Putting Sabah’s birding treasures on the world map

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s quest to become one of the best birdwatching locations in the world received a boost following the Global Bird Fair in the United Kingdom.

More than 100 birding and wildlife travel experts as well as enthusiasts from across the globe listened attentively as the state unveiled the Sabah Birding Routes on Saturday.

The event was held in Rutland, which is located in rural England, and famous for its historic market towns and picturesque villages.

The guide map, launched by Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, was the focal point of the Sabah birding destination promotion.

“We aim to put Sabah on the global birdwatching map and are excited about the strong interest in Sabah’s birding destination promotion at the Global Bird Fair,” he said in a statement yesterday.

“This event showcased Sabah’s birding potential and connected us with the global community.

“We are eager to welcome more birding enthusiasts to explore Sabah’s natural beauty,” added Bangkuai, who is also chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB).

Also present were STB chief executive officer Julinus Jimit, Sabah Birdwatchers Association president Ron Pudin, and representatives from key birding associations from other countries, including the World Pheasant Association.

The Sabah Birding Routes outline the best birdwatching locations, including Mount Kinabalu, which Bangkuai described as “a VIP lounge for our avian celebrities” due to its role as a key distribution centre for Borneo’s montane birds.

Bangkuai explained to the attendees that with 688 bird species, including 66 endemic to Borneo and six unique to Sabah, the guide aims to enhance the birdwatching experience and allow enthusiasts to explore the state’s rich avian diversity with ease.

He said the Sabah birding guide was prepared by the STB with input from the Sabah Birdwatchers Association.

Acknowledging the invaluable contributions of the association, Bangkuai said Pudin has been instrumental in promoting Sabah’s feathered friends.

“Ron’s passion and dedication have been crucial in putting Sabah’s birding treasures on the map. I am sure his work will continue to inspire both locals and visitors to appreciate and protect our natural heritage,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pudin said the opportunity to produce the birding route map has opened the door to working with the World Pheasant Association to share technical and expertise knowledge, particularly on one of the rarest pheasants in the world, the Bornean Peacock Pheasant.

“It’s high time that we work together to establish long-term plans for sustainable habitats for this species.

“This is a successful trip indeed to one of the biggest bird fairs in the world,” he said.

Pudin also expressed gratitude to Bangkuai and Jimit for their proactive efforts in birding and their ability to integrate it with community-based tourism, which has put Sabah on the world birding map.