” it says, meaning these species are now considered endangered.

During the microsite launch, state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said it also aligned with Seberang Perai City Council’s (MBSP) mission to contribute to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The SDGs serve as a compass for MBSP and we have made significant strides in promoting environmental conservation and sustainable practices in the city, including by reducing per capita emissions and encouraging tree-planting activities,” he said.

Besides a birding tour by boat, the event also saw activities such as birdwatching, educational talks and bird photography.

The microsite development was sponsored by Canon Marketing Malaysia and includes a special section featuring the experiences of birders using its cameras, along with photography tips and tricks.

Sungai Tembus runs through Penaga, where two globally threatened bird species were recently spotted on the mudflats – the black-faced spoonbill and the lesser adjutant. Other species spotted in the area were the Nordmann’s greenshank, the Eurasian curlew, the Far Eastern curlew, the Asian dowitcher and the black-tailed godwit.