Kuala Lumpur: 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. 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 played an important role in human life.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, NEST received a grant from Think City, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, to prepare a forest bird species checklist report. This report will serve as a reference for research, development planning, policy-making, and eco-tourism. The bird-watching 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 continue until next Tuesday, before moving on to the Bukit Panchor State Park in Nibong Tebal.
Shaiful Azhar stated that observations at the Air Hitam Dalam Forest Reserve uncovered flocks of young birds, such as the Black Kite, indicating a rise in the breeding of this species in the area. He expected more species to be discovered in the future. 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. This data is vital for ensuring the sustainability of the forest reserves, allowing these birds to return to the area in the coming years.
The observation process is usually conducted in three sessions: 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. The team faced challenges in the field, including navigating hilly terrain and carrying heavy equipment.
Meanwhile, project coordinator Dr. Siti Norasikin Ismail said the 'Forest Bird Species Checklist Survey in Seberang Perai' aimed to provide a checklist report on forest bird species to the project funders, 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.
Siti Norasikin mentioned that printed materials, such as brochures on forest bird species, short videos, and data on digital platforms, would be published for public access. Storing and updating bird data is 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. The survey results will 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.
Participants will be introduced to birdwatching activities, the bird identification process, how to share findings, and bird photography techniques in the field.