Kuala terengganu: Amid the hustle and bustle of campus life, the Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) grounds have become a habitat for a wide variety of bird species, both local and migratory, with 149 species recorded to date, reflecting the area's rich biodiversity.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Research Fellow at UniSZA's East Coast Environmental Research Institute (ESERI), Cornelius Anuar Abdullah McAfee, noted that the campus's strategic location, combined with its wetlands, open fields, and landscaped areas, makes it a suitable habitat for a wide variety of local and migratory bird species. The main migratory bird season in Malaysia typically falls between October and March. However, some species may arrive earlier or stay longer, influenced by weather patterns and food sources.
Bird migration is driven by natural mechanisms rather than solely by weather conditions. Birds respond to changes in daylight duration and food availability. As summer arrives in their original habitats and food resources increase, they return to breed. During this period, local birds in Terengganu are breeding and require more food, leading to increased competition and driving migratory birds back to their original habitats. The monsoon also influences conditions on the East Coast, with strong winds and heavy rain making long-distance flights less favorable. As a result, the West Coast sees a higher number of migratory birds compared with the East Coast.
Cornelius Anuar, a member of the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Terengganu Branch, highlighted that migratory birds recorded in Terengganu include raptors such as the Osprey and Honey Buzzard, alongside wetland species like the Plover, Sandpiper, and Snipe, as well as smaller birds including the Amur Stonechat, Taiga Flycatcher, and Red-throated Pipit. The presence of these species underscores UniSZA's role as an important ecological stopover along the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
He further mentioned that the two most frequently sighted and easily recognized migratory bird species on campus are the Common Sandpiper and the Chinese Pond Heron. The Common Sandpiper is commonly found in open areas, including along drains, while the Chinese Pond Heron is often observed, particularly in October when rainfall leaves the fields wet.
Terengganu has recorded more than 400 bird species in total, with the number continuing to grow as new discoveries are made every few months through observations by researchers and nature enthusiasts. A rare migratory duck species was recently discovered on the East Coast near a golf course in Kuala Terengganu, marking the first recorded sighting of its kind in the state. In 2024, a Tufted Duck spotted at the UniSZA lake was also recorded as the first sighting of the species in Terengganu. The discovery is regarded as special because the species originates from the northern temperate zone, including Russia, and is rarely found in Malaysia. The Tufted Duck's appearance in the country, particularly in Terengganu, is a unique occurrence due to its ability to travel long distances and arrive safely.
Cornelius Anuar explained that UniSZA's clean and safe surroundings, particularly the swamp area, are among the factors attracting bird species from the Arctic region. UniSZA offers eight Edutourism programs across various fields, including birdwatching and astronomy, with the Tropical Rainforest Birdwatching program being one of the most popular. Last year, the birdwatching program drew nearly 400 participants, involving both students and members of the public.
Birdwatching is not only a leisure activity but also a platform to raise awareness of environmental conservation. It is now seen as an easy way to bring people closer to the environment without the need to enter forest areas or national parks. With a little patience and observation, anyone can start to identify the wildlife around them, including on campus. Recent studies have demonstrated that birdwatching also has mental health benefits, including stress reduction through cognitive stimulation and interaction with nature. Birdwatching has also expanded into bird photography, which not only boosts interest among young people but also aids the documentation and dissemination of biodiversity information. Photography makes this activity more interactive and has a greater impact in raising public awareness of the importance of conservation.
In this regard, UniSZA is organizing a birdwatching and photography program at Tasik Kenyir from today until April 19, bringing together several components, including UniSZA Edutourism (Birdwatching), Kenyir Bird and Nature Quest (KBNQ), and the Canon Birding Photo Marathon x KBNQ 2026. The three-day program features guided birdwatching activities, photography training, and knowledge-sharing sessions and is open to both beginners and experienced participants.