Migratory shorebirds, originating from the northern hemisphere, journey for months across the world to escape the winter chill, making crucial stopovers at destinations like the expansive mudflats and wetlands of Penang’s Teluk Air Tawar-Kuala Muda (TAT-KM).
However, as these birds grace Malaysian shores, their habitats face threats from human activities. Yet, not all is lost thanks to the efforts of the Shorebirds of Peninsular Malaysia Project, spearheaded by Dr Nur Munira Azman, a senior lecturer in the Biology Department, Faculty of Science & Mathematics at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris.
“In my childhood, I had a deep love for animals and dreamt of becoming a veterinarian,” she told FMT Lifestyle. Although life took unexpected turns, it led her to meet her husband, a passionate bird photographer who was especially captivated by shorebirds.
In conjunction with World Migratory Bird Day today, she sheds light on these avian nomads and the urgent need for conservation action.
Munira founded the Shorebirds Peninsular Malaysia Project in 2017. Now backed by The Habitat Foundation and bolstered by a team of conservationists, it is aimed at spreading awareness on the importance of protecting these species and preserving the invaluable wetland ecosystem.
These shorebirds are capable of remarkable feats. “For example, the bar-tailed godwit holds the record for the longest non-stop flight – a staggering 11 days without a break, 13,560km from Alaska to Tasmania, Australia!”
That said, she stressed that the presence of these birds isn’t merely picturesque; they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the wetland ecosystem, serving as a sign of the area’s health. To assess this, Munira and her team collect data twice a month during the migratory season.
“Equipped with binoculars, scopes, and other necessary gear for bird watching, as the tide begins to rise, we observe and record behaviours and numbers of shorebirds, noting species diversity and any significant changes or unusual patterns,” she explained.
She also pointed out that several villages and small towns populate the coastline, making these habitats crucial for their livelihoods.
After seven years of research, their efforts have not gone unnoticed. “One of our project’s most significant findings was the first recorded sighting of the black-faced spoonbill in Penang,” Munira revealed.
This rare event garnered prominent attention in national newspapers, amplifying public awareness and highlighting the urgency of protecting these habitats.
Another memorable experience was when Munira’s team witnessed and captured an extraordinary event: a battle between a little egret and snakes vying for the same mudskipper. “The moment was so striking that we entered a photo of the incident in a photography competition and it won first prize!”
Sadly, the future appears to be bleak for the natural domains of these winged wildlife. “Penang’s rapid development has led to numerous coastal reclamation projects, which pose the most critical threat to the TAT-KM area,” Munira said.
“It’s heart-wrenching to see these areas, which not only support local wildlife but also sustain human communities, gradually being eroded by development. The situation is alarming and urgent action is required.”
The journey ahead isn’t easy but Munira remains hopeful, believing that with a worldwide commitment to conservation, these migratory wonders can still be safeguarded for generations to come.
As she aptly puts it: “These creatures do not belong to any single nation; they are a shared global heritage, and a shared global responsibility.”
Follow the Shorebirds Peninsular Malaysia Project on Facebook, and check out its website.