Surveys of Coastal Waterbirds and Wetlands in Malaysia, 2004–2006

Transcription

The Status of Coastal Waterbirds and
Wetlands in Southeast Asia
Results of Waterbird Surveys in Malaysia (2004–2006) and Thailand
and Myanmar (2006)
Edited by
David Li Zuo Wei and Rosie Ounsted
July 2007
Produced by
Wetlands International
Project implementation supported by
Malaysian Nature Society
Sarawak Forestry Corporation
Bird Conservation Society of Thailand
Myanmar Bird and Nature Society
Principal sponsor
Loke Wan Tho Memorial Foundation
© Wetlands International 2007
Pages from this publication may be reproduced freely for educational, journalistic, and other noncommercial purposes. Prior permission must be given for all other forms of reproduction. Full
credit must always be given to the copyright holder.
ISBN 978-90-5882-041-9
This publication should be cited as:
Li, Z.W.D. and Ounsted, R. (eds.). 2007. The Status of Coastal Waterbirds and Wetlands in
Southeast Asia: Results of Waterbird Surveys in Malaysia (2004–2006) and Thailand and
Myanmar (2006). Wetlands International, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The individual country reports should be cited as:
Li, Z.W.D., Yeap, C.K. and Kumar, K. 2007. Surveys of Coastal Waterbirds and Wetlands in
Malaysia, 2004–2006. In: Li, Z.W.D. and Ounsted, R. (eds.). The Status of Coastal Waterbirds
and Wetlands in Southeast Asia: Results of Waterbird Surveys in Malaysia (2004–2006) and
Thailand and Myanmar (2006), pp. 1–40. Wetlands International, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Round, P., Chanittawong, W. and Manopawitr, P. 2007. Surveys of Coastal Waterbirds and
Wetlands in Central and Southern Thailand, January 2006. In: Li, Z.W.D. and Ounsted, R. (eds.).
The Status of Coastal Waterbirds and Wetlands in Southeast Asia: Results of Waterbird Surveys
in Malaysia (2004–2006) and Thailand and Myanmar (2006), pp. 41–67. Wetlands International,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Naing, T.Z. 2007. Surveys of Coastal Waterbirds and Wetlands in the Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy)
Delta, Myanmar, December 2005 – March 2006. In: Li, Z.W.D. and Ounsted, R. (eds.). The
Status of Coastal Waterbirds and Wetlands in Southeast Asia: Results of Waterbird Surveys in
Malaysia (2004–2006) and Thailand and Myanmar (2006), pp. 68–83. Wetlands International,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Published by Wetlands International.
Available from:
Wetlands International – Malaysia Office
3A39, Block A, Lobby C, Kelana Centre Point
Jalan SS7/19, Petaling Jaya
47301 Selangor
Tel: 03-78046770
Fax: 03-78046772
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wetlands.org
Cover photograph: Nordmann’s Greenshank by Chaiwat Chinuparawat.
Design by Muse Studio.
Printed by CG Print.
Printed on 128 gsm matt art.
Contents
Foreword .........................................................................................................................................v
Preface ...........................................................................................................................................vii
Surveys of Coastal Waterbirds and Wetlands in Malaysia, 2004–2006....................................1
Summary.......................................................................................................................................1
1. Introduction ..............................................................................................................................1
2. Methods ....................................................................................................................................6
3. Results by State and Site ..........................................................................................................7
4. Results by Major Waterbird Group ........................................................................................25
5. Discussion and Conclusions ...................................................................................................34
6. Recommendations ..................................................................................................................36
Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................37
References ..................................................................................................................................38
Surveys of Coastal Waterbirds and Wetlands in Central and Southern Thailand, January
2006................................................................................................................................................41
Summary.....................................................................................................................................41
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................41
2. Methods ..................................................................................................................................42
3. Sites Covered..........................................................................................................................42
4. Results ....................................................................................................................................48
5. Discussion...............................................................................................................................62
References ..................................................................................................................................66
Surveys of Coastal Waterbirds and Wetlands in the Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) Delta,
Myanmar, December 2005 – March 2006..................................................................................68
Summary.....................................................................................................................................68
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................68
2. Methods ..................................................................................................................................68
3. Itinerary ..................................................................................................................................69
4. Results ....................................................................................................................................70
5. Discussion...............................................................................................................................81
References ..................................................................................................................................82
iii
Figures
Figure 1: Coastal wetlands surveyed in Peninsular Malaysia, 2004–2006 ..................................... 8
Figure 2: Coastal wetlands surveyed in East Malaysia, 2004–2006 ............................................... 9
Figure 3: Maximum counts of waterbirds at coastal wetlands surveyed in Malaysia, 2004–2006 9
Figure 4: Distribution of internationally and potentially internationally important sites identified
during surveys in Malaysia, 2004–2006 ....................................................................... 10
Figure 5: Distribution of Chinese Egret in Malaysia, 2004–2006 ................................................ 30
Figure 6: Distribution of Nordmann’s Greenshank in Malaysia, 2004–2006 ............................... 32
Figure 7: Wetland sites in the Inner Gulf and in Peninsular Thailand covered during the AWC,
January 2006 ................................................................................................................. 43
Figure 8: Locations counted in the Inner Gulf of Thailand during the AWC, January 2006 ....... 44
Figure 9: Areas of the Ayeyarwaddy Delta, Myanmar, covered by surveys, December 2005 –
March 2006 ................................................................................................................... 74
Tables
Table 1: Interwader shorebird* counts in Malaysia, 1983–1986 .................................................... 2
Table 2: Coastal wetland and waterbird counts in Malaysia, AWC 1989–1996 ............................ 4
Table 3: Coastal wetland and waterbird counts in Malaysia, AWC 1999–2004 ............................ 5
Table 4: Coastal wetland sites surveyed in Malaysia, 2004–2006 ............................................... 10
Table 5: Total numbers of waterbirds recorded at each coastal wetland site in Malaysia, 2004–
2006 ................................................................................................................................ 13
Table 6: Internationally important and potentially internationally important sites in Malaysia
identified by surveys, 2004–2006 ................................................................................... 24
Table 7: Waterbird species recorded in surveys of the coast of Malaysia, 2004–2006 ................ 26
Table 8: Locations of Chinese Egret recorded on the coast of Malaysia, 2004–2006 .................. 29
Table 9: Maximum wintering (migration) shorebird counts recorded in surveys in Malaysia,
1983–1986 and 2004–2006 ............................................................................................. 31
Table 10: Locations of Nordmann’s Greenshank recorded on the coast of Malaysia, 2004–2006
......................................................................................................................................... 32
Table 11: List of sites covered during the AWC in Thailand, January 2006 ................................ 42
Table 12: Waterbirds counted on sections 1–11 of the Inner Gulf of Thailand during the AWC,
January 2006 ................................................................................................................... 49
Table 13: Waterbirds counted on sections 12–20 of the Inner Gulf of Thailand, and totals for all
sections, during the AWC, January 2006 ....................................................................... 51
Table 14: Waterbirds counted in Central and Southern Thailand during the AWC, January 2006...
........................................................................................................................................ 55
Table 15: Waterbirds counted in the Inner Gulf of Thailand, mid-March 2006 ........................... 57
Table 16: Waterbirds counted in the Inner Gulf of Thailand, mid-April 2006 ............................. 57
Table 17: Waterbirds counted in the Inner Gulf of Thailand, May 2006 ..................................... 58
Table 18: Comparison of two successive counts at Pak Nam Krabi, Thailand, 18 and 23 January
2006 ................................................................................................................................ 63
Table 19: Comparison of shorebird numbers and linear density (birds/km of shoreline) along
sections of the shoreline of the Inner Gulf of Thailand made during five count periods 63
Table 20: Waterbird and wetland-dependent bird species recorded during surveys in the
Ayeyarwaddy Delta, Myanmar, December 2005 – March 2006 .................................... 77
Table 21: Waterbird counts at Let Khoke Kone, Myanmar, 1991–2006 ...................................... 79
Table 22: Waterbird counts at Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary, Myanmar, 1993–2006 ..... 80
iv
Foreword
Southeast Asian wetlands support a variety of life: local people gaining a livelihood go hand in
hand with a rich biodiversity. In many cases this cohabitation is not in balance however –
typically at the expense of biodiversity - and with the enormous and growing demographic
pressure in this part of the world the risk for further deterioration of the situation is real.
Initiatives to address this issue are badly needed. The Flyway Partnership for the East Asian–
Australasian Flyway, launched in November 2006, is a good example of such initiative, looking
at safeguarding wetlands and their biodiversity, using waterbirds as flagships.
Wetlands provide indispensable habitats for many waterbird species, both migratory and resident.
Many waterbird populations are in rapid decline worldwide, but this development is most
pronounced in Southeast Asia. Rapid economic growth in the region, resulting in major
development along the coasts, including wetland reclamation has been identified as the greatest
threat to waterbirds. This in not just a problem for biodiversity, the loss of these wetlands means
a loss of all the services these wetlands had for people as well,
The lack of up-to-date information on the status of wetlands and waterbirds has hindered the
ability of government agencies to make decisions and take prompt action to ensure that
developments that involve wetlands, including coastal developments, are sustainable,
safeguarding the ecosystem services for people and biodiversity. To aid the sustainable
development and conservation of wetlands, Wetlands International works with national agencies
and organisations to provide the most up-to-date information on the status of wetlands and
waterbirds; such activities include the publication of regularly updated Waterbird Population
Estimates and organisation of the annual International Waterbird Census (IWC) to collect
waterbird information worldwide. In the Asia-Pacific region the IWC takes the form of the Asian
Waterbird Census, which has been held annually since 1987, with over 1,000 volunteers
participating each year and over 6,000 wetlands being covered so far.
This publication presents a comprehensive update of the status of waterbird populations along
coasts of Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar resulting from surveys undertaken in 2004–2006. It
covers a total of 134 wetland sites across the whole of Malaysia, 16 sites in Central and Southern
Thailand (including the Inner Gulf of Thailand) and 11 sites in the Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy)
Delta in Myanmar. Internationally important sites have been identified and conservation
recommendations are proposed.
The country reports provide updates on many individual waterbird species, particularly those that
are globally threatened. For example the Endangered Nordmann’s Greenshank, which was
recorded in significant numbers in all three countries. Also there is a comprehensive update of the
status of the Vulnerable Chinese Egrets that winter in Malaysia, and reports of the Endangered
Spoon-billed Sandpiper in the Inner Gulf of Thailand.
All in all this publication provides important information to inform decision makers and other
stakeholders in planning and implementing wetland development and conservation. This
information is brought together and published for them to use it and I would like to use this
opportunity to encourage government agencies and other decision makers and stakeholders in the
three countries this work relates to, to put the information into practice, use it and undertake
action to contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of the important areas identified.
A publication like this is not possible without the contribution of the large network of observers,
almost all volunteers, and a strong and dedicated network of national coordinators, mostly doing
v
their work almost invisibly. A big ‘thank you’ goes to all of them. Wetlands International
collaborates with partner organisation in bringing the waterbird data together and both the
coordination team in the Wetlands International’s Malaysia Office and the colleagues of our
collaborating organisations, namely Malaysian Nature Society, Bird Conservation Society of
Thailand and Myanmar Bird and Nature Society are to be congratulated on having conducted
these comprehensive waterbird surveys
Besides being important documents in contribution to achieving the mission of Wetlands
International to sustain and restore wetlands, their resources and biodiversity for future
generations, they are also nice and interesting to browse through and read: so enjoy!!.
Ward Hagemeijer
Programme Head Biodiversity Conservation
Wetlands International
vi
Preface
The extensive coastal wetlands of Southeast Asia provide ideal habitat for many waterbird
species, including the globally threatened Milky Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Chinese Egret,
Nordmann’s Greenshank and Spoon-billed Sandpiper.
In the early 1980s, Interwader, the forerunner of the Asian Wetland Bureau (AWB), conducted
detailed studies of shorebirds on the coasts of Southeast Asia, and baseline information was
gathered in Malaysia, Thailand and Sumatra (Indonesia) for future study.
In 1987, the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) programme was initiated by AWB and the
International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau (IWRB), and waterbird counts were
conducted by volunteers on an irregular basis. However, due to the inconsistent and poor
coverage of sites each year it was not possible to obtain a comprehensive picture of the status of
waterbirds in the region. In 1995 AWB and IWRB amalgamated with Wetlands for the Americas
to form Wetlands International.
In order to ascertain the current status of coastal waterbirds in Malaysia, from November 2004 to
April 2005 a survey focusing on the Globally Threatened Nordmann’s Greenshank and Chinese
Egret was carried out. Funding support was provided by Asia Ecological Consultants Ltd.
(AEC)/Oriental Bird Club (OBC) Award for Conservation, the Royal Society for the Protection
of Birds (RSPB)/British Bird Watching Fair Research Fund for Endangered Species and the
Australian Government’s Department of Environment and Heritage, through Wetlands
International – Oceania.
A large amount of data on waterbirds was collected during this survey, however a number of gaps
were also identified, particularly in East Malaysia. In order to understand the importance of the
coast of the whole of the Thai-Malay Peninsula and other countries in Southeast Asia, it was
decided to extend survey coverage to the coast of Thailand and Myanmar in the following year.
The support of the Loke Wan Tho Memorial Foundation and Australian Government’s
Department of Environment and Heritage, through Wetlands International – Oceania, made this
possible. From August 2005 to May 2006, a survey of coastal waterbirds in Malaysia, Thailand
and Myanmar’s Ayeyarwaddy Delta was carried out by Wetlands International – Malaysia
Office, Malaysian Nature Society, Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Bird Conservation Society of
Thailand and the Myanmar Bird and Nature Society.
The survey of the Ayeyarwaddy Delta is the first comprehensive survey of this area ever
undertaken; the survey along the southwest coast of Sarawak was the first comprehensive update
in 20 years since the original comprehensive survey made by Interwader in 1985; and particularly
important updated information was collected for the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and the
Inner Gulf of Thailand.
We hope that the information presented in this report will contribute to the conservation of the
important wetland sites and provide an updated baseline for future waterbird studies in the region.
David Li Zuo Wei
June 2007
vii
Status of Coastal Waterbirds and Wetlands in Southeast Asia
Surveys of Coastal Waterbirds and Wetlands in Malaysia, 2004–2006
David Li Zuo Wei1, Yeap Chin Aik2 and Kandar Kumar2
1
Wetlands International – Malaysia Office
2
Malaysian Nature Society
SUMMARY
The report presents the results of waterbird counts made at a total of 134 sites across the whole of
Malaysia in 2004–2006. The numbers of waterbirds recorded in each period were 56,267 (74 sites
– AWC 2005); 15,885 (26 sites – 2005 northern migration count); 27,280 (39 sites – 2005
southern migration count); 73,151 (73 sites – AWC 2006); and 11,075 (15 sites – 2006 northern
migration count). A total of 16 sites (12%) of the 134 surveyed met the 1% criterion for
international importance, and 39 sites were identified as being potentially of international
importance by supporting large numbers of unidentified waterbirds, almost 1% of a waterbird
species or at least one individual of a globally threatened species.
Totals of 87 species of waterbirds and 20 wetland-dependent species were recorded. Herons and
egrets, shorebirds, and gulls and terns were the three major waterbird species groups recorded.
These three groups constituted 10–12%, 76–77% and 11–12% respectively of the total number of
waterbirds recorded. Seven globally threatened species were recorded: the Endangered Storm’s
Stork and Nordmann’s Greenshank, and Vulnerable Spot-billed Pelican, Chinese Egret, Milky
Stork, Lesser Adjutant and Greater Spotted Eagle. Furthermore, six Near Threatened species
were recorded: Oriental Darter, Black-headed Ibis, Malaysian Plover, Asian Dowitcher, Blacktailed Godwit and Brown-winged Kingfisher.
The surveys confirmed that the coast of Malaysia, particularly the coast of Selangor and Sarawak,
is very important for waterbirds, however shorebird numbers showed a decline of 22.4% in
Malaysia between 1983–1986 and 2004–2006.
The reclamation/conversion of mangrove forest and mudflats for aquaculture, agriculture,
industry, housing and recreational purposes is the major threat to waterbird habitat.
Recommendations are made for the conservation of Malaysia’s coastal wetlands and waterbirds,
future surveys and monitoring activities, and the development of a training and education
programme.
1. INTRODUCTION
The extensive coastline of Malaysia (4,675 km in total, comprising 2,068 km for Peninsular
Malaysia and 2,607 km for East Malaysia) supports a large number of resident and migratory
waterbirds. Waterbird surveys, focusing mainly on shorebirds, were carried out by Interwader in
the early 1980s (Parish and Wells 1984, 1985; Edwards et al. 1986; Hawkins and Howes 1986;
Howes et al. 1986; Howes and NWPO 1986a, b; Silvius et al. 1987) and established baseline
information on coastal wetlands and shorebird distribution in Malaysia (Table 1). Interwader was
1
Surveys of Coastal Waterbirds and Wetlands in Malaysia, 2004-2006
later renamed Asian Wetland Bureau (AWB) and subsequently became part of Wetlands
International.
Since the late 1980s, no large-scale coastal waterbird surveys have been conducted in Malaysia
apart from those carried out for the annual Asian Waterbird Census (AWC), from 1989 to 2004,
which covered various wetland sites (Scott and Rose 1989; Perennou et al. 1990; Perennou and
Mundkur 1991, 1992; Mundkur and Taylor 1993; Lopez and Mundkur 1997; Yeap 2002; Yeap et
al. 2003, 2004; Li and Mundkur 2004, 2007). The coastal sites in Malaysia were surveyed for the
AWC from 1989 to 2004, and count results are summarised in Tables 2 and 3.
To fully understand the current status of the coastal wetlands of Malaysia and their waterbirds,
comprehensive surveys were carried out from November 2004 to May 2006. The surveys focused
on the wintering period and were undertaken in January 2005 and 2006 in conjunction with the
annual AWC activities. The surveys were conducted and participated in by staff and volunteers of
Wetlands International – Malaysia Office and the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), as well as
other NGOs and government agencies.
The aims of the surveys were:
•
To promote better understanding of the importance of coastal wetlands in Malaysia for
waterbirds through comprehensive coastal waterbird surveys.
•
To promote the conservation of waterbirds and their natural habitats by recommending
appropriate conservation actions to the relevant government agencies.
Table 1: Interwader shorebird* counts in Malaysia, 1983–1986
State
Perlis
Kedah
Penang
Perak
Selangor
Site
Total
Total
Total
Total
Sg Burung
Kuala Kurau – Bagan Serai rice
field
Tg & Sg Rubiah
Kelumpang and Gula mudflat
Kelumpang Lake
Kuala Sangga Besar & Selinsing
Pulau Terong mudflat and river
Terong Lake
Sg Larut river mouth
Pulau Pasir Hitam
Pantai Panchor
Rungkup
Total
Sg Burong
470
4,800
13,340
1,106
120
Sekinchan rice field
779
Pantai Jeram
Sg Sembilang
Pulau Tengah
Pulau Ketam
Dec 1983 –
Jan 19841
3,000
1,352
406
6,046 P
Aug – Oct
19842
Nov – Dec
19842
2,593 P
646
Aug – Oct
19853,4
Nov 1985 –
Feb 19864
5,0194
8,764
Mar – May
19864, 5, 6, 7
5,6414
211
Sg Haji Durani
Sekinchan – Kuala Selangor
Pantai Rasa Sayang
Tg Karang
Kuala Tengi
Banjar South Forest Reserve
Kuala Selangor – Kapar
Kuala Selangor
2
Aug – Oct
19831
16
108
130
12,161
1,422
998
549
400
1,200
1,743 P
753
181
562
59
296
656
71
462
2,577
1,845
1,416
1,889
937
274
7,210 P
4,625 P
951
162
1,560
791
2,6536 P4
3,166
270
14
1,690
1,255
700
326
1,006
742
1,033
3,618
167
1,019
3,130
1,948
2,078
3,820
1,805
1,250
3,419
5,551
3,014
1,213
1,357
667
242
12,938
3,419
64
92
12,000
207
8,212
450
675
1,466
1,180
24,590 P
18,471 P4
4,700
1,700
1,284
2,300
State
Negeri
Sembilan
Melaka
Johor
Pahang
Terengganu
Kelantan
Sarawak
Site
Sg Sepang
Total
Total
Total
Sg Muar – Melaka border
Sg Muar – Parit Jawa
Tg Tohor – Parit Kuda
Batu Pahat – Sg Suloh Kecil
Benut Forest Reserve
Pontian Kecil
Pulau Kukup – Tg Piai
Johor Bharu coast
Sg Johor estuary
Jason Bay
Mersing bay
Sg Buta
Total
Sg Rompin
Tg Agas
Pasir Panjang
Total
Sg Ular
Paka
Kg Chenering
Total
Beting Lintang
Cherang Rulu
Tumpat
Total
Aug – Oct
19831
1,155
86
1,144
4,931 P
Dec 1983 –
Jan 19841
Aug – Oct
19842
Nov – Dec
19842
Sabah
Nov 1985 –
Feb 19864
Mar – May
19864, 5, 6, 7
35
27 P
3,1125 , 6
108
189
4,221
320
390
939 (1,531)
151 (357)
39 (139)
450 (453)
175
60
257
737
7
8846
80
760
24
1076
12
21
74
3516
40
9
302
422
28,688 (35,736)
P3
1,611 (1,772)
149 (159)
98
34
4,054 (4,442)
Bako – Buntal Bay
West Bako NP
Muara – Tebas
Tebas – Kuala – Samarahan
Kuala Samarahan – Kuala
Sadong
Kuala Sadong – Kuala Kupur
Kuala Lupus – Kuala Saribas
(Maludam NP)
Kuala Saribas – Kuala Kabong
Kuala Kabong – Kuala Rajang
Kuala Rajang – Kuala Belawai
Kuala Belawai – Kuala Paloh
Pulau Bruit
Pulau Patok
Muara Lassa – Kuala Igan
Tekajong marsh and ricefield
Kuching Airport
Brunei Bay: Tg Api Api – Sg
Pandaruan
Brunei Bay: Sg Bangau
Total
Padas Damit
Kg Nusong
Kg Mempakul
Bongawan
Lok Kawi
Likas Bay
Bota Beloh Bird Sanctuary
Tg Bidadari
Aug – Oct
19853,4
154 (161)
622 (657)
1,263 (1,276)
600 (2,929)
746 (1,648)
368 (1,011)
18,597 (18,784)
15,231
(30,252)7
256 (264)
317 (321)
134 (149)
223
74 (236)8
952 (1,516)8
6,310
435
191
68
1,217
171
840 P
672
168
754
3,474
Notes:
1: *– Sites where total waterbird count is available are shown in brackets (). P – Count for only part of the state coast.
2: Sg – Sungai (river); Kg – Kampung (village); Tg – Tanjung (cape).
3: References: 1 – Parish and Wells 1984, 2 – Parish and Wells 1985, 3 – Edwards et al. 1986, 4 – Silvius et al. 1987, 5 – Hawkins and Howes 1986,
6
– Howes et al. 1986, 7 – Howes and NWPO 1986a, 8 – Howes and NWPO 1986b.
3
Table 2: Coastal wetland and waterbird counts in Malaysia, AWC 1989–1996
Site No.1
Region
1
Perlis
2
Perlis/Kedah
Perlis
3–6
Kedah
Kedah
Kedah
7
Kedah
Kedah
Kedah
Kedah
Kedah
Kedah
Kedah
Kedah
Kedah
Kedah
8
Kedah
Kedah
Kedah
Kedah
Kedah
Kedah
Kedah
Penang
11
Penang
Penang
15
Penang
Penang
Penang
Penang
Penang
16
Perak
16
Perak
16
Perak
16
Perak
16
Perak
16
Perak
16
Perak
16
Perak
16
Perak
16
Perak
16
Perak
16
Perak
16
Perak
17
Perak
18
Perak
18
Perak
18
Perak
19
Perak
26
Perak
Perak
Perak
Selangor
28
Selangor
34
Selangor
38
Selangor
40
Selangor
41
Selangor
43
Selangor
44
Selangor
45
Selangor
48
Selangor
50
Selangor
51
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
4
Name
Kuala Perlis
Kuala Sanglang
Sub-total
Pulau Langkawi
Alor Janggus
Kuala Kedah – Kuala Sg Kangkong coast
Kuala Kedah
Kuala Kangkong
Kuala Pendang
Kuala Udang
Yan Besar
Kuala Sala
Pulau Sayak
Sg Merbok
Kg S Meriam
Kg Hujung Matang, Padang Salim
Kuala Muda
Kuala Sedaka
Kuala Daun
Kuala Kerpau
Tg Dawai
Pantai Singkir Laut
Sub-total
Permatang Binjai
Pulau Batu Kawan, Bukit Tambun
Tg Batu
Batu Maung (Batu Uban/Free Trade Zone)
Gelugor coastal area
Permatang Damar Laut
Pasir Panjang
Sub-total
North Kuala Gula: Sg Labu
North Kuala Gula: Tg Piandang
North Kuala Gula: Parit Besar
North Kuala Gula: Ban Siang Aik, Parit Hj. Ali
North Kuala Gula: Beting
North Kuala Gula: Ladang Tin Sing
North Kuala Gula: Sg Burung
North Kuala Gula: Kuala Bagan Tiang
North Kuala Gula: Kuala Gula – Kuala Kurau
North Kuala Gula: Kuala Gula – Muala
North Kuala Gula: Parit 30
North Kuala Gula: Sg Ayer Hitam
North Kuala Gula: Sg Betul – Bagan Tiang
North Kuala Gula: Teluk Rubiah (Bang Zhu Kao)
Matang Forest: Kuala Kelumpang
Matang Forest: Selinsing
Matang Forest: Sg Gula
Matang Forest: Pulau Kelumpang
Rungkup: Sg Tiang
Rungkup: Bagan Datuk coast
Sub-total
Air Tawar
Bagan Nakhoda Omar
Sg Haji Durani
Kg Parit Empat / Pantai Rasa Sayang
Tg Karang
Tg Karang rice field
Kuala Selangor Nature Park
Jeram coastal mudflat
Pantai Remis, Sg Sembilang
Kapar Power Station ash ponds
Pulau Tengah (Klang Islands)
Tg Tumbuk
Teluk Piai salt pan
Pulau Kelang (Klang Islands)
Pulau Lumut (Klang Islands)
Pulau Tonggok (Klang Islands)
Km 45 Morib/Klang
Batu Laut
Bagan Lalang
1989
1,161
1990
4,717
1991
1,016
1,161
4,717
1,016
8,935
930
2,203
361
36
19
1,855
344
38
613
237
1,120
110
46
12
76
554
340
316
24
11,525
23
557
277
5,898
594
2,975
295
36
630
63
3,333
2,239
83
5,096
2,869
1,476
3,619
4,742
246
1,079
22
1,164
56
23
22,714
49
1,075
843
2,320
2,910
214
744
239
203
1,447
178
14
234
1,022
2,531
1,594
0
8
7,184
529
2,090
4,047
196
308
7,170
89
232
154
1992
1,270
1,008
2,278
130
1993
239
1,695
1,934
238
1994
1995
1,610
240
36
647
8
155
16
83
578
27
774
31
528
1,538
850
277
7,528
295
93
527
72
205
433
431
284
2,190
3,254
52
15
1,887
1,035
3,709
1,887
1,035
16
2,960
6,524
2,510
3,025
1,754
9,053
193
697
4,555
1,120
3,410
1,179
3,695
73
3,038
504
453
209
14
18,749
758
23
356
416
1,887
1,113
387
2,236
1,983
53
25,164
256
24
742
1,193
289
681
173
1,305
3,467
17,576
713
4
1,317
562
2,276
11,150
53
17,015
2,645
65
394
1,796
127
453
1,775
33,320
17
129
881
1,813
389
39
119
537
1,884
2,379
23
10
1,152
10
1,254
58
115
18
370
39
441
1,674
3,174
3,587
140
379
104
673
3,446
14,793
13,384
15,949
3,882
1996
Site No.1
52
53
55
54
59
63
64–65
77
80
101
104
130
132
Region
Selangor
Sembilan
Melaka
Melaka
Melaka
Melaka
Melaka
Melaka
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Pahang
Pahang
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sabah
Sabah
Sabah
Name
Sub-total
Pantai Port Dickson, N.S.
Teluk Pasir Panjang, N.S.
Bandar Hilir
Kuala Sg Serkam
Kuala Sg Baru
Pantai Kg Portugis
Sub-total
Sg Balang
Parit Jawa
Sg Suloh Kecil
Tg Sepenting
Pontian Kecil And Besar
Sg Buntu
Kukup
Kuala Sedili
Kuala Mersing
Kuala Parit Kedongdong
Kuala Parit Rambah
Pantai Tg Labuh
Parit Hylam (Tambak Batu)
Parit Sri Menanti
Parit Terus
Tg Emas coast
Tg Langsat
Tebrau coast
Sub-total
Balok Beach
Sub-total
Santubong Bay
Santin
Bako – Buntal Bay and surrounding areas
Kuala Samarahan – Kuala Sadong
Sub-total
Kota Kinabalu City (Likas) Bird Sanctuary
Kota Belud Bird Sanctuary
Sub-total
Total Waterbirds
1989
13,301
541
88
98
15
82
336
1,160
1990
29,055
106
1991
19,594
67
273
31
410
31
9
38
331
476
1992
12,960
121
60
36
21
11
622
871
653
13
153
208
45
14
1,014
13
102
457
138
16
199
869
214
9
28
902
38
415
93
90
17
488
314
57
7
68
181
289
784
106
78
20
55
140
657
3,197
14
14
289
297
719
3,471
7
15
499
171
57
51
15
405
85
2,384
51,800
65,350
19
347
366
64,407
1993
1994
18,239 15,949*
1995
3,882
1996
11
2,513
63,050
24,250
30,407
198
2,016
1,235
3,449
66
92
1,767
1,082
3,007
7,331
3,007
Notes:
1: Site No.1 – refers to the site numbers in Table 4. 2: Sg – Sungai (river); Kg – Kampung (village); Tg – Tanjung (cape).
2: *– the 1994 counts at Pulau Tengah and Kapar Power Station Ash Ponds are duplicated as both the feeding ground and high tide roost were
counted.
Table 3: Coastal wetland and waterbird counts in Malaysia, AWC 1999–2004
Site No.1
1
7
9
13
14
15
16–18
35
35–36
37
38
43
44
45
48
50
51
52
53
66
72
Region
Perlis
Perlis
Kedah
Kedah
Penang
Penang
Penang
Penang
Penang
Perak
Perak
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Name
Kuala Perlis
Sub-total
Kuala Kedah
Sub-total
Telok Air Tawar – Kuala Muda coast
Gurney Drive
Pantai Mas (Pantai Acheh Village)
Batu Maung (Batu Uban/Free Trade Zone)
Sub-total
Matang Forest and Northern Kuala Gula
Sub-total
Sg Nibong Beach
Sg Nibong – Sekinchan coastline (12 km)
Sekinchan rice fields
Kg Parit Empat / Pantai Rasa Sayang
Kuala Selangor Nature Park
Jeram coastal mudflat
Pantai Remis, Sg Sembilang, Jeram
Pulau Tengah, S. Tip (Klang Islands)
Tg Tumbuk
Sub-total
Sg Balang
Parit Jawa
Tg Piai
Kg Punggai
1999
2,114
97
414
2,625
1,274
1,274
2000
196
196
937
166
169
1,272
2001
103
103
336
336
1,998
2002
766
766
1,959
309
2,307
804
804
2003
63
63
427
427
7,526
2004
52
52
4,319
191
1,437
1,959
4,057
4,057
8,963
1,269
1,269
818
5,328
1,015
1,015
588
3,910
27
39
260
31
786
144
205
230
5,863
5,639
4,049
6,162
7,393
4,279
24
18
4,455
8,933
545
5,024
106
382
828
9,779
158
690
48
120
9
45
7,657
685
513
12,846
98
255
221
5
Site No.1
70
77
80
91
101
102–103
104
124
130
131
132
134
134
134
Region
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Pahang
Pahang
Pahang
Pahang
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sabah
Sabah
Sabah
Sabah
Sabah
Sabah
Sabah
Sabah
Sabah
Sabah
Sabah
Name
Tg Pengelis, Penggerang
Kuala Sedili
Kuala Mersing
Pasir Gogok
Sub-total
Sg Galing riverbank
Kuala Rompin
Tg Sepat
Sub-total
Bako – Buntal Bay and surrounding areas
Sejingkat Power Station
Kuala Baram
Total
Kota Kinabalu City (Likas) Bird Sanctuary
Likas lagoon
Likas mudflat
Jelatik mangroves
Kota Belud Bird Sanctuary
Sembulan
Pulau Mantanani
Kinabatangan: Kg Mumiang/Tg Bidadas
Kinabatangan: Lower Floodplain
Kinabatangan: Terusan Kinabatangan
Sub-total
Total Waterbirds
1999
2000
2001
24
24
248
4,423
45
53
6
101
261
134
600
10,661
4,423
109
33
1
248
5,329
171
27
5,527
97
2002
488
1,695
1,695
15
158
13,246
2003
43
702
567
10
2,338
212
57
39
308
5,998
440
2,254
8,692
49
127
2004
228
75
877
239
32
271
2,726
564
1,474
4,764
163
2,719
97
13,725
231
389
620
14,609
3,058
34,897
461
112
277
850
26,003
Notes:
1: Site No.1 – refers to the site numbers in Table 4.
2. METHODS
The surveys were conducted from November 2004 to May 2006 (hereinafter 2004–2006) and
were divided into five periods: (1) November 2004 – February 2005 (AWC 2005); (2) March –
May 2005 (2005 northern migration count); (3) August–October 2005 (2005 southern migration
count); (4) November 2005 – February 2006 (AWC 2006); and (5) March–May 2006 (2006
northern migration count), respectively.
The surveys attempted to cover as many of Malaysia’s coastal wetlands, i.e. intertidal mudflats,
river mouths, estuaries, mangroves, ponds associated with the coast, and ricefields, as possible.
Standard site and count forms developed by Wetlands International were used in the surveys.
Counts were conducted mostly from land but some were conducted from boats in areas where
land access was limited or impossible. An aerial survey was also carried out at the Matang
mangrove forest, under a Wetlands International project, which focused on the Milky Stork in the
area (Li et al. 2006). Experienced counters were selected to lead the surveys at each site to ensure
reliability and high-quality data. Discussions and consultations were held with the experienced
counters before decisions were made about doubtful counts. In most cases, the sites were
surveyed when the tide was rising. When there was enough time for an extended survey, counts
were undertaken under different tidal conditions to ensure that the maximum possible number of
waterbirds was recorded. However, considerable care was taken to avoid duplication of counts
for feeding and roosting sites.
Binoculars and telescopes were used for identification and counting purposes. When the survey
team comprised two members, one undertook the identification and counting and the other
recorded the count details. Assessments of habitat conditions and threats were made and recorded
for each site. These assessments will be useful for management purposes and for developing
future conservation strategies.
6
The data were analysed according to the wintering season or migration period. A number of sites
were surveyed more than once within a single period; the maximum counts of each species were
taken as the total count for the site.
English and scientific names of waterbirds used throughout the report follow Waterbird
Population Estimates – Fourth Edition (Wetlands International 2006); other wetland-dependent
species follow BirdLife International (www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html).
Criteria for Identifying Wetlands of International Importance
www.ramsar.org/key_criteria.htm
The criteria adopted by the 7th (1999) and 9th (2005) Meetings of the Conference of the
Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (the Ramsar Convention) were used to
identify internationally important sites for the 2004–2006 surveys.
Criterion 2: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it supports vulnerable,
endangered, or critically endangered species or threatened ecological communities.
Criterion 5: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it regularly supports
20,000 or more waterbirds.
Criterion 6: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it regularly supports 1%
of the individuals in a population of one species or subspecies of waterbird. (The population here
refers to the biogeographical population of a species as given in Wetlands International (2006);
details of the 1% criterion for species recorded in Malaysia under this report are given in Table
7).
However, as there is no individual site in Malaysia that supports more than 20,000 waterbirds
Criterion 5 is not applicable, and Criterion 2 requires detailed evaluation of factors that are
difficult to measure. Therefore, in this report, only Criterion 6 has been used to identify
internationally important sites: sites that support a large number of unidentified waterbirds,
almost 1% of the population of a waterbird species, or at least one individual of a globally
threatened species were identified as being potentially of international importance.
3. RESULTS BY STATE AND SITE
A total of 134 sites across the whole of Malaysia were surveyed at least once in 2004–2006. The
site distribution is shown in Figures 1 and 2. Information on each of the sites is summarised in
Table 4. The total waterbird count for each wetland site at different times is given in Table 5. The
maximum count of waterbirds at each site in the 2004–2006 surveys is shown in Figure 3.
The numbers of waterbirds recorded in each period were 56,267 (74 sites – AWC 2005); 15,885
(26 sites – 2005 northern migration count); 27,280 (39 sites – 2005 southern migration count);
73, 151 (73 sites – AWC 2006); and 11,075 (15 sites – 2006 northern migration count).
Information on AWC 2005 and the 2005 northern migration counts has been summarised by Li et
al. (2005, 2006).
A total of 10 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) as identified by the Malaysian Nature Society (2005)
and Yeap et al. (2007) were surveyed: Teluk Air Tawar – Kuala Muda coast (Penang, site #9 in
7
Table 5), Matang Mangrove Forest (Perak, ##18–23), North Central Selangor coast (Selangor,
##27–50), Southwest Johor coast (Johor, ##52–66), Bako – Buntal Bay (Sarawak, #101), Kuala
Sadong – Kuala Saribas coast (Sarawak, ##105 & 106), Pulau Bruit National Park (Sarawak,
#112), Klias Peninsula (Sabah, #126), Tempasuk plains (Sabah, #132), Lower Kinabatangan
(Sabah, #134). Of these IBAs, two are Ramsar sites and four are national parks.
Figure 1: Coastal wetlands surveyed in Peninsular Malaysia, 2004–2006
8
Figure 2: Coastal wetlands surveyed in East Malaysia, 2004–2006
Figure 3: Maximum counts of waterbirds at coastal wetlands surveyed in Malaysia, 2004–
2006
A total of 16 sites (12%) of the 134 surveyed in 2004–2006 met the 1% criterion for international
importance, and 39 sites were identified as being potentially of international importance by
supporting large numbers of unidentified waterbirds, almost 1% of the population of a waterbird
species or at least one individual of a globally threatened species. A comprehensive list of the
internationally and potentially internationally important sites is given in Table 6 and the
distribution of the sites is shown in Figure 4.
9
Figure 4: Distribution of internationally and potentially internationally important sites
identified during surveys in Malaysia, 2004–2006
Table 4: Coastal wetland sites surveyed in Malaysia, 2004–2006
No
State
Site Name1
Status2
Wetland Type
Area
Covered
2 km
Coordinates3
Threats
1
Perlis
Kuala Perlis coast
River mouth, mudflat
2
3
Perlis
Kedah
Mudflat, mangrove,
ricefield, grassland
500 ha
4
Kedah
5
6
Kedah
Kedah
Rocky shore
River mouth, ricefield
Typha wetland
5 km
100 ha
100 ha
N0626, E09942
N0621, E09943 Agriculture, development
N0618, E09943 Human disturbance
7
8
9
1.5 km
1 km
4 km
Kuala Juru – Sg Sembilang
1 km
Batu Kawan – Bukit Tambin
River bank, estuary
1.5 km
Sg Udang – Acheh
River mouth
Gurney Drive coast
River mouth
N0606, E10016 Destruction of mangroves
N0535, E10020 Destruction of mangroves
N0530, E10022 Destruction of mangroves,
poaching, aquaculture
industrial pollution
N0527, E10019 Pollution, construction
Pantai Acheh
River mouth, mudflats
2 km
Batu Maung – Jelutong coast
Mudflats, estuary
3 km
16
Kedah
Kedah
Penang
(Mainland)
Penang
(Mainland)
Penang
(Mainland)
Penang
(Mainland)
Penang
(Island)
Penang
(Island)
Penang
(Island)
Perak
Kuala Sanglang
Kubang Badak mangroves and
adjacent area (Pulau Langkawi)
Pasir Tengkorak beach to Datai Bay,
(Pulau Langkawi)
Padang Matsirat (Pulau Langkawi)
Wetland along coast of Langkawi
Airport (Pulau Langkawi)
Kuala Kedah
Kuala Muda
Teluk Air Tawar – Kuala Muda coast
Coastal mudflat
15 km
17
Perak
Kuala Gula – Kuala Kurau – Tg
Piandang
Bund Zhu Kao mudflat
Coastal mudflat
100 ha
18
Perak
pI
Mangrove island
5 km
19
Perak
P, pI
Lake in mangrove island 20 ha
N0453, E10030 Natural drought
20
Perak
pI
Mangrove island
5 km
N0447, E10034 Logging
21
Perak
pI
Mangrove island
2 km
N0446, E10035 Logging
22
Perak
P, pI
50 ha
N0445, E10035 Logging, natural drought
23
Perak
Lake on mangrove
island
Mangrove island
5 km
N0440, E10035 Erosion, logging
24
Perak
Pond, mangrove,
mudflat
3 km
N0410, E10039
10
11
12
13
14
15
10
Pulau Kelumpang and Sg Gula,
Matang Mangrove Forest
Pulau Kelumpang Lake, Matang
Mangrove Forest
Pulau Sanga Kecil & Besar, Matang
Mangrove Forest
Pulau Terong, Matang Mangrove
Forest
Pulau Terong Lake, Matang Mangrove
Forest
Pulau Pasir Hitam & South Sg Kerang,
,Matang Mangrove Forest
Majiang Power Plant and associated
coast
I
pI
reclamation
N0614, E10011 Aquaculture
N0625, E09944
Fishing
N0523, E10011 Land conversion for
aquaculture, poaching
N0520, E10018 Coastal reclamation,
pollution
N0500, E10024 Development, erosion,
fishing
N0456, E10027 Potential development,
fishing
N0453, E10029 Fishing
25
26
27
Perak
Perak
Selangor
Sg Burung, Rungkup
Sg Tiang, Rungkup
Beting Kepah to Bapar Telok Ru, North
Central (NC) Selangor coast
Bagan Nakhoda Omar, NC Selangor
coast
Sg Banting, NC Selangor coast
Sg Pulai, NC Selangor coast
Sg Burung, NC Selangor coast
Sg Burung – Sg Besar fishpond, NC
Selangor coast
Sg Besar, NC Selangor coast
Sg Haji Dorani – Sg Limau, NC
Selangor coast
Sg Nibong, NC Selangor coast
Sekinchan coast, NC Selangor coast
pI
Coastal mudflat
2 km
N0357, E10042 Aquaculture
N0354, E10042 Fishing, aquaculture
N0347, E10049 Aquaculture, erosion
28
Selangor
pI
Coastal mudflat
2 km
N0346, E10052 Tourism, development
29
30
31
32
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
pI
pI
pI
pI
Fish pond
1 km
1 km
2 km
2 km
N0345, E10054 Mussel harvesting
N0343, E10055
N0341, E10056
N0341, E10058 Fish farm
33
34
Selangor
Selangor
pI
pI
2 km
3 km
35
36
Selangor
Selangor
pI
pI
3 km
1 km
pI
Ricefield
100 ha
N0330, E10106 Fishing, agriculture, human
disturbance
N0330, E10108 Pesticides, fertiliser
37
Selangor
38
39
40
41
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
42
Selangor
43
Selangor
44
Selangor
45
46
47
48
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
49
Selangor
Sg Nibong – Sekinchan – Parit Empat
rice field, NC Selangor coast
Kg Parit Empat, NC Selangor coast
Sg Tengkorak, NC Selangor coast
Tg Karang, NC Selangor coast
Tg Karang rice field, NC Selangor
coast
Kuala Selangor river mouth, NC
Selangor coast
Kuala Selangor Nature Park, NC
Selangor coast
Bagan Sungai Buloh, NC Selangor
coast
Pantai Remis, NC Selangor coast
Sg Sembilang, NC Selangor coast
Sg Janggut, NC Selangor coast
Kapar Power Station ash ponds, NC
Selangor coast
Pulau Ketam, NC Selangor coast
pI
pI
pI
pI
Ricefield
2 km
2 km
1 km
pI
Mudflat
pI
Pond adjacent to coast
1 km
N0320, E10114 Tourism
pI
0.5 km
pI
pI
pI
pI
2 km
1 km
3 km
300 ha
N0310, E10118 Fishing, reclamation
N0308, E10120
200 ha
N0300, E10113 Illegal logging, fishing
500 ha
N0258, E10114 Port development
pI
Ash ponds adjacent to
coast
Mangrove island,
mudflat
Mangrove island,
mudflat
Coastal mudflat
River, grass land
50
Selangor
Pulau Tengah, NC Selangor coast
51
52
Selangor
Johor
53
Johor
Tg Tumbok
Sg Balang – Sg Sarang Buaya,
Southwest (SW) Johor Coast
Parit Jawa, SW Johor Coast
pI
2 km
54
55
56
Johor
Johor
Johor
Tg Sepenting, SW Johor Coast
Sg Ayam, SW Johor Coast
Sg Pungor, SW Johor Coast
pI
pI
pI
1 km
1 km
3 km
57
58
Johor
Johor
5 km
2 km
Johor
Sg Tapok – Sg Benut, SW Johor Coast pI
Sg Benut – Sg Sanlang, SW Johor
pI
Coast
Pontian Kecil, SW Johor Coast
pI
59
3 km
60
Johor
Sg Rambah, SW Johor Coast
pI
1 km
61
62
63
64
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Parit Serong, SW Johor Coast
Teluk Kerang, SW Johor Coast
Sg Buntu, SW Johor Coast
Pulau Kukup, SW Johor Coast
pI
pI
pI
P,R, pI
Coastal mudflat
Coastal mudflat
Mangrove island
0.5 km
0.5 km
1 km
1 km
65
Johor
Kukup Village, SW Johor Coast
pI
Coastal mudflat
1 km
66
67
Johor
Johor
Tg Piai, SW Johor Coast
P,R,pI
Coastal mudflat
1 km
68
69
70
pI
pI
Sg Lebam and river mouth
Mudflat, mangrove, river
Johor
Johor
Tg Belungkor
Sg Santi & Sabena adjacent coast area
Johor
Tg Pengelih, Penggerang
Coastal sand beach
N0328, E10107 Fishing, agriculture
N0322, E10122
N0320, E10113
N0239, E10135
N0158, E10238 Agriculture
N0157, E10239 Development/destruction
of mangroves
N0147, E10253 Development
N0145, E10256
N0141, E10306 Development, severe
erosion
N0136, E10315
N0135, E10317
N0129, E10324 Development, gradual
disappearance of high-tide
roost
N0126, E10325 Development, low quality
mangrove to the south
N0125, E10325 Development, erosion
N0119, E10326 Tourism, fishing,
aquaculture, domestic
pollution
N0119, E10327 Housing development,
fishing, aquaculture,
domestic pollution
N0116, E10330 Erosion, tourism
Oil palm, aquaculture
N0129, E10403
development
N0127, E10403
Oil palm, aquaculture
N0124, E10406
development
N0122, E10405
11
71
72
73
74
75
76
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Teluk Ramunia
Tg Punggai
Batu Layar
Tg Balau
Tg Gemoh
Sedili Kecil – Kg Sri Gading
77
Johor
Sedili Bersar – Kg Sri Gading
78
79
Johor
Johor
Tg Sekakap
Telok Iskandar
80
Johor
Sg Mersing estuary
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Pahang
Pahang
Pahang
Pahang
Pahang
Pahang
Pahang
Pahang
Pahang
Kg Air Papan ricefield and fishpond
Tg Resang, Mersing
Tg Penyabong, Endau
Pulau Aur and Layang
Pulau Seri Buat
Pulau Tokong Burung
Pulau Tioman
Pulau Sepui & Pulau Labas
Pulau Tulai
Pulau Cebeh
Kg Jawa, Tg Gemuk
Kuala Rompin and adjacent area
Nenasi – Sg Bebar
94
95
Pahang
Pahang
Kg Pasir Panjang
Tg Agas, south of Sg Pahang
96
Pahang
Kg Beruas, north of Sg Pahang
97
98
99
100
Pahang
Terengganu
Terengganu
Kelantan
Lagoon 2 km north of Kg Beruas
Kuala Ibai estuary
Setiu – Beting Lintang
Tumpat Lagoon
101
Sarawak
Bako – Buntal Bay
102
Sarawak
Bako – Muara Tebas
103
Sarawak
Muara Tebas – Kuala Samerahan
104
Sarawak
Kuala Samerahan – Kuala Sadong
105
Sarawak
pI
106
Sarawak
P, pI
107
Sarawak
Maludam NP (Kuala Lupar – Kuala
Saribas)
108
Sarawak
109
Sarawak
110
Sarawak
111
Sarawak
Southwest Bruit
112
113
Sarawak
Sarawak
Northern Pulau Bruit and Pulau Patok
Daro
114
Sarawak
Sarikei to Kg Bruit
115
Sarawak
Bruit – Kuala Igan
116
117
118
119
120
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Kuala Tatau
Kuala Bintulu
ABF coast in Bintulu City
Similajau National Park
Kuala Nyalau
12
Coastal sand beach
Coastal sand beach
Coastal sand beach
Coastal sand beach
Coastal sand beach
River mouth,
sand/mudflat
River mouth,
sand/mudflat
Sand/mudflat
River mouth,
sand/mudflat
River mouth,
sand/mudflat
Ricefield, fish pond
N0122, E10416
N0126, E10418
N0127, E10418
N0136, E10416
N0145, E10412
N0150, E10408
N0155, E10407
N0221, E10357
N0224, E10352
N0225, E10353 Human disturbance,
development
N0230, E10349
N0235, E10349
N0239, E10346
N0227, E10430
N0241, E10355
N0247, E10358
N0250, E10410
N0254, E10403
N0255, E10406
N0256, E10406
N0242, E10335
N0249, E10329
N0306, E10327 Housing development
Island
I
P,I
Sand beach, mangrove
Lagoon
Mangrove, nipa forest
River mouth, sand
beach, mangrove,
aquaculture ponds
River mouth, sand
beach, mangrove
Lagoon
River mouth, sand beach
lagoon
Lagoon, sand beach,
mangrove, nipah forest
Coastal mudflat,
mangrove
Coastal mudflat,
mangrove
Coastal mudflat,
mangrove
Coastal mudflat,
mangrove
Coastal mudflat,
mangrove
Coastal mudflat,
mangrove
Coastal mudflat,
mangrove
Coastal mudflat,
mangrove
Coastal mudflat,
mangrove
Coastal mudflat,
mangrove
Coastal mudflat,
mangrove
mudflat
Coastal mudflat,
mangrove
Coastal mudflat,
mangrove
Coastal mudflat,
mangrove
River mouth
River mouth
Mudflat
Sand beach, river mouth
Sand beach, river mouth
N0330, E10327 Agriculture
N0330, E10328 Sand mining, aquaculture
– shrimp pond
N0332, E10327
2 km
500 ha
N0333, E10326
N0518, E10310 Construction
N0540, E10250 Aquaculture development
N0613, E10209
N0142, E11021 Fishing, pollution
N0141, E11030
N0137, E11031
N0135, E11037
N0133, E11050
N0140, E11101
N0146, E11105
N0157, E11110
N0210, E11110
N0222, E11111
N0236, E11117
N0246, E11122
N0231, E11124
N0209, E11129
N0246, E11133
2 km
2 km
1 km
30 km
200 m
N0305, E11248
N0325, E11312
N0338, E11323
121
122
123
124
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
125
126
Sabah
Sabah
127
128
129
130
131
132
Sabah
Sabah
Sabah
Sabah
Sabah
Sabah
133
Sabah
134
Sabah
Southeast Kuala Niah coast and ponds
Sibuti National Park and coast
Kuala Rait (Teacher's Training College)
Kuala Baram southern coast and
associated ponds
Sipitang
Klias Peninsula (Western Lumbok –
I
Menumbok coast)
Tasik Sitomipok
5 km south of Tg Aru, Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary
Likas Lagoon
Kota Belud Bird Sanctuary, Tempasuk pI
plains
Sandakan (Sg Bungon to Pulau
Nunuyan Laut )
Lower Kinabatangan (Kg Mumiang to
I
Sukau to Kuala Kinabantangan Besar)
Sand beach, ponds
River mouth, sand beach
Sand beach, river
mouth, ponds
Coastal mudflat
Mangrove & nipah
forest, coastal sandflat
Mangrove lagoon
Coastal mudflat
Coastal mudflat
Mangrove
Lagoon
Grassland, freshwater
marsh adjacent to coast
7 km
5 km
2 km
5 km
N0357, E11341
N0359, E11343
N0420, E11358
N0435, E11358
Reclamation, disturbance
Reclamation, disturbance
Development
Development, pollution
2 km
10 km
N0511, E11533 Pollution, development
500 ha
0.5 km
0.5 km
300 ha
10 ha
N0532, E11535
N0551, E11602
N0553, E11602
N0559, E11605
N0559, E11606
N0625, E11625
200 sq km
N0552, E11807 Development, pollution
Mangrove, nipah, river
200 sq km
N0546, E11822 Land development, logging
Development
Development
Pollution
Agriculture development
Notes:
2: P – National Park or protected as permanent Forest Reserve, R – Ramsar Site, I – Important Bird Area, pI – part of an Important Bird Area.
3: E.g. N0230, E10130 = 2 degrees 30 minutes North; 101 degrees 30 minutes East.
4: For locations of wetland sites refer to Figures 1 & 2.
Table 5: Total numbers of waterbirds recorded at each coastal wetland site in Malaysia,
2004–2006
Site No.1
1
2
Perlis sub-total
3
4
5
6
7
8
Kedah sub-total
9
Nov 04 – Feb 05
Mar – May 05
Aug – Oct 05
360
34
394
Mar – May 06
60
35
113
69
102
284
12,137
Nov – Feb 06
6,342
35
1,056
60
150
4
393
343
368
1,258
4,139
10
17
79
11
12
13
56
63
197
14
15
Penang sub-total
16
244
827
13,344
773
6,342
283
17
473
244
18
491
607
19
115
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
Perak sub-total
27
1,056
60
2,966 (1,741 birds
same as at #9)
444
400
6,484*
245
176
1,018 (may be same
birds as at #9)
Maximum Winter
(Migration) Count2
360
34
394
150
4
393
343
368
102
1,360
12,137
79
197
63
1,225
1,194
444
400
14,545
773
379
473
234
724
724
48
439
193
193 + (246)
199
331
143
709
709
11
297
10
5
35
69
3
10
11
297
10
(361)
946
176
4,312 + (607)
611
361
946
176
3,491
611
1,553
945
2,263
274
361
13
Site No.1
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
Selangor sub-total
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
Nov 04 – Feb 05
Mar – May 05
Aug – Oct 05
735
201
44
585
427
317
1,415
2,787
1,199
76
1,413
819
522
274
63
180
1,460
3,676
377
1,617
398
138
Mar – May 06
555
302
160
5,390
236
702
413
2,101
688
9
296
1,566
9
129
57
616
284
6,897 (duplicate count
of 6,000 birds at #48)
13,007
912
425
26,867
242
608
3
2
480
245
301
1,250
Nov – Feb 06
10,410
18,593
265
13,232
2,106 (duplicate
count of 2,003 birds
at #48)
690
26,726
375
180
1,433
6,536
13,232
103
912
425
35,075+ (2,475)
375
608
3
2
480
245
301
1,250 + (183)
60
61
62
63
64
126
1
1
17
40
15
2
96
126
1
1
17
40 + (56)
65
126
26
53
126
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
Johor sub-total
89
14
27
2
17
25
535
91
2
249
26
28
5
0
0
6
8
41
446
2
530
724
5,927
85
86
87
88
4
6,536
Maximum Winter
(Migration) Count2
735
302
160
5,390
427
702
1,415 + (45)
2,787 + (889)
1,199
76 + (1,541)
1413
819
522
296
1,566
129
57
616
284
897
74
62
2
149
22
40
356
778
253
441
4
5
56
6
627
2,395
40
1,000
314
69
1,286
42
3,371
89
249
26
28
25
535
91
6
(8)
40
356
778
2
530
1,286
42
(5)
(56)
(6)
7,658+
(314)
(40)
(1,000)
(314)
(69)
Site No.1
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
Pahang sub-total
98
99
Terengganu sub-total
100
Kelantan sub-total
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
Sarawak sub-total
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
Sabah sub-total
Total Waterbirds
Nov 04 – Feb 05
Mar – May 05
Aug – Oct 05
76
42
29
53
1,623
19
19
3,256
6,882 (Bako –
Semera Coast)
2,633
3,256
1,436
92
104
442
2,074
56,267
6,882
14
249
22
37
28
69
62
481
15,885
2,633
27,280
Nov – Feb 06
Mar – May 06
5
4
3
124
187
20
343
38
38
57
57
6,871
252
282
8,917
485
1,218
838
2,428
1,982
4,961
620
2,120
892
1
684
1,699
32,551
32
17
39
10
12
3
12
13
47
1,884
73,151
378
722
1,100
11,075
Maximum Winter
(Migration) Count2
(76)
(42)
(29)
5+ (48)
4
3
124
187
20
343 + (1,618)
38
19
57
57
57
6,871
252
282
8,917
485
1,218
838
2,428
1,982
4,961
620
2,120 + (513)
892
1
684
(32)
(17)
(39)
(10)
(12)
(3)
(12)
(13)
(47)
32,551 + (698)
(14)
1,436
(22)
(37)
(28)
92
104
442
(378)
(722)
2,074 + (1,201)
98,426 +
(6,913)
Notes:
1: For site numbers and names refer to Table 4; for locations of sites refer to Figures 1 & 2.
2: The maximum wintering count at each site was used for the comparison, however where the wintering count for a site is not available, or the
count was not comprehensive, a count made during the migration period was used for the comparison by assuming that the migration count at
the site represents the maximum wintering count.
15
3.1 Perlis
Two sites in the state of Perlis, Kuala Perlis (#1) and Kuala Sanglang (#2, which is an estuary
straddling the Perlis/Kedah border), were surveyed (Tables 4 & 5). Both Kuala Perlis and Kuala
Sanglang supported 394 waterbirds (mainly pond-herons) during AWC 2005. The number of
waterbirds recorded has declined compared to the over 3,000 waders (mainly Lesser Sandplover
and Curlew Sandpiper) at Kuala Sanglang on 18 January 1984 (Table 1) and 1,016–4,717
waterbirds (mainly terns) recorded along the coast of Kuala Perlis to Kuala Sanglang in AWC
1989–1993 (Table 2). However, due to a lack of resources and volunteers, the coverage of these
areas in 2004–2006 was poor. Surveys were conducted at the two sites only; the coast between
the two sites was not surveyed. Detailed and comprehensive surveys along the coast from Kuala
Perlis to Kuala Sanglang need to be conducted in the future to achieve a better understanding of
the waterbird population trends along the Perlis coast. There was widespread destruction of the
mangroves at Kuala Perlis, the main port for Perlis, and clearing of the mangroves for
aquaculture at Kuala Sanglang. It is anticipated that expansion of the port at Kuala Perlis and
opening up of more areas for aquaculture in Kuala Sanglang and other mangrove areas along the
Perlis coastline will further impact the mudflats at these sites.
3.2 Kedah
Six sites were surveyed in Kedah, including four sites on Pulau Langkawi, in 2004–2006 (Table 4
& 5). Kuala Kedah (#7) was surveyed for the AWC in both 2005 and 2006; the highest count was
of 368 individuals in February 2006. Kuala Muda (#8) was surveyed once, in February 2005,
with 102 waterbirds recorded. The number of waterbirds on the Kedah coast has declined greatly
compared to the 1,352 recorded in December 1983 (Table 1) and 2,190–11,525 recorded for
AWC 1989–1993 (Table 2). The status of the coastal wetland system was similar to that of Perlis,
with mangroves being cleared for aquaculture and coastal development. Most of the mangroves
north of the port of Kuala Kedah have been cleared, leaving a completely bare coastline. Kuala
Muda, which borders the Teluk Ayer Tawar – Kuala Muda coastline (#9) in mainland Penang,
has seen widespread destruction of the mangroves over the years, with dwellings and other
buildings constructed very close to the high tide mark. The coast of Kuala Muda was the coastal
area of Malaysia hardest hit by the tsunami in December 2004.
The extensive ricefields on Pulau Langkawi supported good populations of egrets, pond-herons,
Red-wattled Lapwing, Pacific Golden Plover and snipe. However, wetlands on this island,
primarily coastal mangroves and ricefields, face threats such as coastal development and potential
use of fertilisers.
3.3 Penang
Seven sites in the state of Penang were surveyed – three on Penang Island and four on the
mainland (Tables 4 & 5). AWC 2005 and 2006 recorded 13,344 and 6,484 waterbirds
respectively. The counts showed a large increase compared to the 406 waders recorded in
December 1983 (Table 1) and 3,333–7,170 waterbirds recorded by AWC 1990–1992. It is
possible that some of the increase in numbers was due partly to the presence of birds that were
recorded on the coast of Perlis and Kedah in the 1980s.
The Teluk Air Tawar – Kuala Muda coast (#9) was surveyed during all periods, with the highest
count, 12,137 waterbirds (10,937 shorebirds), recorded by AWC 2005. This unexpectedly high
count was believed to be the result of a shift in the usage of wintering grounds from northern
16
Sumatra and western Thailand in the aftermath of the December 2004 tsunami. These ‘traditional
areas’, especially those in northern Sumatra, suffered major coastal damage and this may have
affected their ability to support wintering waterbirds. The close proximity of the Teluk Air Tawar
– Kuala Muda coast to northern Sumatra (100 km) provided an attractive alternative. Prior to this
rise, the coast supported a lower count: 4,319 individuals were recorded by AWC 2004, and
4,139 individuals by AWC 2006. However, the assumption that the increased number of
shorebirds in AWC 2005 resulted from the effects of the tsunami may not be entirely correct as a
high count of 16,414 waterbirds (13,359 shorebirds) was also recorded during AWC 2007 (D.
Bakewell, Z.W.D. Li and K. Kumar, pers. obs., December 2006 – February 2007).
The extensive accreting mudflats and expansion of mangroves along this coast are recent (less
than 10 years old), possibly resulting from coastal development, i.e. port expansion and dredging,
along the narrow strait between Butterworth and Penang. Threats identified at the site are
destruction of mangroves and development of aquaculture. Mist-nets for trapping birds have also
been observed on the mudflats and bordering ricefields.
Annual AWC counts at the Teluk Air Tawar – Kuala Muda coast site have been conducted since
1999 by MNS – Penang Branch volunteers. Since 1999, the number of waterbirds recorded here
has increased. During the 2004–2006 surveys, counts of five wader species, Pacific Golden
Plover (2% of the population), Lesser Sandplover (1.6%, AWC 2005), Greater Sandplover
(1.6%), Whimbrel (1%) and Nordmann’s Greenshank (5%), exceeded the 1% criterion. The site
is particularly important for the globally threatened Nordmann’s Greenshank: AWC counts in
2004 and 2005 recorded 31 and 38 individuals, respectively; the latter is the highest count of this
species for the site to date. Furthermore, 24 Near Threatened Asian Dowitchers were recorded at
the site during AWC 2005. This area also supports large numbers of egrets, herons and wagtails.
It is believed that wagtails could number more than 5,000 individuals and Chinese Pond-Heron
may number up to 1,000 individuals.
The Gurney Drive coast (#3) on Penang also recorded significant numbers of waterbirds. During
AWC 2006, 2,966 waterbirds were recorded at high tide, including 15 Asian Dowitchers. The
waterbirds using the site at high tide were believed to be the same birds that foraged at the Teluk
Air Tawar – Kuala Muda coast site at low tide. However, to minimise double counting, only the
higher count of each species at the Gurney Drive coast was included in the final total. The site is
highly polluted by domestic waste from coastal settlements and the city of Penang; it is also
threatened by a major reclamation and coastal development project.
The Kuala Juru – Sungei Sembilang site (#10), located on the mainland, supported nearly 1,000
Redshanks (1%) during high tide in the later northern migration season in early May 2006,
making it a potentially internationally important site for the species. The Juru River is among the
most polluted rivers in Penang as a result of contamination from the area’s industrial zone.
Fewer waterbirds were recorded on the Batu Maung – Jelutong coast (#15) on Penang, however:
AWC 2005 recorded 827 individuals and AWC 2006 recorded 400 individuals, compared to
AWC counts from 1990–1992, when 2,000–4,000 waterbirds were recorded.
The east coast of Penang has been progressively reclaimed for industrial and commercial land
use: only a few degraded mangroves remain, with reduced areas of mudflats. The coast will
eventually be totally reclaimed, with hardly any mangrove ecosystems left other than those on the
banks of the estuaries. A marshy high-tide roost at the end of the airport runway in the Sungei
Kulang – Batu Maung area, which supported more than 1,000 waders in the late 1990s, has
largely been drained.
17
3.4 Perak
A total of 11 sites were covered in the state of Perak during the 2004–2006 surveys (Tables 4 &
5); of these, eight were located within the Matang Mangrove Forest and on the north coast of
Kuala Gula (##16–24). Collectively, these sites supported a total of 2,369 and 2,263 individuals
during AWC 2005 and 2006, respectively. An earlier, detailed study was carried out on the status
of the waterbirds and wetlands in this region under a project to survey Milky Stork in Malaysia.
A full account of the results is given in Li et al. (2006). The study made comparisons between
previous AWC counts (1989–1992) with the more recent AWC surveys (2002–2006). Between
1989 and 1992, the area supported between 18,526 and 31,520 waterbirds annually. However,
since 2002 only 1,015–4,057 waterbirds have been recorded during the same survey periods.
These comparisons reveal a catastrophic decline of 75–95% in the overall wintering waterbird
populations in the Matang mangroves and adjacent Kuala Gula coastal areas over a period of 10–
17 years.
Closer scrutiny of these figures shows that the most dramatic declines took place along the coast
north of the Matang mangroves – specifically from Kuala Gula to Kuala Kurau (including the
Bund Zhu Kao mudflat) and Tg Piandang (##16–17) on the Penang state boundary. Between
1989 and 1992, this stretch of coast supported a total of 16,872–29,154 waterbirds, but this
declined to only 624–1,245 waterbirds between 2005 and 2006. However, the Bund Zhu Kao
mudflat (#17), which is located inside Sungai Rubiah, could potentially support a much higher
population of waterbirds (particularly shorebirds). Less than 10% of the area that has easy access
was visited in the 2004–2006 surveys. A comprehensive survey of the whole Bund Zhu Kao area
is recommended in order to determine the overall population of waterbirds.
The Vulnerable Milky Stork, in Malaysia found only in the Matang Mangrove Forest, has
declined over 90% from 100–150 individuals to fewer than 10 birds. During the 2004–2006
surveys, the highest counts were of seven individuals at Pulau Kelumpang Lake (#19) in AWC
2006 and six at Pulau Terong Lake (#22) in AWC 2005. The latest count, for AWC 2007,
recorded six individuals at Pulau Kelumpang Lake (Rahmah Ilias, pers. comm., January 2007).
Two sites, namely Sungai Burung (#25) and Sungai Tiang (#26) on the Rungkup peninsula,
recorded a total of 1,122 waterbirds during AWC 2005 (Tables 4 & 5). This count is also lower
than the 1983–1986 count (1,200–4,800 shorebirds) and AWC 1991 and 1992 (about 2,000
waterbirds at Sg Tiang) (Tables 1 and 2).
3.5 Selangor
A total of 25 sites were surveyed in Selangor in 2004–2006. The most comprehensive wintering
waterbird surveys were conducted by AWC 2005 and 2006, with a total of 26,867 and 26,726
waterbirds recorded, respectively (Tables 4 & 5). The low-tide counts of 6,000 unidentified
shorebirds at Sungai Janggut (#47) in January 2005 and 2,003 waterbirds in Pulau Ketam (#49) in
February 2006 were believed to have overlapped with the high-tide counts at the Kapar Power
Station ash ponds (#48), therefore these counts were not included in the total for Selangor. AWC
2006 addressed several gaps along the north-central Selangor coast, namely the river mouths at
Kuala Selangor (#42) and Sungai Burung (#31); a high-tide roost was discovered at the latter site.
The internationally important and potentially internationally important sites include the
following:
The Sungai Burung (#31) high-tide roost was surveyed by boat during AWC 2006, and a total of
5,390 waterbirds were recorded. Significant counts included several globally threatened
18
Nordmann’s Greenshank (12–14 individuals, 1.5% of the flyway population), Chinese Egret (1
individual) and high numbers of Common Redshank (1.5%), Terek Sandpiper (2.6%) and Lesser
Sandplover (0.9%).
Sungai Nibong (#35) held 2,787 and 2,101 waterbirds respectively in AWC 2005 and 2006; most
of the birds were seen at high tide, from a considerable distance. T. Mundkur and Z.W.D. Li
(Yeap et al. 2004) recorded up to 1,300 Black-tailed Godwits (0.8% of the population) at this site
in AWC 2004. In AWC 2007, up to 5,000 waterbirds were recorded during a boat survey of the
high-tide roost, including the largest flock of 75 Nordmann’s Greenshanks (9.4%) and Common
Redshanks (1.8%), as well as more than 2,000 sandplovers (Li 2007).
The Kuala Selangor Rivermouth (#42) supported a total of 770 Whimbrel (1.4%) and 400
Eurasian Curlews (1.1%) in January 2006, which makes it a site of international importance. The
survey also detected a high-tide roost north of the river mouth, but it was not possible to
determine the composition and size of the roosting flock due to the difficulty of counting small
birds from the boat on the receding tide. A further survey of this area is therefore recommended.
Sungai Janggut (#47) recorded 6,897 waterbirds, including 6,000 unidentified shorebirds, in
AWC 2005; this makes it potentially a site of high international importance.
The Kapar Power Station ash ponds (#48) have shown increased importance for shorebirds on the
surrounding coast. High populations of several wintering shorebirds have been consistently
counted each year. The 2004–2006 counts of Lesser Sandplover (2.6% of the population),
Eurasian Curlew (4.7%), Whimbrel (1.8%) and Common Redshank (2.9%) met the criterion for
international importance. Nordmann’s Greenshank has previously been recorded regularly in
small numbers at the ash ponds. However, the February 2006 survey recorded an astonishing 15–
19 birds (2%). The Near Threatened Asian Dowitcher has also been regularly observed in small
numbers (four individuals during AWC 2005).
The Klang islands, especially Pulau Ketam (#49) and Pulau Tengah (#50), continue to remain one
of the key waterbird wintering sites along the north-central coast of Selangor. Pulau Tengah,
which used to support 11,000–18,000 waterbirds during AWC 1990–1994, recorded only 683–
912 waterbirds in AWC 2004–2006 (Li et al. 2004). However, the site still supported
internationally important numbers of Whimbrel (1.2%) in AWC 2005 and 2006 and 72 Chinese
Egrets (2.4%) in AWC 2005. Six Lesser Adjutants were also recorded in AWC 2005.
A survey of the southwest part of Pulau Ketam was carried out in February and March 2006 to
find the birds that had been recorded on the southern tip of Pulau Tengah in the early 1990s:
totals of 2,106 and 6,536 waterbirds were recorded respectively. This significant count included
38 Chinese Egrets (1.3% of the population), Terek Sandpiper (2%) and >1% of curlew species
(1,048). Furthermore, eight Lesser Adjutants, 0.7% of the population of Gull-billed Terns and
1,500 Common Terns were also recorded. The survey also detected two gulls, one first-winter
and one second-winter bird, on the mudflats; these were tentatively identified as Heuglin’s Gull
(Li and Howes, in prep.). Field notes and photographic evidence have been submitted to the
Records Committee of the MNS – Bird Conservation Council for verification as a new country
record for Malaysia. The survey results suggested that the feeding flocks that used the southern
tip of Pulau Tengah in the early 1990s have shifted to the west coast of Pulau Ketam. These
surveys further confirmed the suspicions of Sebastian et al. (1993): that, based on the direction in
which they fly, the shorebirds feeding on the mudflat of the Kelang Islands return to their
traditional roost site at Kapar Power Station ash ponds once the tide rises.
19
Taking into account peak counts in both years from each site (excluding possible duplicates); the
coast of Selangor is predicted to support about 37,550 waterbirds (including 27,434 shorebirds).
Shorebird numbers seem have declined 26% compared to those counted by Interwader in 1983–
1986 (see Table 1 and 9, peak counts from each site (total 13 sites) between August 1983 and
May 1986 recorded 36,988 shorebirds).
Based on these results, several sites have been identified as internationally important, especially
Sungai Burung, Sungai Nibong, Kuala Selangor rivermouth, Kapar Power Station ash ponds,
Pulau Ketam and Pulau Tengah. Sungai Janggut is also likely to meet the 1% criterion if further
surveys are conducted to determine the large numbers of unidentified shorebird species.
Selangor is one of the country’s most developed states, consequently its north-central coast is
threatened by land development, infrastructure (e.g. port) development, pollution, possible overfishing and human disturbance. Illegal logging has also been recorded in the Forest Reserve on
the Klang Islands.
3.6 Johor
A total of 33 sites were surveyed in the state of Johor (Tables 4 & 5). An extensive survey
conducted during AWC 2005 recorded 5,927 waterbirds at 24 sites, while during AWC 2006
3,371 waterbirds were recorded at 14 sites. Taking the highest counts for these sites from both
AWC 2005 and 2006, the Johor coast is estimated to support a maximum of 7,650 wintering
waterbirds. The number of shorebirds counted along the west coast of Johor showed a 40%
decline compared to the number recorded by the Interwader aerial survey in September 1983 (see
Section 4.9). The increase in the number of waterbirds recorded along the east coast of Johor may
be a result of the better site coverage in the 2004–2006 survey.
The most important area in Johor for waterbirds, including several globally threatened species,
was the entire west coast, stretching from Parit Jawa to Tanjung Piai (##52–66). This coastline is
a major habitat for the Lesser Adjutant: 37 individuals were recorded during AWC 2005. A high
count of 13 Chinese Egrets was recorded in January 2005 on the mudflats at Kukup village (#65).
This coastal area is generally well protected by mangroves, nevertheless the effects of severe
erosion were visible at Sungai Pungor (#56), between Sungai Rambah (#60) and Sungai Buntu
(#63), and at Tanjung Piai (#66). Land reclamation and destruction of mangroves were also
observed on some parts of the coast.
The count of 1,035 Lesser Sandplovers (0.8% of the population) at Pontian Kecil (#59) makes it a
potentially internationally important site. The species was recorded at a high-tide roost on land
reclaimed for development of a shopping area and new bus station.
On the east coast of Johor, two sites, Jason Bay (#76–77) and Mersing Bay (# 80), supported
significant populations of waterbirds. A total of 1,142 waterbirds were recorded at Jason Bay
(Sedili Kecil and Kg Sri Gading combined) in December 2005, including 22 Near Threatened
Malaysian Plovers. The Mersing estuary and associated Teluk Iskandar coast supported 1,254
waterbirds in January 2005. In November 2005, Mersing Bay alone recorded 1,286 waterbirds,
including five Chinese Egrets. Currently, Mersing Bay faces threats of human disturbance,
pollution and land development near Mersing town. Little human disturbance was noted in Jason
Bay, which provides good habitat for resident Malaysian Plovers.
20
3.7 Pahang
A total of 13 sites were surveyed during August–November 2005 (Tables 4 & 5). Six offshore
islands were surveyed for the first time; the birds on them were dominated by Bridled Terns.
Tanjung Agas (#95), identified by Howes et al. (1986) as one of the most important wader sites
on the east coast, recorded fewer than 30 shorebirds on 31 October 2005. This decline was most
probably caused by sand mining activities and human disturbance. However, the Pahang river
mouth and associated ricefields (including both Tanjung Agas and Kg Beruas (#96)) supported
311 waterbirds, mainly Great Crested Terns and egrets.
3.8 Terengganu
Two sites in Terengganu were surveyed in 2004–2006 (Tables 4 & 5). There have been no
significant counts here, either in the past or from this survey.
Setiu lagoon (#99) may be a potential site for waterbirds, however only 19 birds were recorded
during a brief survey for AWC 2005. Further waterbird surveys are therefore recommended.
The entire coast of Terengganu is covered mainly by sandy beaches with small pockets of
riverine and coastal mangroves. This coast is exposed to the monsoon (November–December)
and the South China Sea, as are the coasts of Pahang and Kelantan. The lack of mudflats, i.e.
food resources and shelter, is the probable reason for the low waterbird populations in the states
on Malaysia’s east coast.
3.9 Kelantan
Tumpat lagoon (#100) was the only site in Kelantan surveyed in November 2005 (Tables 4 & 5).
Fifty-seven waterbirds were recorded (including one Chinese Egret) compared to 302 shorebirds
recorded in an earlier survey by Howes et al. (1986) (Table 1). The low number of birds recorded
may be due to limited site coverage, as boat surveys were not undertaken. Further detailed
surveys need to be carried out to identify the importance of the lagoon for waterbirds.
3.10 Sarawak
The only comprehensive survey of the southwest coast of Sarawak (##101–115) was conducted
by Interwader in September–November 1985; this recorded a total of 35,736 waterbirds (Table
1). Shorebirds dominated the survey, with 28,688 individuals recorded. During AWC 2006 a
detailed study was carried out to assess the current status of the waterbirds here two decades later
(Mizutani et al. 2006). A total of 32,551 waterbirds were recorded, 26,163 of which were
shorebirds. Several globally threatened and Near Threatened species were also sighted:
Nordmann’s Greenshank (5 individuals), Chinese Egret (432), Lesser Adjutant (40), Asian
Dowitcher (286) and Malaysian Plover (54). The number of waterbirds utilising the southwest
coast of Sarawak seems to have remained comparatively stable for the last 20 years.
Bako – Buntal Bay (#101) supported 3,256 and 6,871 waterbirds during AWC 2005 and 2006,
respectively. During AWC 2006, the site recorded four Nordmann’s Greenshanks and 54 Chinese
Egrets (1.8% of the population). Regular AWC surveys from 1995 to 2004 recorded between
1,695 and 5,998 waterbirds. These counts showed an increase in the number of waterbirds
utilising the bay compared to Interwader’s 1986 survey (1,772 individuals).
21
The Kuala Samarahan – Kuala Sadong coast (#104) supported a total of 8,917 waterbirds in
January and February 2006. This figure included more than 1% of the population of Chinese
Egret (7.6%), Whimbrel (1.6% of the population) and Terek Sandpiper (2.9%), as well as two
Lesser Adjutants. In April 2005, a survey of the Bako – Semera coast (from east Bako to Kuala
Samarahan and Kuala Sadong) recorded a total of 6,882 waterbirds, including 67 Chinese Egrets
and three Nordmann’s Greenshanks. Results from both the surveys strongly indicate that these
areas are the most important wintering sites on the southwest coast of Sarawak.
Fifty-six Chinese Egrets (1.9% of the population) and 15 Lesser Adjutants were recorded in
January 2006 at Maludam National Park, located along the coast of Kuala Lupar – Kuala Saribas
(#106). Thirty-two Chinese Egrets (1%), 1.4% of the Little Tern population and five Lesser
Adjutants were sighted along the Kuala Kabong – Kuala Rajang coast.
On the coast from Kuala Belawai to Kuala Paloh (#110), 286 Asian Dowitchers (1.1%), the
largest wintering population in Malaysia, were recorded. In addition, one Nordmann’s
Greenshank, five Chinese Egrets and three Lesser Adjutants were also recorded.
Tellingly, only 1,699–2,740 waterbirds were recorded from October 2005 to March 2006 in Pulau
Bruit and the adjacent Pulau Patok (##111–113) apart from the 25 Chinese Egrets and four Lesser
Adjutants recorded in March 2006. Pulau Bruit had supported 18,852 and 15,231 shorebirds in
October 1985 and April 1986, respectively (Table 1). However, a survey in April 1989 recorded
only 2,672 shorebirds. The decline in the shorebird population may have been caused by the loss
of suitable mudflats and mangroves due to heavy erosion in the southwest of the island (Edwards
et al. 1989). The status of the shorebird population seems to have remained at the 1989 level.
Mizutani et al. (2006) stated that coastal erosion and accretion occurred at all sites in southwest
Sarawak. The changes in the natural cycle will also change the distribution of waterbirds along
the coast. Reclamation for housing, industrial, agricultural and aquacultural development has
been recorded further from the shoreline.
Another survey in Sarawak, conducted in April 2006, was concentrated along the northeast coast
from Bintulu to Miri (##116–124). Very low numbers of waterbirds were detected: 185
individuals from nine sites. Unlike the southwest of Sarawak, the coastal area here consists
mostly of sandy beaches that lack the food resources necessary to support large numbers of
waterbirds. However, slightly higher numbers of waterbirds might have been expected if the
survey had been conducted earlier, before the birds started to migrate. Nevertheless, two
worthwhile sightings from this survey were of two Vulnerable Chinese Egrets along the Kuala
Nyalau (#120) – Kuala Bintulu (#117) coast and a single Near Threatened Oriental Darter in a
pond near Kuala Baram (#124).
The Sarawakian part of Brunei Bay was not surveyed, therefore comparison with an Interwader
count made in 1986 was not possible (Table 1).
Six of the total of 15 sites surveyed along the southwest coast of Sarawak met the 1% criterion
for international importance, namely Bako – Buntal Bay, Kuala Samarahan – Kuala Sadong
coast, Maludam National Park (on the coast between Kuala Lupar and Kuala Saribas), Kuala
Belawai – Kuala Paloh coast and northern Pulau Bruit. However, the remainder of the sites are
potentially important as they support globally threatened species, either Chinese Egret or resident
Lesser Adjutant.
22
3.11 Sabah
A total of 10 sites in the state of Sabah were surveyed in 2004–2006, including eight sites on the
west coast between the Sarawak/Sabah state boundary and Kota Belud (##125–132) and two sites
on the east coast covering Sandakan Bay (#133) and the Lower Kinabatangan coast (#134)
(Tables 4 & 5). A lack of financial resources and experienced volunteers made it impossible to
conduct surveys on other parts of the coast of Sabah.
Totals of 2,074 and 481 waterbirds were counted along the west coast of Sabah during AWC
2005 and in April 2005 respectively. These numbers are lower than those recorded by the
Interwader survey in 1984 (Table 1) as ricefields were not covered in the recent surveys. Sandy
beaches line most of Sabah’s west coast, thus limiting suitable habitats for coastal waterbirds.
The Klias peninsula (#126, west coast between Lumbo and Menumbok) recorded a total of 1,436
waterbirds in November 2004 (Howes 2004) and 249 waterbirds in April 2005. Notable globally
threatened and Near Threatened species recorded from this site included four Lesser Adjutants
(April 2005), four Chinese Egrets (November 2005) and three Oriental Darters (both surveys).
Tasik Sitomipok lagoon (#127) supported at least three Chinese Egrets, while at least a further
two individuals were sighted on the coast about 2–5 km southwest of Kota Kinabalu airport in
April 2005. A small population of Oriental Darters (16 individuals) was recorded at Likas lagoon,
in the city of Kota Kinabalu.
On the east coast of Sabah, Sandakan Bay (#133) and Lower Kinabatangan (#134) recorded 378
and 722 waterbirds respectively in April 2006. Both sites qualify as internationally important
under the 1% criterion. The 2006 count for Lower Kinabatangan was lower than a 1984 count
conducted at Tg Bidadari (Table 1). This may be attributed to the absence of a large Common
Sandpiper roost recorded previously at this site and the short duration of the survey.
The Lower Kinabatangan coast supported several globally threatened species, seven Storm’s
Storks (exceeding the 1% flyway population criterion of four individuals), 24 Chinese Egrets and
seven Lesser Adjutants. Near Threatened species recorded included 27 Oriental Darters and 12
Malaysian Plovers. Lower Kinabatangan is Malaysia’s last stronghold for Storm’s Stork. This site
is well-known internationally, not only for its waterbirds but also because it supports Asian
Elephant Elephas maximus, Orang Utan Pongo pygmaeus and Proboscis Monkey Nasalis
larvatus. Primary threats to the region are forest destruction, conversion of forest to oil palm
plantations and illegal logging. Other potential threats to the area are pollution and over-fishing.
In April 2006, Sandakan Bay supported a significant wintering population of Chinese Egrets (197
individuals, 6% of the population). Pollution from the oil palm industry and land development are
the major threats to the bay.
23
Table 6: Internationally important and potentially internationally important sites in
Malaysia identified by surveys, 2004–2006
Site No1
State
Site Name2
Internationally important sites
9
Penang
Teluk Air Tawar – Kuala Muda
(Mainland)
Species of International Importance >1%3
• 2% Pacific Golden Plover (2,000, AWC 2005
and northern migration 2005)
• 1.6% Mongolian Plover (2,100, AWC 2005)
• 1.6% Greater Sandplover (1,650, AWC 2005)
• 1% Whimbrel (550, AWC 2005)
• 5% Nordmann’s Greenshank (38, AWC 2005)
• >1% Milky Stork (7, AWC 2006)
• >1% Spot-billed Pelican (1, AWC 2005)
• >1% Milky Stork (6, AWC 2005)
• 1.5% Redshank (1,500, AWC 2006)
• 2.6% Terek Sandpiper (1,300, AWC 2006)
• 1.5% Nordmann’s Greenshank (12–14, AWC
2006)
• 9.4% Nordmann’s Greenshank (75, AWC
2007)
• 1.8% Redshank (1,800, AWC 2007)
• >2000 sandplovers (AWC 2007)
• 1.1% Eurasian Curlew (400, AWC 2006)
• 1.4% Whimbrel (770, AWC 2006)
• 2.6% Mongolian Plover (3,400, AWC 2006)
• 4.7% Eurasian Curlew (1,620, AWC 2006)
• 1.8% Whimbrel (1,016, AWC 2006)
• 2.9% Redshank (2,911, AWC 2005)
• 2% Nordmann’s Greenshank (15–19, AWC
2006)
• 1.3% Chinese Egret (38, AWC 2006 )
• 2% Terek Sandpiper (1,000, Mar 06)
• >1% curlew species (1,048, AWC 2006)
• 2.4% Chinese Egret (72, AWC 2005)
• 1.2% Whimbrel (663, AWC 2006)
19
Perak
Pulau Kelumpang Lake
22
31
Perak
Selangor
Pulau Terong Lake
Sg Burung
35
Selangor
Sg Nibong
42
Selangor
Kuala Selangor river mouth
48
Selangor
49
Selangor
Pulau Ketam
50
Selangor
Pulau Tengah
101
Sarawak
Bako – Buntal Bay
104
Sarawak
• 1.6% Whimbrel (875, AWC 2006)
• 2.9% Terek Sandpiper (1,445, AWC 2006)
106
108
Sarawak
Sarawak
Maludam NP
110
Sarawak
•
•
•
•
133
134
Sabah
Sabah
Sandakan
Lower Kinabatangan
• 6.6% Chinese Egret (197, Apr 2006)
• 2% Storm’s Stork (7, Apr 2006)
Potentially internationally important sites
13
Penang
Gurney Drive
Island
10
Penang
Kuala Juru – Sg Sembilang
(Mainland)
16
Perak
Kuala Gula – Kuala Kurau –Tg
Piandang
17
Perak
Bang Zhu Kao mudflat
18
Perak
Pulau Kelumpang and Gula River
20
Perak
Pulau Sanga Kecil & Besar
21
Perak
Pulau Terong
34
Selangor
Sg Haji Dorani
45
Selangor
Pantai Remis
47
52
53
Selangor
Johor
Johor
Sg Janggut
Sg Balang – Sg Sarang Buaya
Parit Jawa
56
57
Johor
Johor
Sg Pungor
Sg Tapok – Sg Benut
24
1.9% Chinese Egret (56, AWC 2006)
1% Chinese Egret (32, AWC 2006)
1.4% Little Tern (1,065, AWC 2006)
1.1% Asian Dowitcher (286, AWC 2006)
Other Significant Species4
• Chinese Egret (1, AWC 2005)
• 0.88% Redshank (885, AWC 2005)
• Lesser Adjutant (31, Aug 05)
• Lesser Adjutant (30, AWC 2005)
• Chinese Egret (1, AWC 2006)
• 0.9% Mongolian Plover (1,200, AWC
2006)
• 0.8% Black-tailed Godwit (1,300, AWC
2004)
• 0.7% Bar-tailed Godwit (1,200, AWC
2006)
• 0.7% Gull-billed Tern (686, AWC 2006)
• Lesser Adjutant (8, Mar 2006)
• 0.7% Gull-billed Tern (730, AWC 2006)
•
•
•
•
Nordmann’s Greenshank (4, AWC 2006)
0.7% Mongolian Plover 886 (AWC 2006)
Lesser Adjutant (2, AWC 2006)
Nordmann’s Greenshank (3, Apr 2005 on
Bako – Semera Coast)
• 0.83% Redshank (835, AWC 2006)
•
•
•
•
•
•
Chinese Egret (15, AWC 2006)
Nordmann’s Greenshank (1, AWC 2006)
Chinese Egret (24, Apr 2006)
Lesser Adjutant (7, Apr 2006)
• 0.8% Pacific Golden Plover (800, AWC
2006)
• near 1% Redshank (May 2006)
• Lesser Adjutant (6, Aug 2005)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lesser Adjutant (19, AWC 2005 & 2006)
0.75% Whiskered Tern (750, AWC 2005)
unidentified shorebirds (6,000, AWC 2005)
Chinese Egret (1, AWC 2005 and 2006)
Site No1
State
58
Johor
59
Johor
Site Name2
Sg Benut – Sg Sanlang
Pontian Kecil
60
64
65
Johor
Johor
Johor
Sg Rambah
Pulau Kukup
Kukup Village
66
Johor
Tg Piai
76
80
100
102
103
Johor
Johor
Kelantan
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sedili Kecil – Kg Sri Gading
Sg Mersing Estuary
Tumpat Lagoon
MuaraTebas – Kuala Samerahan
105
107
Sarawak
Sarawak
109
111
Sarawak
Sarawak
Southwest Bruit
112
Sarawak
113
Sarawak
Northern Pulau Bruit and Pulau
Patok National Park
Daro
114
115
117
120
126
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sabah
127
128
129
Sabah
Sabah
Sabah
Species of International Importance >1%3
Sarikei to Kg Bruit
Kuala Bintulu
Kuala Nyalau
Western Lumbok –Menumbok
coastline
Tasik Sitomipok
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Other Significant Species4
0.8% Mongolian Plover (AWC 2005)
Lesser Adjutant (5, Oct 2005)
Lesser Adjutant (4, AWC 2005 & Oct 2005)
Malaysian Plover (22, AWC 2006)
Chinese Egret (5, Nov 2006)
Chinese Egret (1, Nov 2005)
Nordmann’s Greenshank (3, Apr 2005)
Chinese Egret (25, Mar 2006)
Lesser Adjutant (4, Mar 2006)
Chinese Egret (1 , Apr 06)
Chinese Egret (4, AWC 2005),
Lesser Adjutant (4, Apr 2005)
Notes :
1: Site numbers correspond to those in Table 4.
3: For 1% population criteria refer to Table 7.
4: Sites that recorded either large numbers of unidentified waterbirds, almost 1% of the population of any waterbird species, or at least one
individual of a globally threatened species.
4. RESULTS BY MAJOR WATERBIRD GROUP
Totals of 87 species of waterbirds and 20 wetland-dependent species, including one frigatebird,
12 raptors and seven kingfishers, were recorded in the 2004–2006 surveys (Table 7). Herons and
egrets, shorebirds, and gulls and terns were the three major waterbird species groups recorded.
These three groups constituted 10–12%, 76–77% and 11–12% respectively of the total number of
waterbirds recorded. Other minor waterbird groups constituted less than 1% of the total number
of waterbirds recorded. Most of the top ten most numerous species were shorebirds (see details in
section 4.9). Detailed counts of each waterbird group are described in the sections below.
Seven globally threatened species were recorded, including the Endangered Storm’s Stork
(highest count 7 in April 2006) and Nordmann’s Greenshank (53–59 in AWC 2006), and the
Vulnerable Spot-billed Pelican (1 in AWC 2005), Chinese Egret (478 in AWC 2006), Milky
Stork (9 in AWC 2005), Lesser Adjutant (119 in AWC 2005) and Greater Spotted Eagle (2 in
AWC 2005). Furthermore, six Near Threatened species were recorded: Oriental Darter (30 in
April 2006), Black-headed Ibis (1 in AWC 2005 and 2006), Malaysian Plover (78 in AWC 2006),
Asian Dowitcher (302 in AWC 2006), Black-tailed Godwit (624 in AWC 2006) and Brownwinged Kingfisher (2 in August 2005).
25
Table 7: Waterbird species recorded in surveys of the coast of Malaysia, 2004–2006
English and Scientific Name1
GREBES Podicipedidae
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
PELICANS Pelecanidae
Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis
DARTERS Anhingidae
Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster
HERONS, EGRETS & BITTERNS
Ardeidae
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
(Eastern) Great Egret Ardea modesta
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia
Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Cattle Egret Ardea (Bubulcus) ibis
Green-backed Heron Butorides striatus
Indian Pond-Heron Ardeola grayii
Chinese Pond-Heron Ardeola bacchus
Javan Pond-Heron Ardeola speciosa
unidentified pond-herons Ardeola spp.
unidentified herons
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Chinese Egret Egretta eulophotes
Eastern Reef Egret Egretta sacra
unidentified egrets Egretta/Bubulcus spp.
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax
nycticorax
Yellow Bitten Ixobrychus sinensis
Cinnamon Bitten Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
STORKS Ciconiidae
*Milky Stork Mycteria cinerea
Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus
Storm’s Stork Ciconia stormi
IBISES & SPOONBILLS
Threskiornithidae
Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis
melanocephalus
SWANS, GEESE & DUCKS Anatidae
Whistling ducks Dendrocygna spp.
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
Northern Pintail Anas acuta
RAILS, GALLINULES & COOTS Rallidae
Slaty-breasted Rail Gallirallus striatus
White-browed Crake Porzana cinereus
Ruddy-breasted Crake Porzana fusca
Watercock Gallicrex cinerea
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis
phoenicurus
unidentified rail Rallidae spp.
PAINTED-SNIPES Rostratulidae
Greater Painted-Snipe Rostratula
benghalensis
OYSTERCATCHER Haematopodidae
Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus
ostralegus
STILTS & AVOCETS Recurvirostridae
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
COURSERS & PRATINCOLES
Glareolidae
Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum
PLOVERS Charadridae
Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus
Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
Great Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
Malaysian Plover Charadrius peronii
*Lesser Sandplover Charadrius mongolus
26
Status2 Nov 04 –
Feb 05
Mar – May
05
Aug –
Oct 05
Nov –
Feb 06
6
1
NT
3
19
141
1,078
20
13
406
9
64
170
297
707
2
311
32
4
16
1
18
10
50
1,978
99
1
1,503
223
19
8
VU
VU
EN
9
119
NT
1
National Winter
Population Estimate3
4
VU
VU
Mar –
May 06
10,000
V
30
57
104
42
1
14
64
99
116
1,258
104
1
17
1,304
320
3
264
1
431
470
75
2
2,133
9
761
14
26
167
10
1,603
478
4
1,427
71
1
3
6
6
2
3
54
9
94
24
10,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
10,000
1,000
NA
NA
1,000
211
28
1
5
16
50
9
11
3
1
279
273
1,200 (766)
10,000
10,000
10,000
<10 (9)
1
50
4
V
250
19
7
V
V
1
1
20
45
1
12
0
6
4
3
61
10,000
30
10,000
91
1
2
2
1
100
150
10
2
5
7
3
5
51
158
1% Criterion4
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
3
1
4
1
250
1
100
31
18
1
1,000
3
5
11
20,000
27
2,898
778
NT
V
73
43
10
7,623
2,054
247
1
8
13
1,324
26
170
548
123
2,090
1374
48
55
5,000 (3,585)
2,000 (1,422)
V
20
19
2,285
74
687
78
8,603
100
13
927
1,000 (782)
300–500 (122)
1,4000–16,000 (13,507)
NA
1000
1300
10,000
250
1000
250
1,300
Greater Sandplover Charadrius
leschenaultii
Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus
unidentified sandplovers Charadrius spp.
unidentified plovers Charadrius spp.
SNIPES, SANDPIPERS & PHALAROPES
Scolopacidae
Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura
unidentified snipes Gallinago spp.
Asian Dowitcher Limnodromus
semipalmatus
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
unidentified godwits Limosa spp.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata
Far Eastern Curlew Numenius
madagascariensis
unidentified curlews Numenius spp.
Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus
Common Redshank Tringa totanus
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Nordmann’s Greenshank Tringa guttifer
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Grey-tailed Tattler Heteroscelus brevipes
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Red Knot Calidris canutus
Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris
Sanderling Calidris alba
Red-necked Stint Calidris. ruficollis
Long-toed Stint Calidris. subminuta
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris. ferruginea
Dunlin Calidris alpina
Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus
unidentified sandpipers Calidris spp.
unidentified shorebirds Charadrii spp.
GULLS Laridae
Heuglin's Gull Larus heuglini
Brown-headed Gull Larus. brunnicephalus
Common Black-headed Gull Larus
ridibundus
unidentified gulls Laridae spp.
TERNS Sternidae
Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica
Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis
Greater Crested Tern Sterna bergii
Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Little Tern Sterna albifrons
Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus
White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias
leucopterus
Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana
unidentified terns Sterninae spp.
Total Waterbirds
unidentified shearwater Puffinus spp.
Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel
unidentified frigatebirds Fregata spp.
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Black-winged (shouldered) Kite Elanus
caeruleus
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus
White-bellied Fish-eagle Haliaeetus
leucogaster
Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela
Eastern Marsh Harrier Circus spilinotus
Status2 Nov 04 – Mar – May
Feb 05
05
2,387
23
1,216
NT
NT
1,200
Aug –
Oct 05
134
Nov –
Feb 06
2,072
Mar –
May 06
169
2,510
1
2,203
601
122
15
32
28
3
8
113
1,174
22
146
5
1,071
2,459
2,199
14
459
33
234
1,423
1,759
16
8
EN
3
19
302
624
2,192
15
4,908
2,576
245
350–500 (334)
1000
700
230
22
2,000 (731)
2,500–4,000 (2,415)
1,600
1,700
154
64
6
6,000–8,000 (5,582)
3,500–5,000 (3,271)
300–500 (254)
550
350
380
8,743
667
870
45
1,414
171
157
31
3,515
161
510
81
1,478
224
1
17
482
501
8
152
38
6
39
348
521
1
947
6
764
334
8
12
730
425
30
8
113
13
5,081
1,230
2,359
27
4,482
2,061
150
3
91
2,115
24
1,340
1
57
1
1% Criterion4
NA
57
1
7,912
336
901
53–59
1
132
5,648
673
71
236
315
1,174
100
3,321
4
2,254
593
19
416
National Winter
4,500–6,000
(4,379)
V
3
1,266
273
9
15
1
1
23
107
8,000–10,000 (6,907)
2,000–3,000 (1,087)
100–300 (78)
500 (267)
600–800 (534)
1,200–1,500 (1,178)
300–500 (141)
5,000–7,000 (4,982)
862
3,500–5,000 (3,151)
V
200–500 (183)
V
1,000
1,000
10,000
1,000
8
1,000
1,000
500
500
400
1,000
2,200
3,800
220
3,200
250
1,800
10,000
1,000
10,000
V
200–300 (161)
20–100 (19)
NA
1,500
NA
1,000
250
NA
NA
NA
750
NA
1000
NA
1,185
14
138
V
15,000–18,000 (14,862)
1,000–2,000 (898)
2,000–3,000 (1,484)
120 (79)
V
2
25
19
2
2,169
35
194
1,217
560
1,910
500
1500
50
2,500–4,000 (2,190)
50–100 (36)
500–1,000 (209)
2,000–4,000 (1,582)
2,000–5,000 (2,100)
3,000–5,000 (2,616)
1,432
508
30
3,000–5,000 (2,536)
3,500–5,000 (3,036)
868
73,151
300
11,075
5
2
598
20
15
500
57
442
1,056
1,733
6
1,681
56,268
1
188
9
64
30
190
69
111
150
9
15,885
405
1
141
31
351
1,459
860
1,455
22
1,980
27,280
NA
1
503
4
1
3
4
11
2
140
13
69
6
126
18
190
46
1
2
52
16
2
27
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo
Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga
Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis
Black Baza Aviceda leuphotes
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
unidentified raptors
Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris
White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon
smyrnensis
Stork-billed Kingfisher Halcyon capensis
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata
Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting
Brown-winged Kingfisher Halcyon
amauroptera
unidentified kingfishers Alcedinidae spp.
Status2 Nov 04 – Mar – May
Feb 05
05
640
VU
2
2
3
46
1
6
6
14
NT
Aug –
Oct 05
Nov –
Feb 06
Mar –
May 06
8
2
3
111
35
11
41
39
6
2
2
15
2
2
12
10
21
1
1
2
National Winter
1% Criterion4
17
9
1
Notes:
1: English and scientific names of waterbirds used throughout the report follow Waterbird Population Estimates – Fourth Edition (Wetlands
International 2006); other wetland-dependent species follow BirdLife International (www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html).
2: Globally threatened and Near Threatened species as identified by BirdLife International (2006): CR – Critically Endangered; EN – Endangered;
VU – Vulnerable; NT – Near Threatened.
3: Population estimates are provided only for species that mainly use coastal wetlands and have been adequately counted during the survey.
Figures in brackets are the highest count at each site during surveys made in 2004–2006.
4: 1% population criteria follow Waterbird Population Estimates – Fourth Edition (Wetlands International 2006).
5: *Milky Stork – Two Milky Storks recorded in Kuala Selangor Nature Park in AWC 2006 were formerly captive birds released from a reintroduction effort.
6: *Lesser Sandplover – Three sub-species can be found in Malaysia, the 1% criteria are as follows, mongolus (Taiwan to Australia) = 400;
atrifrons (India to Sumatra) = 1,300; schaeferi (coastal Thailand to Greater Sunda Islands) = 300; stegmanni (Kyushu, Izu Bonin and Ryukyu
Islands (Japan) to Australia) = 200. As the non-breeding grounds of these sub-species overlap, it is difficult to apply the 1% criterion to
identifying internationally important sites for them, therefore 1,300 individuals (atrifrons, India to Sumatra) have been used to determine the
internationally important sites for this species. The same figure was also proposed by Bamford et al. (2006) for the East Asian – Australasian
Flyway.
4.1 Grebes – Podicipedidae
Little Grebe was recorded on the coast between Batu Maung and Jelutong (Penang) and Teluk
Ramunia (Johor). The species generally favours inland wetlands. At both sites, Little Grebe was
recorded from man-made ponds associated with coastal areas.
4.2 Pelicans – Pelecanidae
A single Vulnerable Spot-billed Pelican was recorded at Pulau Kelumpang Lake in the Matang
mangroves, Perak, in January 2005 (Li et al. 2006). According to Wells (1999), this species had
not been recorded in Peninsular Malaysia for 45 years. It was speculated that this bird had
crossed from the coast of Sumatra after the 2004 tsunami.
4.3 Darters – Anhingidae
Oriental Darter (Near Threatened) was recorded only from Sabah and Sarawak during the 2004–
2006 surveys. The Lower Kinabatangan floodplain probably supports a few hundred individuals
with 54, 48 and 29 recorded in AWC 2002, AWC 2004 and April 2006 respectively. Darters were
also sighted at Likas lagoon (16 individuals in April 2005), Kuala Baram (1 in April 2006) and
the west coast of Lumbok–Menumbok (3 in both November 2004 and April 2005).
28
4.4 Herons, Egrets & Bitterns – Ardeidae
A total of 16 species were recorded in the 2004–2006 surveys. The highest counts were of 6,621
and 7,407 individuals in AWC 2005 and 2006 respectively. Little and Great Egrets were the most
numerous species within the Ardeidae family, with highest counts of 1,978 (AWC 2005) and
1,258 (AWC 2006) recorded respectively. These two species were also amongst the most widely
distributed waterbirds along the Malaysian coast.
The surveys also identified the Malaysian coast as the most important wintering ground for
Chinese Egret, although there are also large numbers in the Philippines (Table 8 and Figure 5).
The egrets were found mainly in association with coastal mangroves. Sixty-eight percent (23 of
34) of the sites surveyed in East Malaysia recorded at least one Chinese Egret in the 2004–2006
surveys. In Peninsular Malaysia, Chinese Egret was recorded at 11 sites (11% of the total sites
surveyed).
Taking the highest count at each site where Chinese Egret was recorded in 2004–2006 and
avoiding potentially duplicated counts, a total of 766 Chinese Egrets were recorded in Malaysia,
although a large area of the coast of Sabah was not surveyed in 2004–2006. It is estimated that
the coast of Penisular Malaysia could support up to 200 individuals and the coast of East
Malaysia at least 1,000 individuals. Using these figures, a conservative estimate of the number of
Chinese Egrets for the whole coast of Malaysia would be 1,200.
Table 8: Locations of Chinese Egret recorded on the coast of Malaysia, 2004–2006
State
Penang
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Johor
Kelantan
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak
Sabah
Sabah
Sabah
Sabah
Sabah
Sabah
Total
Site Name
Teluk Air Tawar – Kuala Muda
Sg Burung
Pantai Remis
Pulau Tengah
Pulau Ketam
Parit Jawa
Kukup Village
Tg Piai
Sg Mersing Estuary
Tumpat
Buntal Bay
Muara Tebas – Kuala Samerahan
Maludam NP
Southwest Bruit
Northern Pulau Bruit and Pulau Patok
Daro
Kuala Nyalau
Kuala Bintulu
Western Lumbok – Menumbok coastline
Tasik Sitomipok
Sandakan
Lower Kinabatangan
Nov 04 –
Feb 05
Mar –
May 05
Aug – Oct
05
Nov – Feb
06
Mar – May
06
1
1
1
1
72
1
1
72
1
13
1
0
38
1
25
1
13
3
6
67
14
5
1
54
1
3
228
2
56
6
32
9
15
1
18
4
3
25
1
1
4
3
1
1
99
75
14
478
Maximum
Winter/(Migration)
Count
197
24
273
5
1
54
1
3
228
2
56
6
32
9
15
1
(25)
4
3
(1)
(1)
4
(3)
(1)
(1)
(197)
(24)
766
Note:
29
Figure 5: Distribution of Chinese Egret in Malaysia, 2004–2006
4.5 Storks – Ciconiidae
Three globally threatened stork species, Milky Stork, Lesser Adjutant and Storm’s Stork, were
recorded (Table 7). Milky Stork was found only at the Pulau Kelumpang and Pulau Terong lakes
in the Matang mangroves in Perak. The surveys in 2004–2006 estimated that fewer than 10 birds
remain in the area. Consequently, Li et al. (2006) concluded that the last remaining Milky Stork
population in Malaysia has undergone a steady decline since the 1980s, with a drop of more than
90%. The population ranged from 100 to 150 individuals in the 1980s. Milky Storks may have
attempted to breed at Pulau Kelumpang Lake, however breeding success was not confirmed
during the survey period. Apart from those seen at Matang, two released captive-bred storks were
seen in Kula Selangor Nature Park during AWC 2006.
Based on the numbers encountered during the surveys, the Lesser Adjutant population appears to
be stable in Malaysia. Significant counts of 119 and 94 individuals were recorded in AWC 2005
and 2006. The species was found mainly in the Matang mangroves and on the north coast of Kula
Gula, southwest coast of Johor, southwest coast of Sarawak, Kinabatangan floodplain and the
Klias peninsula.
Storm’s Stork, however, was recorded only in Lower Kinabatangan, with seven individuals
observed in April 2006.
4.6 Ibises – Threskiornithidae
An individual Black-headed Ibis, a Near Threatened species, was recorded during AWC 2005
and 2006 at Bund Zhu Kao mudflat, north of Kuala Gula (Perak).
4.7 Ducks – Anatidae
About 150 unidentified Whistling Ducks and 10 Northern Shovelers were recorded at the Kota
Belud Bird Sanctuary in Sabah, which is a marsh/grassland site adjacent to the coast. An
individual Northern Pintail was also recorded from northern Pulau Bruit, Sarawak, in January
2006.
30
4.8 Rails, Gallinules & Coots – Rallidae
In this survey, Rallidae species were recorded mostly on inland wetlands associated with the
coast. Seven species were recorded, with a high count of 232 individuals in AWC 2005. The most
common species was White-breasted Waterhen.
4.9 Shorebirds – Rostratulidae, Haematopodidae, Recurvirostridae, Glareolidae,
Charadridae and Scolopacidae
Shorebirds constitute the largest and most diverse waterbird group in the surveys of 2004–2006,
with a total of 41 species. The highest counts were 42,855 and 56,618 in AWC 2005 and 2006
respectively.
An overall comparison between the 1983–1986 and 2004–2006 survey results is shown in Table
9. The comparison shows a 22.4% decline in shorebirds across whole Malaysia and 23% in
Peninsular Malaysia. The most significant decline (86%) occurred on the Perak coast, while the
west coast of Johor and the coast of Selangor showed a 40% and 26% decline, respectively.
Table 9: Maximum wintering (migration) shorebird counts recorded in surveys in
Malaysia, 1983–1986 and 2004–2006
State
Perlis
Kedah
Penang
Perak
Selangor
Negeri
Sembilan
Melaka
Johor
1983–1986 Maximum
Wintering/(Migration)
Shorebird Count1
3,000
1,352
406
8,764 + (3,397) = 12,161
25,883 + (11,105) = 36,988
35 + (51) = 86
2004–2006 Maximum
Notes
Wintering/(Migration)
Shorebird Count2
23 Declined.
326 Declined.
12,131 Increased number of shorebirds probably due mainly to presence of birds
originally from Perlis and Kedah.
1,614 86% decline.
27,434 26% decline compared to total peak counts in 1983–1986 (see Table 1).
Not surveyed.
27 + (1,117) = 1,044
West coast (4,931)
South coast (235)
East coast (1,001)
Total (6,167)
(884)
(107)
(351)
Southwest Coast (28,688)
Northeast Coast (Not surveyed)
Brunei Bay (1,026)
Total (29,714)
West coast 2,953
South coast 704
East coast 1,906 + (23)
Total 5,563 + (23)
77 + (83)
17
15
Southwest Coast 26,163
Northeast Coast (118)
Brunei Bay (Not surveyed)
Total 26,281
Sabah
West Coast 840 + (2,164)
East Coast (3,474)
Total 840 + (5,638)
West Coast 1,020 + (56)
East coast (454)
Total 1,020 + (510)
Total
40,307 + (58,531) = 98,838
74,383 + (734)
= 75,117
Pahang
Terengganu
Kelantan
Sarawak
Not surveyed.
Declined by 40% on west coast, but higher number recorded on southern tip and
east coast due to additional sites being surveyed in 2004–2006.
Large decline, mainly at mouth of Sg Pahang river.
No comments, as different sites surveyed.
Probably declined, but November 2005 survey covered a smaller area.
The number of shorebirds has been stable in Southwest Sarawak coast. The
distribution of shorebirds has changed in response to coastal erosion and
accretion. The less of shorebird counted in January 2006 than October 1985 was
not significant, Mizutani et. al (2005) concluded that shorebird number reaches to
the highest in October and reduced in January after a study from April 2004 to
July 2005 at Pulau Bruit, Sarawak.
The number of shorebirds on the west coast was lower in 2004–2006 than in
1983–1986 as some ricefields were not covered. The number of shorebirds on
the east coast, mainly Tg Bedadari in Kinabatangan in April 2006, was much
lower than in October 1984 as the expected large numbers of roosting Common
Sandpipers were not observed and the count period was much shorter than the
almost month-long survey carried out in 1984.
Although more sites were surveyed in 2004–2006 than in 1983–1986, the
number of shorebirds still shows a 22.4% decline across the coasts of whole
Malaysia if the count in Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Brunei Bay in Sarawak in 1986
and Northeast Coast of Sarawak in 2006 is not included. The number of
shorebird declined 23% for whole Peninsular Malaysia.
Notes:
1: The individual sites are listed in Table 1. The maximum wintering count at each site was used for comparison, however where the wintering
count for a site is not available, or the count was not comprehensive, a count made during the migration period was used for the comparison by
assuming that the migration count at the site represents the maximum wintering count.
2: The individual sites are listed in Tables 4 & 5. Totals of maximum wintering counts at each site were used for the comparison, however for sites
for which a wintering count is not available or counts were not comprehensive a count made during the migration period was used for the
comparison by assuming that the migration count at the site represents the maximum wintering count.
31
The most numerous species recorded were Redshank (8,743 in AWC 2005), Lesser Sandplover
(8,603 in AWC 2006), Terek Sandpiper (5,648 in AWC 2006), Whimbrel (4,908 in AWC 2006),
Red-necked Stint (3,321 in AWC 2006), Pacific Golden Plover (2,829 in AWC 2005), Eurasian
Curlew (2,576 in AWC 2006), Greater Sandplover (2,387 in AWC 2005), Curlew Sandpiper
(2,254 in AWC 2006) and Bar-tailed Godwit (2,192 in AWC 2006).
The 2004–2006 surveys also identified the Malaysian coast as a significant wintering site for the
globally threatened Nordmann’s Greenshank. A list of sites where the species has been recorded
is given in Table 10, and the distribution of the species is given in Figure 6. Thirty-eight
individuals were recorded on the Teluk Air Tawar – Kuala Muda coast (Penang) in AWC 2005.
Additionally, up to 14 and 19 individuals were recorded on the coast at Sungai Burung and at
Kapar Power Station ash ponds respectively in AWC 2006. In East Malaysia, Nordmann’s
Greenshank was recorded in small numbers on the southwest coast of Sarawak, including a high
count of four birds at Bako – Buntal Bay in AWC 2006, three on the coast between Bako and
Semera in April 2005 and one on the coast at Kuala Belawai – Kuala Paloh in AWC 2006. The
latest record, of 75 individuals at Sungai Nibong, north coast of Selangor, in AWC 2007, shows
that the Selangor coast is extremely important for this species (Li 2007). The survey results
suggests that the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia is one of the main wintering grounds for
Nordmann’s Greenshank, with a total population estimated to be as high as 200 individuals; the
southwest coast of Sarawak may also support up to 20 individuals.
Table 10: Locations of Nordmann’s Greenshank recorded on the coast of Malaysia, 2004–
2006
State
Site Name
Penang
Teluk Air Tawar – Kuala Muda coast
Selangor
Sungai Burung
Selangor
Sungai Nibong
Selangor
Sarawak
Bako – Buntal Bay
Sarawak
Sarawak
Muara Tebas – Kuala Samarahan
Sarawak
Sarawak
Total
Note: * count from February 2007.
Nov 04 –
Feb 05
38
Mar – May
05
28
4
3
Nov – Feb
06
21
12–14
15–19
4
3
45
31
Maximum
Winter/(Migration) Count
38
14
75*
19
4
(3)
1
53–59
Figure 6: Distribution of Nordmann’s Greenshank in Malaysia, 2004–2006
32
1
154
Near Threatened species recorded in 2004–2006 include Asian Dowitcher and Malaysian Plover.
Asian Dowitcher was found largely on the coast between Kuala Belawai and Kuala Paloh, with a
total of 286 individuals recorded. It has been suggested that the population of dowitchers that
formerly occurred at Pulau Bruit (470 in October 1985 and 36 in April 1986) has shifted to the
south coast in response to heavy erosion in Pulau Bruit between 1986 and 1989. Twenty-four
birds were recorded on the coast between Teluk Air Tawar and Kuala Muda in AWC 2005, and
15 at Gurney Drive in Penang in AWC 2006. The species has also been recorded at Kapar Power
Station ash ponds (four in AWC 2005), one on the coast between Bako and Semera in April
2005, two at Pulau Kelumpang Lake in August 2005 and four at Pulau Bruit in October 2005.
Malaysian Plover was found mainly on undisturbed sandy beaches along the east coast of
Peninsular Malaysia and the coast of East Malaysia. Significant counts were: 22 at Jason Bay and
39 on the coast between Kuala Rajang and Kuala Belawai in AWC 2006, 12 at Tg Bedadari in
Lower Kinabatangan in April 2006 and eight on the coast between Kuala Rompin and Kuala
Pontian in October 2005.
Several new distribution and country records were also noted for this waterbird group. One Great
Ringed Plover was seen on the coast about 5 km from Kota Kinabalu airport in April 2005, a new
record for East Malaysia. A single Eurasian Oystercatcher, a new record for Malaysia, was
sighted amongst the shorebirds at Bako – Buntal Bay in AWC 2006. Other rare shorebirds
include one Oriental Plover and one Spotted Redshank at Kuala Samarahan – Kuala Sadong in
AWC 2006, a Red-necked Phalarope at the fishponds between Sungai Burung and Sungai Besar,
and a Dunlin at Kapar Power Station ash ponds in AWC 2005.
4.10
Gulls – Laridae
Although the occurrence of gulls in Malaysia is generally rare, three species were recorded. The
north coast of Kuala Gula is generally known to be a regular site for Brown-headed Gull: 150
individuals were recorded in AWC 2005 (January), but this had declined to 80 individuals by
March 2005. In the following year (AWC 2006), only 25 individuals were recorded. Brownheaded Gull was also recorded on the coast between Teluk Air Tawar and Kuala Muda: 11
individuals were counted during the northern migration period in 2005.
Black-headed Gull was seen at Pulau Ketam (5 in both February and March 2006), Kg Sri
Gading, Jason Bay (3 in AWC 2005 and 6 in AWC 2006) and the southwest coast of Sarawak (8
in AWC 2006).
Apart from these two gulls, a possible gull new to Malaysia was recorded from Pulau Ketam on
two occasions, 28 February and 7 March 2006 (Li and Howes, in prep.). The morphological
features of this new gull point to its being Heuglin’s Gull, a member of the white-headed gull
group.
4.11 Terns – Sternidae
A total of 10 tern species were recorded. The most numerous species were Gull-billed Tern
(2,169 individuals in AWC 2006), Little Tern (1,910 in AWC 2006), White-winged Tern (1,733
in AWC 2005), Whiskered Tern (1,432 in AWC 2006), Great Crested Tern (1,217 in AWC
2006), Common Tern (1,500 in March 2006) and Bridled Tern (1,459 in August–October 2005).
33
4.12
Other wetland-dependent species
Apart from waterbirds, other wetland-dependent species such as frigatebirds, raptors and
kingfishers were also recorded during the surveys. Each group is discussed in more detail below.
4.12.1 Frigatebirds – Fregatidae
Seabirds were recorded mainly on the offshore islands, which were not the focus of this survey.
However, a survey was conducted on Pulau Tioman and surrounding islands in October 2005:
this recorded one Lesser Frigatebird and 503 unidentified frigatebirds. Christmas Island
Frigatebird, a Critically Endangered species, has been recorded from a rocky islet, Pulau Rengis,
near Pulau Tioman (Wells 1999).
4.12.2 Raptors – Accipitridae
Brahminy Kite and White-bellied Sea Eagle were the two most common raptors observed. In
addition, two globally threatened Greater Spotted Eagles were recorded at Sungai Balang
ricefields in AWC 2005.
4.12.3 Kingfishers – Alcedinidae
Collared, Black-capped and Stork-billed Kingfishers were commonly encountered during
surveys.
4.13
National population estimates
An attempt to estimate the national populations of species that use mainly coastal habitats is
made in Table 7. The highest number of a species at each site (mainly in the wintering season)
was used to estimate the population of the species, using the figures from the most recent AWC
surveys.
5. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
5.1 Importance of the coast of Malaysia for waterbird conservation

The study confirms that the coast of Malaysia (of both Peninsular Malaysia and East
Malaysia) is very important for waterbirds during the wintering season and migratory period.
The total number of waterbirds using the coast of Malaysia during winter was about 105,000
individuals. The figure has been estimated by taking the maximum wintering waterbird count
at each of the 134 sites that were surveyed at least once in 2004–2006.

The coast of Selangor supported up to 38,000 waterbirds during 2004–2006 and Sarawak
supported up to 33,000 waterbirds during 2004–2006, making these the top two most
important sites for waterbirds during the wintering and migration seasons.
34

A total of 16 sites meet the criterion for international importance (>1% of the population),
and a further 39 sites are potentially of international importance in having recorded large
numbers of unidentified waterbirds or at least one globally threatened species.

The most important areas identified for waterbirds were the coast of Mainland Penang,
Matang Mangrove Forest in Perak, north-central coast of Selangor, northwest coast of Johor,
southwest coast of Sarawak and the coast between Sandakan and Kinabatangan in Sabah.
5.2 Status of waterbirds using the coast of Malaysia

Totals of 87 species of waterbirds and 20 wetland-dependent species, including one
frigatebird, 12 raptors and 7 kingfishers, were recorded in 2004–2006. Of these, seven are
globally threatened species and six are Near Threatened species.

Herons and egrets, shorebirds, and gulls and terns were the three major waterbird species
groups recorded. These three groups constituted 10–12%, 76–77% and 11–12%, respectively,
of the total number of waterbirds recorded. The top ten most numerous species were mostly
shorebirds.

The maximum number of shorebirds using the coasts of Malaysia was estimated as 75,000 in
the 2004–2006 surveys. Although more sites were surveyed in 2004–2006 than in 1983–
1986, the number of shorebirds showed a decline of 22.4% compared to the maximum count
of 99,000 recorded in the 1983–1986 surveys conducted by Interwader. The number of
shorebirds showed a decline of 23% in Peninsular Malaysia. The most significant decline
(86%) occurred on the Perak coast, while the west coast of Johor and the coast of Selangor
showed a 40% and 26% decline, respectively.

Using the shorebird data, it is may be estimated that other waterbird species group numbers
have also declined, however no comparison can be made to understand the overall situation as
the Interwader surveys in 1983–1986 focused only on shorebird species.

The surveys confirmed the Malaysian coast as one of the most important wintering grounds
for the Endangered Nordmann’s Greenshank, whose total population in Malaysia is estimated
at 220 individuals (27% of the global population). It is estimated that 200 individuals use the
west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and 20 individuals use the southwest coast of Sarawak.

The surveys also confirmed the significance of the Malaysian coast for the wintering
Vulnerable Chinese Egret, with a conservative population estimate of 1,200 individuals (40%
of the global population). Of these, 200 birds were estimated in Peninsular Malaysia and
1,000 in East Malaysia. However, there is a need for comprehensive surveys in Sabah and
continued surveys in Sarawak in order to fully understand the importance of the East
Malaysian coast for Chinese Egret.

The coast of Malaysia also supports up to 10% of the global population of Lesser Adjutant.
5.3 Status of coastal wetlands in Malaysia

Of the 134 sites surveyed, only six were protected as National Parks or permanent Forest
Reserves, and some of the protected areas may be too small for conservation purposes.
35

Of the 19 internationally important sites, four were protected as National Parks or as
permanent Forest Reserves; only two of the potentially internationally important sites were
protected as National Parks.

The reclamation/conversion of mangrove forest and mudflats for aquaculture, agriculture,
industry, housing and recreational purposes is the major threat to waterbird habitat; this is
particularly serious in the most developed states. Other major threats to the wetlands and
waterbirds were over-fishing and pollution.
6. RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 Wetland site protection

Establish protected areas at all sites that were identified as being of international importance.
This is the only way that the conservation of the migratory and resident waterbirds that use
the coast of Malaysian can be ensured. The sites need to be well managed to ensure that they
are being taken care of properly.

If possible, give conservation status to ricefields that border mangrove sites. Ricefields are
also of significant value for a number of waterbird species, and they are sometimes also used
as high-tide roost sites.

Provide alternative livelihood options at sites where a protected area has been established. For
example, ecotourism development can bring long-term livelihood benefits to local
communities.

Nominate internationally important sites as Ramsar sites and East Asian – Australasian
Flyway Migratory Waterbird Network sites; this would bring international recognition of the
Malaysian Government’s commitment to the sustainable use of wetland and wetland
resources. It would also bring benefits in the form of international cooperation and sharing of
information.
6.2 Species conservation

Initiate species conservation programmes for flagship species such as Milky Stork, Storm’s
Stork, Nordmann’s Greenshank, Lesser Adjutant, Chinese Egret and Malaysian Plover.

Conduct species re-introduction programmes for Milky Stork in Matang Mangrove Forest,
Kuala Selangor, the Kelang Islands and Benut Forest on condition that all these sites are fully
protected in order to ensure the success of the re-introduction programme.
6.3 Survey and monitoring programme

Conduct surveys in ‘gap areas’ in Sabah and at Brunei Bay in Sarawak that were omitted
from the 2004–06 surveys.

Conduct comprehensive coastal waterbird surveys (including aerial surveys) every 3–5 years
to collect the most up-to-date information in order to understand the status of wetlands and
36
waterbirds in Malaysia. Conservation activities should therefore be proposed and undertaken
accordingly.

Promote the annual wetland and waterbird monitoring programme – the Asian Waterbird
Census – to cover all internationally and potentially internationally important sites identified
by the 2004–2006 surveys to ensure that the status of wetlands and waterbirds is closely
monitored.

Publish data on annual waterbird counts and regular waterbird and wetland surveys in order to
share information.
6.4 Training and education programme

Carry out capacity building for staff members of wildlife and/or wildlife-related government
agencies to ensure that wetland and waterbird monitoring is carried out in an official and
regular manner.

Establish continuous capacity building or ‘monitoring’ programmes for Malaysian
birdwatchers and MNS Branch Bird Groups to ensure the maintenance of an interest group
with experience and skills in wetland and waterbird survey and monitoring.

Carry out education and awareness programme, such as bird events, regularly to ensure that
the public is involved in the wetland and waterbird conservation effort.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to thank the Loke Wan Tho Foundation, Australian Government Department of
Environment and Heritage (through Wetlands International – Oceania), Asia Ecological
Consultants Ltd (AEC)/Oriental Bird Club (OBC) Award for Conservation and The Royal
Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)/British Birdwatching Fair Research Fund for
Endangered Species for their financial support to the 2004–2006 survey.
We would also like to thank relevant government agencies in Malaysia, including the Department
of Wildlife and National Parks – Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Sabah
Wildlife Department, Selangor State Forestry Department and Johor National Park Corporation,
and WWF-Malaysia and Nature Society Singapore for their support to the survey.
Our grateful thanks also go to the following volunteers for participating in the survey and
allowing us to share their count data. This report could not have been completed had they not
made their count data available. Some volunteers conducted the survey at their own cost; their
contribution enabled us to survey more sites under the project.
Abd. B. Dauh, Abd Rahman Ahmad, Abu Bakar Mat Non, Adrin Suing, Akira Mizutani, Andrew
Sani, Alfred Chia, Anita Tan, Anthony Sebastian, Anthony Wong, Anuar Abd Mafee, Auby Ilias,
Badrul Hisham Abd. Rashid, Baei Hasan, Busrah B. Emran, Caroline Ho Bee Geok,Chin Sing
Yun, Choo Boo Cheng, Choy Wai Mun, Coral Cay, Crawford Prentice, Daisy O’Neill, David
Bakewell, David Lai, David Li, Dennis Young, Doreen Ang, Eddie Ahmao, Eugene Cheah,
Hamzah Saad, Harban Singh, Hilary Chew, Ho Siew Ping, Ibrahim bin Ajak, Jan Stuivenberg,
Jaya Radha Veerasamy, John Howes, Julaini bin Omar, Kan Sok Keng, Kandar Kumar, Kanitha
37
Krishnasamy, Kazuaki Kato, Kensuke Tanaka, Khoo Swee Seng, Koo Kui Fong, Lai Ying,
Laziana binti Ahmad, Lee Shin Shin, Lim Aun Tiah, Lim Kim Chye, Lim Kim Keang, Lim Kim
Seng, Lim Swee Yian, Linda Wong, Loke Choong Ming, Mah Teck Onn, Mat Isa Marzuki,
Mohammad Ali bin Hussin, Mohammad Aminorddin B. Ahmad, Mohammad Amri B. Uasim,
Mohammad Radzay B. Osman, Mohammad Rani B. Cha, Mohammad Tahir B. Abd. Karim,
Mohammad Zainuddin B. Busrah, Murugadas T.L., Naim Yunus, Nancy Drilling, Nessie Khoo,
Nina Cheung, Omar Kadir, Oon Tong Ping, Phang Fatt Khew, Rahmah Ilias, Remli bin Adenan,
Roslan Salleh, Sarmin B. Tair, Shazatul Farina Bt. Abd. Latiff, Sim Cheng Hua, Tai Ping Ling,
Tan Ah Lai, Tan Dek, Tan Siew Kwang, Tee Lian Hua, Tomoko Ichikawa, Uu Bun, Wilbur Goh,
Wong Ming Sun, Wong Soon Ying, Yang Chong, Yeap Chin Aik, Yoke Lee Lee, Zaidi Mawek,
Zainal Abidin B. Mat, Zainal Abidin Jaafar and Zakaria Abu Hussin.
Finally, we would also like to thank Doug Watkins, Warren Lee Long and Oswald Braken Tisen
for their great support to this coastal survey.
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Li, Z.W.D., Mundkur, T., Ariffin, R., Zakariah and Anzmi. 2004. Report on waterbird survey at
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Egret Egretta eulophotes in Malaysia. Wetlands International, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Perak, Malaysia. Wetlands International and the Department of Wildlife and National
Parks, Peninsular Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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2004 Country Report: Malaysia. Malaysian Nature Society, Kuala Lumpur. Unpublished.
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Areas in Malaysia: Key sites for conservation. Malaysian Nature Society, Kuala Lumpur.
40
Surveys of Coastal Waterbirds and Wetlands in Central and
Southern Thailand, January 2006
Philip Round1, Wanlaya Chanittawong2 and Petch Manopawitr1
1
2
Bird Conservation Society of Thailand
Wildlife Research Division, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation
SUMMARY
A total of 76,824 waterbirds of 91 species were counted at 16 coastal sites in central and southern
Thailand during the Asian Waterbird Census in January 2006. The single most important site in
terms of numbers and variety of waterbirds was the Inner Gulf of Thailand, which held 52,042
birds of 81 species (68% of the total).
Of particular significance were the counts of globally threatened species (BirdLife International
2006): Chinese Egret (35 birds), Black-faced Spoonbill (1 bird), Nordmann’s Greenshank (22
birds) and Spoon-billed Sandpiper (only one bird was recorded during the actual count period,
although a minimum of 10–11 birds were present during the winter). Three Near Threatened
Species, Black-headed Ibis, Asian Dowitcher and Black-tailed Godwit, were also recorded.
A number of additional counts made during the spring migration are also reported for the Inner
Gulf. These findings are interpreted with reference to some previous counts.
Recommendations for future survey and conservation work are made.
1. INTRODUCTION
Thailand has a long (> 2,000 km long) coastline. Of the 42 Thai wetland sites listed as being of
national or international importance in Scott (1989), 14 were coastal. These comprised the Inner
Gulf of Thailand, six sites on the east coast of the peninsula, and a further seven sites on the west
coast. Coverage of many of these sites has since been fragmentary, and indeed some remain
substantially uncovered. At least 12 coastal wetlands in Thailand qualify as being Important Bird
Areas (BCST 2004; BirdLife International 2004).
The Inner Gulf of Thailand is probably the single most important coastal wetland in the country
in view of the numbers and variety of waterbirds that it supports (Tunhikorn and Round 1995;
Round 2000; Round and Gardner, in press). Although the gulf receives substantial coverage from
birdwatchers, coordinated counts have been achieved on relatively few occasions, most recently
during January to April 1999 (Erftemeijer and Jukmongkol 1999), during January 2000 (Round
2000) and during the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) for two successive years, in January 2005
and 2006.
Here we present the results of surveys of selected sites in the Inner Gulf and in southern Thailand
carried out during January–April 2006.
41
Surveys of Coastal Waterbirds and Wetlands in Central and Southern Thailand, January 2006
2. METHODS
Twenty sites in the Inner Gulf and 15 sites in the peninsula were covered during the period 8–25
January as part of Thailand’s contribution to the AWC. Additional counts from Phuket Island
(east coast) made during 2004–2006 were incorporated.
Some further counts of shorebirds were made at sites in the central part of the Inner Gulf, in
Samut Sakhon Province, during mid-March – early May 2006 by Somchai Nimnuan. Emphasis at
that time was placed upon locating feeding and roosting areas of Asian Dowitchers, for which the
Inner Gulf is believed to be a key spring and autumn staging area. These results are discussed
separately.
3. SITES COVERED
The sites chosen were those of known key importance (Inner Gulf, Khao Sam Roi Yot, Ao
Pattani, Pak Nam Krabi); those that are suspected to be of international importance but which, for
various reasons, have been inadequately surveyed (Ao Bandon, Pak Phanang, Bo Muang); some
that are national parks and were therefore covered by National Parks Department staff (Hat
Vanakorn, Mu Ko Chumphon), together with a few other sites that were covered
opportunistically (Table 11 and Figure 7).
Table 11: List of sites covered during the AWC in Thailand, January 2006
Site Name
Inner Gulf of Thailand (#1)
Khao Sam Roi Yot (#2)
Hat Vanakorn (#3)
Mu Ko Chumphon (#4)
Nong Yai, Chumphon (#5)
Ao Thung Kha –Ao Sawi, Chumphon
(#6)
Ao Bandon (#7)
Date(s) Covered
14–15 January 2006
6 and 25 January 2006
19 January 2006
17 January 2006
14 January 2006
Counters
BCST volunteers
Panya Khalalak, Smith Sutibut
Suwit Yindeephayadung
Park staff
Chukiat Nualsri
Chukiat Nualsri
12–14 January 2006
Sichol (#8)
Pak Phanang (#9)
16 January 2006
8–11 January; 22 January 2006
Thung Talad (#10)
Ao Pattani (#11)
Mu Ko Libong (#12)
Bo Muang (#13)
Pak Nam Krabi (#14)
24 January 2006
10–25 January 2006
Phuket Island (east coast, #15)
Laem Pakarang (#16)
Various dates: 2004–2006
24 January 2006
Dr. Panom Archarit, Yotin Meekaeo and
Philip Round
Wicharn Khongyos, Wirat Khongyos
Dr. Panom and Ms. Suniya Archarit, Yotin
Meekaeo, Philip Round
Dr. Panom Archarit
Dr. Wanchamai Karntanut and team
Smith Sutibut
Yotin Meekaeo
Simon Buckell, Yotin Meekaeo; Smith
Sutibut
Stijn de Win
Smith Sutibut
Note:
Site numbers refer to Figure 7.
42
Figure 7: Wetland sites in the Inner Gulf and in Peninsular Thailand covered during the
AWC, January 2006
1) Inner Gulf of Thailand
Location: Extends along roughly 120 km of shoreline encompassing the mouths of four major
rivers (from east to west, the Bang Pakong, the Chao Phraya, the Thachin or Nakhon Chaisri
River – a deltaic branch of the Chao Phraya – and the Mae Klong). A fifth, smaller river, the
Phetchaburi River, reaches the sea near the southwest margins of the area (13º03'–13º33'N,
99º57'–101º02'E)
Description: Some areas of mudflats extend 2–3 km at low tide. Onshore habitats are mostly
open coastal flats with Suaeda bushes, among which there are extensive areas of traditional
prawn ponds, including many abandoned ponds, and salt pans. To the east of the Chao Phraya,
onshore habitats are extensively built-up, but extensive open areas remain to the west. Significant
areas of mangrove remain, most of which is low-stature, species-poor re-growth dominated by
Avicennia and Rhizophora species. The mangroves have been reduced to a narrow fringe, 20–30
m wide, sandwiched between the expanse of the mudflats offshore and the prawn ponds, salt-pans
and open flats that have replaced mangroves onshore, though there are more extensive mangroves
in the west of the area, especially in Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi Provinces.
43
The areas of habitat in the Inner Gulf were estimated as 235 km2 for intertidal mudflats
(Erftemeijer and Jukmongkol 1999), with prawn ponds occupying 400 km2 (Briggs and FungeSmith 1994) and salt-pans 106 km2 (Vanarat 1994). The total mangrove area is estimated at 129.5
km2 (Royal Forest Department 2001).
A sand beach occurs at the southwest extremity of the Inner Gulf, on the Laem Phak Bia sandspit,
effectively delimiting the Inner Gulf from the great sweep of sandy shore that extends to the
south. The site forms part of the Inner Gulf IBA (BSCT 2004; BirdLife International 2004).
Round and Gardner (in press) demonstrate that the area is of known or probable international
importance for 35 species of waterbirds, including 19 species of shorebirds. In spite of the fact
that this site was demonstrated as being of international importance as long ago as 1989 (Scott
1989) the Thai government extends the category of national importance only to the gulf. Only
one sector of the Inner Gulf (Doi Hoi Lot) was considered to be internationally important (OEPP
1999, 2002) and has been designated as such under the Convention on Wetlands.
Threats: The entire Inner Gulf is at risk from urbanisation and non-zoned development for
industry and housing. Further threats include the construction of sea walls, coastal erosion and the
unregulated planting of mangroves on mudflats. A further threat is now posed by the conversion
of traditional prawn ponds and salt pans to deep, steep-sided ponds for rearing crabs and prawns
combined. (This is an unsustainable form of aquaculture: although the prawns are obtained
naturally through tidal flooding, crab larvae are being imported from Myanmar (data from Khok
Kham Conservation Club).
Coverage: The site was counted on 14–15 January 2006 by 11 teams of observers. Results were
collated and presented according to 20 sections or discrete localities (Tables 12 & 13). Of these,
two sites (Khlong Bang Kaew and Wat Khaolao) lie somewhat inland. Three of the Inner Gulf
count localities (Don Hoi Lot, Ban Khlong Khone and Ban Khlong Chong) lie inside the
boundary of the Don Hoi Lot Ramsar site (Figure 8).
Figure 8: Locations counted in the Inner Gulf of Thailand during the AWC, January 2006
44
2) Khao Sam Roi Yot
Location: 12º07'–12º16'N, 99º52'–100º01'E
Description: The total area is c. 130 km2 (Scott 1989), though the park area is listed by the
Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation (DNP) as 61 km2. The park
includes forested limestone mountains, open sea and some islands, as well as an extensive
freshwater marsh with large stands of Phragmites and mud and sand flats. Many areas of coastal
flats, including ponds and grazing marsh, lie outside the park boundary but were nonetheless
counted as they are an integral part of the site. The site is recognised as being a wetland of
international importance (OEPP 2002) and is also listed as an IBA (BSCT 2004; BirdLife
International 2004).
Threats: The park is suffering from coastal erosion and unregulated development of prawn
ponds. Mimosa scrub is also encroaching on the beach habitat. Some formerly open wetlands and
coastal flats have been planted with mangroves, thus changing land use. The freshwater marsh
continues to suffer piecemeal encroachment for brackish aquaculture and plantations. Local
government authorities have resisted listing the site as a Ramsar site. The boundary of the park is
poorly demarcated.
Coverage: The site was counted on 6 and 25 January. Coverage of this very large area was only
partial, but the most significant and accessible areas of freshwater and brackish/salt-water
habitats were probably covered.
3) Hat Vanakorn
Location: Thap Sakae District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province (11º34'N, 99º40'E)
Description: This is a national park dominated by sand beach habitat and bordered inland by
stands of Casuarinas and some grassy areas. The park area covers 38 km2, though this includes
some open sea; it is recognised as being a wetland of national importance in OEPP (2002).
However, the species list presented in OEPP (2002), which includes such species as Grey-headed
Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Yellow-vented Pigeon Treron
seimundi and White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis, among others – none of which are
in fact present, is highly accurate and misleading, and either the result of a massive
misunderstanding, or the work of a pathologically fevered imagination.
Threats: OEPP (2002) lists hunting of wildlife as a major threat.
Coverage: The site was counted on 19 January, when c. 1 km of beachfront and hinterland in the
vicinity of the headquarters was covered.
4) Mu Ko Chumphon
Location: The coastline immediately east and south of Chumphon town, encompassing some
offshore islets.
Description: Encompasses sandy beach habitats and some areas of mudflats and mangroves. The
site is a national park with an area of 317 km2, and is recognised in OEPP (2002) as being a
wetland of national importance.
Threats: No data.
Coverage: The site was covered on 17 January.
5) Nong Yai, Chumphon
Location: Muang District, Chumphon (c. 10º52'N, 99º11'E)
Description: A c. 5-km2 area of gazing marsh that is used for water storage and flood prevention.
Part of the area has been converted into a public park
Threats: None known.
Coverage: The site was counted on 14 January.
6) Ao Thung Kha – Sawi
Location: 10º22'N, 99º10'E
45
Description: Part of the area lies inside the adjacent Mu Ko Chumphon National Park, but the
boundaries of the park with respect to Ao Thung Kha are not known.
The site comprises a mangrove-fringed bay with extensive mudflats. The total area is c. 58 km2.
This site is listed as being of international importance in OEPP (2002) and is also listed as an IBA
(BSCT 2004; BirdLife International 2004).
Threats: Discharge of waste water from prawn farms, and encroachment of remaining
mangroves (OEPP 2002).
Coverage: The site was covered on 17 and 22 January.
7) Ao Bandon
Location: Mouth of the Tapli River, extending east and west from the town of Surat Thani
(9º11'–9º24'N, 99º13'–99º41'E)
Description: Much of the coastline is inaccessible by road, built up (around Surat Thani town) or
much more intensively developed than when the area was surveyed by Interwader in 1984 (Parish
and Wells 1985). Habitats were mangroves, prawn ponds (mostly intensive prawn ponds) and
sand beach (Laem Sui in Chaiya District). In particular, the areas of intensively managed prawn
ponds had increased markedly since the previous survey. The area receives no special category of
protection.
The site is recognised as being a wetland of international importance in OEPP (2002) and also
listed as an IBA (BSCT 2004; BirdLife International 2004).
Threats: Intensification of prawn aquaculture and other unregulated onshore development
(industrialisation, urban sprawl) probably continue to be the major threats.
Coverage: The survey extended along the entire breadth of the bay, from Chaiya District in the
west, to Kanchanadit in the east, approximately 100 km. The site was counted on 12–14 January
via land-based counts. It was not possible to cover the entire shoreline because of difficulty of
access and time constraints.
8) Sichol
Location: 9º00'N, 99º55'E
Description: Mangroves and sand beach in the vicinity of Sichol, near the river mouth.
Threats: Coastal erosion is believed to be the most significant threat to the site.
Coverage: The site was counted on 8 January by a land-based census.
9) Pak Phanang
Location: Mouth of the Pak Phanang River, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, extending from
Ban Sa Bua, Tha Sala District (8º38'N, 99º58'E) through Muang District to Pak Phanang District
(8º20'N, 100º12'E) to the tip of Laem Talumphuk (8º31'N,100º08'E).
Description: Habitat covered included coastal ponds, disused and active prawn ponds,
mangroves, sand beach, freshwater ponds and rice paddies. Counts were made along the entire
length of the Laem Talumphuk sandspit. However, the eastern shore of Pak Phanang Bay was not
well covered, owing to lack of road access, with the count being limited to one site (Ban Bang
Yai) and along roadsides between Nakhon Si Thammarat town and Pak Phanang. Counting was
land-based. Significant areas of mangrove remain on the west side of the Laem Talumphuk
sandspit but were not visited.
The area includes the Laem Talumphuk Non-Hunting Area (56.8 km2.) It is recognised as being a
wetland of international importance in OEPP (2002).
Threats: Unregulated onshore development, including construction and landfill for factories,
housing, and artificial swiftlet nesting sites. Coastal erosion is a major problem that is
exacerbated by intensive prawn farming. Construction of a barrage across the Pak Phanang River
to prevent saltwater incursions has altered the ecology of the site.
Coverage: The area covered was from Ban Sa Bua, in Tha Sala District in the north, south
through Muang District to Pak Phanang District, a straight-line distance of approximately 40 km.
46
Counts were carried out on 10–11 January. Ban Bang Yai, on the southwest margin, was covered
on 22 January. All counts were land-based.
10) Thung Talaad
Location: Muang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat (8º28'N, 99º57'E)
Description: Freshwater marsh, area c. 5 km2, now partly reclaimed as a public park on
northwest margins of the city of Nakhon Si Thammarat. The site is listed as an IBA (BSCT 2004,
BirdLife International 2004).
Threats: Reclamation of marshland for urban housing and suburban parkland.
11) Ao Pattani
Location: Bay area north of the town of Pattani, shared between Muang and Yaring districts,
Pattani Province (6º55'N, 101º16'–101º18'E).
Description: Estuarine bay protected on the northeast side by a 12-km long sandspit. Areas of
mangrove, both natural and managed (estimated at 8.36 km2 in 1979) are found in the east of the
area with areas of saltmarsh along the southern shore. These are interspersed with shrimp ponds
and salt pans; the saltmarsh is now much degraded. The total area is approximately 50 km2. A
great many community-based conservation activities have been implemented over the past 20
years, some in collaboration with Wetlands International’s Thailand Programme. The site is
recognised as being of international importance in OEPP (2002), and is also listed as an IBA
(BSCT 2004).
Threats: Dredging and damage to the seabed from ‘push-net’ fishing boats and trawlers;
continued destruction of remaining saltmarsh mudflats and mangroves by construction of
shrimp ponds; increased onshore industrialisation and expansion of port developments; and
discharge of waste water from seafood processing plants (OEPP 2002). Direct capture of both
shorebirds and migrant or wintering landbirds for food or as cagebirds was a major threat
(Ruttanadakul and Ardseungnern 1986) although there is no recent information on this. There
is also increased coastal recreation and tourism.
Coverage: Data presented are a synthesis of land-based counts carried out during 10–25 January.
12) Mu Ko Libong
Location: Kantang District, Trang Province (7º15'N, 9º20'–9º29'E)
Description: Huge areas of sand and mud flats, seagrass beds and mangroves around the island
of Ko Libong (34 km2), which lies approximately 3.5 km offshore. The areas of seagrass have
increased within the past 20 years, due largely to protection instituted by local community groups
and NGOs, and this has enhanced mudflat and sand-flat accretion. As the areas of intertidal flats
have increased, so roosting and feeding shorebirds are less concentrated than formerly (and
consequently more difficult to count). The area lies inside Mu Ko Libong Non-Hunting Area.
Adjacent mainland coastline lies inside Hat Chao Mai National Park. The site is recognised as
being of international importance in OEPP (2002), and Hat Chao Mai and Mu Ko Libong were
declared as one of Thailand’s 10 Ramsar sites in 2002. The site is listed as an IBA (BSCT 2004).
Threats: No recent data. Over-exploitation of benthic invertebrates may threaten natural
stocks. Expansion of tourist facilities and resorts along the coast and increased recreational
use of beaches are major problems.
Coverage: Boat-based and land-based surveys were carried out on 21–22 January.
13) Bo Muang, Krabi
Location: Khlong Thom District, Krabi (7º40'N, 99º11'E)
Description: Extensive mud and sand flats, some rocky outcrops, mangroves and small, scrub
covered islets, and some areas of sand beach.
47
Threats: None known at present. Much of the mangrove was converted to prawn ponds during
the 1980s.
Coverage: A boat-based survey was conducted on 21 January.
14) Pak Nam Krabi
Location: Muang District, Krabi (7º54'–8º06'N, 98º51'–99º 01'E)
Description: The site consists of extensive offshore mud and sand flats, an island (Ko Nok)
covered with low scrub, and adjacent areas of mangroves. The stakes of long fish-traps provide
offshore roosting areas for many waders and terns when the sandbanks are covered at high tide.
The total area is approximately 114 km2, including roughly 28 km of coastline (Scott 1989).
The site is recognised as being of international importance in OEPP (2002), and is listed as both a
Ramsar site and as an East-Asian Shorebird Reserve Network Site. It is also listed as an IBA
under the name Na Muang Krabi (BSCT 2004). Areas of mangrove are protected as National
Reserve Forest.
Threats: Tourist resorts and hotel developments on the foreshore. Encroachment of prawn
farmers into mangrove areas and the expansion of the town of Krabi and consequent
reclamation of parts of the shoreline and mangroves. Occasional dredging of the river channel
to improve access for boats has altered the hydrology of the bay and the locations and extent
of some sandbars. OEPP (2002) mentions the discharge of urban waste water and solid waste
from markets as threats.
Coverage: The site was surveyed by boat on two occasions: at low tide on the morning of 18
January, and at high tide during the afternoon of 23 January.
15) Ao Phuket
Location: East coast of Phuket island extending north and south of Phuket town, from Ban
Sapam (7º56'N, 98º24'E) to Ban Ao Makham (7º50'N, 98º24'E)
Description: Mudflats bordered by urban and suburban areas and coconut plantations. The site is
recognised as being of international importance in OEPP (2002).
Threats: No details, but commercial development of inshore habitats for tourism and industry is
likely to be significant. Many freshwater marshes and grazing land in the coastal hinterland have
been reclaimed and developed.
Coverage: The site was not covered during the AWC, but some counts of waders were made
during October 2004 to May 2005 and during 26 September 2005 to 3 May 2006 by Stijn de Win,
and a synthesis of the figures during this whole period is presented. The precise boundaries of the
counted area are unknown. Most counts come from Ao Phuket (the mudflats adjacent to Phuket
town), with a few counts from other sites.
16) Laem Pakarang
Location: Phang-nga Province (8º44'N, 98º14'E)
Description: Sandy beach, and flats of dead coral, exposed at low tide, bordering coconut
plantations inland.
4. RESULTS
4.1 Midwinter census
The results of the midwinter census are presented in Table 14. A total of 76,824 waterbirds of 91
species were recorded. A total of three sites of the 16 surveyed in January 2006 met the 1%
criterion for international importance, and seven sites were identified as being potentially of
48
international importance by supporting almost 1% of the population of a waterbird species or at
least one individual of a globally threatened species. Findings for each site are discussed below.
1) Inner Gulf
A total of 52,042 waterbirds of 83 species were counted in the Inner Gulf (Tables 12 & 13),
which supported the highest number and diversity of waterbirds of any site counted. Most birds
were counted in the western sectors of the gulf (west of the mouth of the Chao Phraya River).
Coverage of the eastern sectors was less extensive than in 2005 due to a shortage of manpower,
and only two sites, Khlong Bang Kaew (an inland site) and Bang Pu, were counted, together
holding 3,713 waterbirds of 21 species (7.1% of all waterbirds counted in the Inner Gulf). The
most numerous species counted in the eastern sectors were Black-tailed Godwit (845 individuals)
and Brown-headed Gull (870 individuals).
Although coverage of the Inner Gulf was more extensive in 2005, when virtually the whole
seaboard east to the Bang Pakong River was counted, the eastern sectors held only 4,011
waterbirds (11.3 %) of the 35,542 waterbirds counted that year. This probably under-represents
the total somewhat, since the January count usually takes place when the tide is in throughout the
day, and somewhat higher totals might be expected when the mudflats are uncovered.
Nonetheless, onshore habitats in the eastern sectors of the gulf are more built-up than in the
western sectors, and this (the absence of suitable roosting areas) probably acts as a constraint
upon exploitation of the intertidal mudflats by shorebirds, much reducing overall usage.
Of particular significance were the internationally important concentrations of some waterbirds.
A total of 10 species were recorded in internationally important concentrations (following
Wetlands International 2006). These were: Little Cormorant 1,401 (1% = 1,000 individuals);
Black-winged Stilt 2,726 (1% = 1,000); Lesser Sandplover 6,298 (1% = 1,300); Greater
Sandplover 1,945 (1% =1,000); Black-tailed Godwit 3,078 (Near Threatened, 1% = 1,600);
Marsh Sandpiper 2,719 (1% = 350); Nordmann’s Greenshank 13 (Endangered, 1% = 8), Rednecked Stint 3,447 (1% = 3,200), Long-toed Stint 409 (1% = 250) and Brown-headed Gull 5,731
(1% = 1,500). In addition, the numbers of some other shorebirds recorded (e.g., Common
Redshank, Curlew Sandpiper and Broad-billed Sandpiper) approached and, in fact, probably
qualify for international importance. The concentration of Great Knots (1,452 birds), though not
achieving international significance, was the largest-ever count of this species made in Thailand.
A count of 777 Gull-billed Terns (740 from one single locality) is thought probably to have
resulted from misidentification of Whiskered Terns. The largest single-site count of Gull-billed
Terns for the Inner Gulf is 82 (Round and Gardner, in press). The presence of other globally
threatened species (Black-faced Spoonbill and Spoon-billed Sandpiper) and Near Threatened
species (Black-headed Ibis and Asian Dowitcher), detected during the count but usually present
in larger numbers than were recorded during the actual AWC count period, was also significant.
Further discussion of these species is presented under the species accounts (section 4.3).
Table 12: Waterbirds counted on sections 1–11 of the Inner Gulf of Thailand during the
AWC, January 2006
Section
Species
Indian Shag Phalacrocrax fuscicollis
Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger
Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis
Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
1
42
16
36
5
3
2
24
2
18
14
1
1
3
4
9
4
82
5
6
7
8
9
10
17
46
99
11
3
113
101
58
58
15
2
1
49
Section
Species
Unidentified pond-herons Ardeola spp.
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Little Heron Butorides striatus
Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia
Great Egret Egretta alba
Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala
Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans
Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus
Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor
Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica
White-browed Crake Porzana cinerea
White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus
Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus
Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus
Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis
Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus
Lesser Sandplover Charadrius mongolus
Greater Sandplover Charadrius leschenaultii
Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus Iobatus
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
Asian Dowitcher Limnodromus semipalmatus
Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis
Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii
Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus
Ruff Philomachus pugnax
unidentified stints Calidris spp.
Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus
50
1
575
2
19
4
6
28
2
99
2
8
1
3
3
157
4
127
2
483
48
3
58
5
230
29
33
220
2
2
2
6
46
2
7
8
9
17
9
45
25
2
27
12
1
81
4
11
247
4
16
50
13
7
3
1
15
10
13
30
4
22
22
3
182
1
285
2
6
11
1
62
16
113
7
8
19
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
24
1
37
416
5
100
21
349
63
219
121
171
25
13
2
15
48
66
2
15
116
11
2
27
1
110
4
415
4,219
212
1
21
4
56
21
35
37
16
845
20
3
2
296
481
263
10
150
18
15
15
185
1
15
106
456
15
27
3
7
16
18
45
23
5
13
5
1
26
596
3
5
55
8
80
8
151
10
7
25
69
112
238
110
30
17
3
1
5
4
1
2
8
5
12
1
5
255
2
1
311
1
39
120
1
128
3
259
53
224
133
1
12
16
258
8
8
209
82
10
130
89
2
28
21
17
714
870
6
65
961
27
677
11
10
30
62
31
Section
Species
Pallas's Gull Larus ichthyaetus
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida
Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia
Great Crested Tern Sterna bergii
Total
1
2
44
3
1
4
5
332
24
2
2
52
740
3
1
6
312
15
3,219
4
2,530
494
2,667
332
8,600
7
1,029
4
6
5
1
75
1,844
1,904
8
9
10
558
556
25
11
16
1
4
7
1,208
2,806
663
133
Note:
Section 1 – Bang Pu, 2 – Bang Kaew, 3 – Bang Khun Tian, 4 – Khok Kham, 5 – Mangrove Research Station, 6 – Kalong, 7 – Le Chale – Rangjan,
8 – Wat Na Khok– Wat Pajjantaram, 9 – Don Hoi Lot, 10 – Khlong Khone, 11 – Ban Khlong Chong. For locations of the sections refer to Figure 8.
Table 13: Waterbirds counted on sections 12–20 of the Inner Gulf of Thailand, and totals
for all sections, during the AWC, January 2006
Section
Species
Indian Shag Phalacrocrax fuscicollis
Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia
Great Egret Egretta alba
Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus
Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus
12
13
14
15
16
1
17
18
1
3
7
11
312
6
16
4
26
61
1
2
1
2
9
2
3
2
2
5
116
18
1
3
275
74
2
1
52
41
2
13
19
20
14
2
415
13
50
15
50
51
19
57
78
16
9
1
18
23
49
60
2
1
25
14
9
248
3
19
4
4
7
9
950
3
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
39
12
27
7
6
567
3
360
85
155
54
11
313
19
29
26
14
187
22
8
35
67
225
260
1,643
589
575
163
8
750
104
10
1
84
9
11
16
413
3
Total,
sections 1–20
105
22
1,401
1
6
3
4
323
1,413
67
17
1,465
322
475
389
14
101
1
182
9
1
1,238
2
18
14
33
2
97
1
16
151
8
2,726
5
22
607
119
186
746
16
6,298
1,945
187
3,078
51
Section
Species
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus Iobatus
Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus
Total
12
13
14
15
16
2
29
15
1
1
2
17
18
19
85
17
78
151
17
160
606
6
112
43
8
74
20
102
1
23
5
2
8
20
80
21
32
72
27
1
29
3
11
37
6
7
12
1
3
1
8
8
1,450
920
3
82
33
13
552
23
105
22
383
1
92
6
685
250
695
31
28
1
224
171
25
573
262
136
1
168
158
2
1
2
20
25
1,500
2,000
204
354
53
6
11
2
1
13
1
3
19
1
2,076
19
6
20
5
9
200
15
2
1,870
88
461
119
120
3,914
20
5,395
7,441
11
1,620
5,066
Total,
sections 1–20
20
1
165
129
685
2,719
299
13
327
88
6
22
3
10
5
8
1,452
26
3,447
64
409
1,211
1
632
31
2,899
2,250
5,731
20
6
3,585
777
41
591
29
15
2
487
52,042
Note:
Section 12 – Ban Khlong Khut, 13 – Ban Yisan Rd – 2.5 km, 14 – Ban Khlong Khut Sombun, 15 – Wat Khao Lao, 16 – Ban Laem – Bang Khun
Srai, 17 – Bang Khun Srai – Ban Pak Thale, 18 – Ban Pak Thale, 19 – Khao Takrao – Bang Taboon, 20 – Laem Phak Bia. For locations of the
sections refer to Figure 8.
2) Khao Sam Roi Yot
A total of 3,604 waterbirds of 58 species were counted, of which the most numerous were Little
Cormorant (350), Little Egret (409), Black-winged Stilt (260), Kentish Plover (500) and Lesser
Sandplover (491). Beach habitats have been much impacted in recent years by erosion and by
gradual expansion of prawn farming.
The site is still of significance, both as a wintering site and passage stopover for shorebirds and in
supporting breeding populations of Malaysian Plover (min. 20 pairs) and Little Tern (50 pairs
estimated in May 2006: author, S. Nimnuan and S. Sayaka, unpubl. data). There are past records
of both Nordmann’s Greenshank and Spoon-billed Sandpiper at this site.
3) Hat Vanakorn
Eighteen waterbirds of five species were counted, most of which (128 birds) were Red-wattled
Lapwing, believed to have been counted on grassy areas bordering the beach. Few shorebirds use
this relatively narrow sand beach.
52
4) Mu Ko Chumphon
Five hundred and twenty-seven waterbirds of five species were counted, most of which were
reported as Kentish Plover (300 birds) and Malaysian Plover (208 birds). It is not clear whether
the latter figure is reliable as it would be the largest single count ever reported for this species.
5) Nong Yai
Two hundred and eighty-two waterbirds of 26 species were counted, of which the greatest
number (150) was contributed by Lesser Whistling Duck.
6) Ao Thung Kha – Ao Sawi
A total of 2,157 waterbirds of 20 species were reported. Most of these were Lesser Sandplover
(1,500 birds) and Greater Sandplover (300 birds). The Lesser Sandplover count met the 1%
criterion for international importance.
In previous years this site has held small numbers of Black-headed Ibis, and there are records of
both Lesser Adjutant and Nordmann’s Greenshank.
7) Ao Bandon
A total of 1,844 birds of 41 species were recorded. The counts that were especially significant in
the national context were those for the globally threatened Chinese Egret (four birds) and Great
Crested Tern (100 individuals: the largest ever single-site total). The most abundant shorebird
counted was Lesser Sandplover (440 birds).
8) Sichol
Four hundred and eighty-four birds of 12 species were counted, with Lesser Whistling Duck
(385) contributing the highest species total.
9) Pak Phanang
A total of 2,879 waterbirds of 48 species were counted. Species that were especially significant in
the national context were Chinese Egret (six birds), Asian Dowitcher (20 birds), Lesser
Sandplover (1,006 birds), Red-necked Stint (218 birds) and Broad-billed Sandpiper (210 birds).
Because of difficulties in access, and the huge extent of the area, these counts are likely to
underestimate the actual numbers of many species present.
10) Thung Talaad
A total of 980 waterbirds were counted, most around the breeding/roosting colony of herons etc.
The largest counts were Cattle Egret (350), Little Egret (62), Great Egret (81) and Lesser
Whistling Duck (172).
11) Ao Pattani
A total of 4,408 waterbirds of 27 species were counted. The predominant species listed was
Kentish Plover (2,046 birds) which also met the criterion for international importance (1% =
1,000). However, no sandplover of either species was listed, suggesting that this figure should
more correctly be applied to numbers of the three plover species combined. In addition, 246
Common Redshanks were recorded.
12) Ko Libong
A total of 1,579 waterbirds of 20 species were listed, of which the predominant species were Bartailed Godwit (321), Whimbrel (502, 1%=550), Eurasian Curlew (258), and Great Knot (120).
Relatively few sandplovers (300 of both species combined) were recorded.
53
No Chinese Egrets or Nordmann’s Greenshanks were recorded, even though this is a known
wintering site for both species. A record of 10–20 Chinese Crested Terns on Ko Libong (cited in
BirdLife International 2001) is not considered to be a plausible occurrence.
13) Bo Muang
Eight hundred and seventy-nine waterbirds of 20 species were recorded. The predominant species
were Lesser Sandplover (200) and Bar-tailed Godwit (167). Of particular interest were 10
Chinese Egrets (the largest single-site count from any Thai locality) and three Nordmann’s
Greenshanks. It is not known whether, in view of the site’s proximity to Pak Nam Krabi (it lies
roughly 40 km south) there is any possibility of double counting of birds that move between both
sites. This is thought unlikely, however, in view of the huge area of suitable intertidal habitat, and
relatively secure roosts (on fish-traps) at both sites.
14) Pak Nam Krabi
The total combined from two counts carried out at disparate stages of the tidal cycle was 1,510
waterbirds of 23 species. The predominant species were Lesser Sandplover (553), Grey Plover
(123), Bar-tailed Godwit (93), Terek Sandpiper (117), Red Knot (117) and Great Knot (76).
There are no previous records of such a large number of Red Knots from any site in the ThaiMalay Peninsula (Wells 1999). One hundred and twenty-seven Lesser Crested Terns were also
counted; Krabi holds probably the largest concentration of this species in the Thai-Malay
Peninsula. Four Chinese Egrets and six Nordmann’s Greenshanks were also of particular
significance.
15) Ao Phuket
An estimate of 3,099 waterbirds of 26 species was given for the east coast of Phuket. The
predominant species were Pacific Golden Plover (400), Lesser Sandplover (950), Whimbrel (400)
and Curlew Sandpiper (300). No counts were contributed for Ardea spp. other than six Chinese
Egrets, recorded in Ao Tha Maphrao on 29 April 2006.
Notwithstanding is relative accessibility, Phuket was not covered in a systematic way during the
January 2006 count period, and these data are an amalgam of counts from two successive years,
as already indicated. They are believed to give a realistic minimum estimate for the numbers of
waterbirds present in the mid-winter period, however.
16) Laem Pakarang
One hundred and three waterbirds of 12 species were counted. Of particular note was the
concentration of five Chinese Egrets. Numbers of shorebirds were very small and are thought to
have been affected by changes in shoreline configuration following the Christmas 2004 tsunami.
4.2 Surveys of the Inner Gulf during spring migration, March–May 2006
Counts were conducted on some sectors of the Inner Gulf from 8 March to 4 May. Most coverage
was of the central (Samut Sakhon) sector, from Khok Kham westwards to beyond Rangajan,
though two counts were also made at Bang Pu (Tables 15–17).
Roughly similar numbers of shorebirds were present in March (12,049) and April (12,357; Tables
15 and 16). The similarity in numbers of the resident Black-winged Stilt (526 in March and 629
in April) suggests that the coverage achieved in the two periods was roughly comparable.
The numbers of Common Redshank (1,062 and 997 for March and April respectively) and Rednecked Stint (819 and 763) were similar. However, almost twice as many sandplovers were
54
counted in April (3,015) as in March (1,637) suggesting increased passage in that month. A
similar pattern was noted for Curlew Sandpiper (1,515 in April compared with 909 in March.).
Pacific Golden Plover also increased, from 341 in March to 505 in April; this accords with
expectations.
Table 14: Waterbirds counted in Central and Southern Thailand during the AWC, January
2006
Site
Species
Indian Shag Phalacrocorax fuscicollis
Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus
cinnamomeus
Black Bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis
Black-crowned Night Heron
Nycticorax nycticorax
Eastern Reef Egret Egretta sacra
Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta
unidentified herons and egrets
Ardeidae spp.
IBISES & SPOONBILLS
Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis
melanocephalus
Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna
javanica
Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
Cotton Pygmy-Goose Nettapus
coromandelianus
Northern Pintail Anas acuta
Garganey Anas querquedula
phoenicurus
Pheasant-tailed Jacana
Hydrophasianus chirurgus
Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius
indicus
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus
himantopus
River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii
1
2
105
22
1,401
1
6
3
4
323
1,413
67
17
1,465
322
475
14
101
389
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
25
350
18
80
17
8
1
9
25
100
20
6
5
409
100
128
18
50
10
11
12
1
10
21
102
45
67
2
2
2
6
1
13
14
15
16
6
3
2
8
23
7
5
1
10
2
8
5
3
2
3
2
42
14
18
38
41
3
1
4
75
4
119
18
5
20
2
3
11
51 23 284
99 350 1,000
6
10
6
192
16
66
2
27
55
62
5
81
58
5
32
1
8
199
10
58
18
101
4
45
2
5
6
25
1
5
2
1,983
1,600
58
15
35
2,559
476
1,035
97
208
455
1
182
0
9
9
120
150
5
25
2
2
18
14
33
35
98
3
8
5
12
8
2
97
1
16
1
1
103 172
5
87
1
1
4
3
35
98
3
12
27
26
59
3
10
90
180
14
3
9
5
2
25
2
151
30
4
8
2,726
260
2
3
8
5
5
1
2,376
130
60
4
4
20
8 120
12
1
78 385
2
5
22
607
162
22
2,094
1
17
15
4
350
2
1
182
1
1,238
Total
12
4
23
15
1
1
2
20
217
242
37
51
50
9
17
135
1
2
2
6
96
20
236
8
3,338
171
3
42
48
400
7
78
163
1,218
55
Site
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 Total
Species
119
9
10
1
69
80 60 123
5 10
486
186
30
3
9
30
258
746 500
300
10
7
2,048
15
20
3,646
16
4
208
2
0
230
Lesser Sandplover Charadrius
6,298 491
1,500 440
1,006
87 200 553 950 58 11,583
mongolus
Greater Sandplover Charadrius
1,945
24
300
40
3
1
50
6 2,369
leschenaultii
187
187
3,078
16
92
3
3,189
20
3
321 167
93
15
1
620
1
30
15
4
35 502 90
26 400
5 1,108
165
70
2
10
25 258 81
20
2
633
129
5
11
145
685
10
24
36
61
6 70
5 150
1,047
2,719
20
8
262
0
2
5
3,016
299
12
12
3
27
140
8
50
551
13
3
6
22
1
1
327
28
1
2
17
2
50
427
2
5 117 200
3
327
88
20
7
3
12
7
25
1
9
6
2
18
50
248
6
6
22
33
10
1
2
50
50
3
171
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus
3
3
Iobatus
2
5
50
57
10
4
3
1
25
43
unidentified snipe Gallinago sp.
2
2
Asian Dowitcher Limnodromus
5
20
25
semipalmatus
8
22
2
117
149
1,452
30
3
120
76
14
1,695
26
2
2
15
2
2
3
52
3,447
25
2
45
28
218
1
1
50 200
4,017
64
30
94
409
10
31
20
470
1,211
64
101
5
300
1,681
Spoon-billed Sandpiper
1
1
Eurynorhynchus pygmeus
Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola
632
210
10
852
falcinellus
31
31
2,899
2,899
2,250
2,250
Brown-headed Gull Larus
5,731
20
1
5,752
brunnicephalus
Common Black-headed Gull Larus
15
15
ridibundus
20
20
6
6
3,585
7
136
8
15
3,751
White-winged Tern Chlidonias
15
15
leucopterus
777
2
2
50
831
41
50
5
96
591
5
25 321
942
29
233
6
95
1
364
15
100
1
3
19
138
Lesser Crested Tern Sterna
2
16
127
145
bengalensis
487
487
Total
52,042 3,604 128 527 282 2,157 1,844 484 3,188 990 4,408 1,579 879 1,510 3,099 103 76,824
Note:
1 – Inner Gulf, 2 – Khao Sam Roi Yot, 3 –Had Vanakon, 4 – Mu Ko Chumphon, 5 – Nong Yai, 6 – AoThung Kha-Ao Sawi, 7 – Ao Bandon, 8 –
Sichol, 9 – Pak Phanang, 10 – Thung Talad, 11 – Ao Pattani, 12 – Mu Ko Libong, 13 – Bo Muang, 14 – Pak Nam Krabi, 15 – Phuket (combined
data for 2004-2006), 16 – Laem Pakarang. Location of the sites refer to Figure 7 and Section 3.
56
Table 15: Waterbirds counted in the Inner Gulf of Thailand, mid-March 2006
Site
Species
Date
Total
Bang Pu
10 Mar
35
120
20
Bangkhun- Madchanu Khok Kham
thian
8 Mar
12 Mar
8–12 Mar
15
80
60
1
110
66
250
473
180
5
40
5
7
15
1,971
581
135
60
85
51
3
85
25
164
147
23
560
47
Mangrove
Station
9 Mar
216
26
183
2
10
2
58
29
16
101
31
20
45
560
221
28
Kalong
Rangjan
18 Mar
60
52
365
14–17 Mar
60
32
280
37
684
682
137
379
113
289
12
96
211
6
130
85
3
48
1
41
1,277
1
1
Total
526
341
1,637
2
272
7
65
3,381
16
819
31
909
311
1,062
963
332
3
3
2
1,366
1
12,049
Table 16: Waterbirds counted in the Inner Gulf of Thailand, mid-April 2006
Site
Species
Date
Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
Red and Great Knot Calidris canutus &
Calidris tenuirostris
Total
Bang Pu
Madchanu
Khok
Shrine
Kham
19 Apr 9–18 Apr
7–18 Apr
10
220
68
36
150
480
12
5
260
22
26
60
35
46
210
65
160
18
80
4
800
Mangrove Kalong Le Chalet Rangjan Ar-maa
Station
Shrine
18 Apr 4–21 Apr 17–21 Apr 4–20 Apr
20 Apr
1
62
160
63
146
120
82
86
45
36
26
320
780
185
735
365
26
20
3
2
22
72
600
323
480
26
504
98
8
12
94
6
500
500
165
96
215
110
2
1
8
173
455
12
270
42
130
1
12
80
32
295
38
132
85
180
12
310
160
66
Total
1
629
505
26
3,015
58
5
121
2,317
120
500
763
1,515
211
997
145
601
2
2
12
812
0
12,357
Black-tailed Godwit (3,381 in March vs. 2,317 in April) and Broad-billed Sandpiper (311 in
March compared with 211 in April) apparently declined in numbers during the count period.
Brown-headed Gull declined (from 1,366 to 812), as would be expected for this relatively early
migrant.
57
No Asian Dowitchers were recorded in March, but there were 120 in April. This is many fewer
than expected as in previous years there were frequent one-day counts of 300–600 birds during
this period of peak spring passage in early April (Round 1985; Tunhikorn and Round 1995).
Many fewer Marsh Sandpipers were counted in April (145) than in March (963). However, there
were apparently twice as many Common Greenshanks in April as in March (601 compared with
332). These counts should perhaps be treated with caution, owing to the slight possibility of
confusion between these two species by the counter. However, it should be noted that both Wells
(1999) and Round and Gardner (in press) commented on the absence of any clear surge of
northward-bound Marsh Sandpipers in spring, possibly suggesting that northbound migrants
either overfly the gulf, or that passage is highly protracted so that there is never any one period in
spring with large numbers.
Red and Great Knots combined (most being probably Great Knot) were estimated at 500 birds in
April, though none were recorded in March. This follows the expected pattern. Although
significant numbers winter in the western gulf, around Phetchaburi, midwinter numbers in the
central part of the Inner Gulf (the area that was surveyed in April) are generally small, with most
being recorded during the spring (and autumn) passage seasons.
Only limited coverage of two sites was obtained during early May (Table 17). Wader numbers at
the two sites covered (Kalong and Rangjan) were lower than those for April. Eleven Asian
Dowitchers were counted at one of these sites (Kalong).
The only previous effort to attain gulf-wide coverage during probable peak spring migration (via
a so-called ‘super-census’ during 10–11 April) was detailed in Erftemeijer and Jukmongkol
(1999). During that count, 18,692 shorebirds were counted on approximately 60–70% of the
Inner Gulf shoreline. The highest species totals were contributed by Lesser Sandplover (4,005),
Curlew Sandpiper (1,835), Black-tailed Godwit (1,825) and Common Redshank (1,523). The
total of only 93 Asian Dowitchers, an unexpectedly low total given that the survey took place at
or about the time of peak Asian Dowitcher passage, suggested that this species had either been
overlooked or that some count data had been inadvertently omitted. This latter supposition was
confirmed by some counters who recalled that they had seen many more dowitchers than reported
by Erftemeijer and Jukmongkol (1999).
Table 17: Waterbirds counted in the Inner Gulf of Thailand, May 2006
Site
Species
Date
Total
58
Kalong
Rangjan
3 May 2006
Total
4 May 2006
140
160
320
19
11
230
188
84
65
75
85
260
29
96
112
45
28
36
215
245
580
48
11
326
300
45
112
101
1,983
4.3 Noteworthy and threatened species
Chinese Egret (Vulnerable)
A total of 35 Chinese Egrets were recorded at six sites, three of which – Ao Bandon (4 birds),
Pak Phanang (6 birds) and Khlong Phon, Krabi (10 birds) – were previously unknown for this
species. Interestingly, although one of these sites (Laem Pakarang) was badly hit by the
December 2004 tsunami, which rendered the shoreline configuration much less suitable for
shorebirds, this scarcely seemed to have impacted Chinese Egret numbers: the five birds recorded
on 24 January was roughly comparable with pre-tsunami counts. Six birds at Tha Maphrao Bay,
Phuket, on 29 April may be the only sighting from Phuket within the past few decades. One other
site counted, Pattani Bay, is a historical locality for Chinese Egret, although none was recorded
during this survey.
Black-faced Spoonbill (Endangered)
The only record was a single bird that flew past the Samut Sakhon Mangrove Research Centre on
15 January. In the past three years, two to three birds have wintered in the Inner Gulf each year,
in tandem with the steadily increasing world population of this endangered species.
Black-winged Stilt
A total of 3,338 Black-winged Stilts were recorded from seven localities, most in the Inner Gulf
(2,726 birds) followed by Khao Sam Roi Yot (260 birds), Ao Pattani (171 birds) and Pak
Phanang (135 birds). As a species which nests in Thailand, the Black-winged Stilt is of particular
interest. The occurrence of non-breeding visitors from other parts of the range of this species is
unproven, but seems likely.
The Inner Gulf has long been considered to support a concentration of Black-winged Stilts of
international importance (Round 2000), and the extensive areas of coastal flats and ponds that
receive sparse human use are important in sustaining nesting. Those areas of the Inner Gulf where
most Black-winged Stilts were counted were in Ban Laem District, from Ban Laem to Ban Pak
Thale in the western gulf (927 birds), Bang Pu in the eastern gulf (416 birds), and four sites on
the Samut Sakhon coast in the central sectors of the gulf which together held 742 birds, though
almost all sections of the coast held some birds.
The apparent absence of Black-winged Stilt from the Laem Phak Bia section suggests that the
counters omitted to tally this species, since a total of 686 were counted there on 14 October 2006
(P.D. Round, unpubl. data).
Black-tailed Godwit (Near Threatened)
A total of 3,189 birds were recorded at four sites, almost all (3,078) in the Inner Gulf. Recent
years have seen a steady increase in the wintering population of Black-tailed Godwit in the Inner
Gulf where, at a single site (Bang Pu), the numbers wintering increased from 300 in December
1996 to 800 in December 1997, and 1,200 one year later (Round and Gardner, in press).
Asian Dowitcher (Near Threatened)
Surveys during 2005 and 2006 have revealed that significant numbers may winter in the Inner
Gulf. Hitherto, the species was thought to be only a spring and autumn passage migrant. Only
five birds were recorded in the Inner Gulf during the midwinter count in mid-January 2006.
However, there were 40 at Khok Kham on 24 December 2005, and 150 on 3 January 2006.
Many fewer Asian Dowitchers were recorded on spring passage than expected, when the largest
single count was 94 on mudflats at Kalong on 4 April (Table 16). Only 33 were counted on
mudflats from Samut Sakhon Research Station westwards to Rangjan during 17–20 April. There
59
have been no coordinated counts in the past few years, though peak numbers in spring during the
1980s and 1990s were at least 600 (usually during April; Tunhikorn and Round 1995). It is not
known whether the reduced numbers in 2006 represent a genuine decline in usage; whether the
distribution of feeding birds in the Inner Gulf has changed, so that some were missed; or whether
some other factor contributed towards reduced usage in 2006.
Twenty Asian Dowitchers were counted at Ban Huai Sai Thong, Phak Phun District, Nakhon Si
Thammarat, on 8 January and a single bird at Ban Pak Phaya, on 10 January. Pak Phanang has
long been presumed to be a wintering or staging area, as a number of specimens were collected in
wing moult between late August and late November (Jorgensen 1949; Melville and Round 1982).
Nordmann’s Greenshank (Endangered)
Nordmann’s Greenshank was recorded at two sites in the Inner Gulf (Khok Kham and the Laem
Phak Bia-Pak Thale area: 13 birds in total) and at two sites on the Krabi Coast (9 birds: Tables
12, 13 and 14).
The largest single counts, pre-dating the midwinter count, were 60 at Khok Kham on 24
December 2005, and 14 at Laem Phak Bia on 6 March 2006. Although it may be expected that
there may be some exchange of birds between these two sites, which are roughly 80 km apart, on
the basis of counts in previous winters it was considered that the Inner Gulf probably held about
70 Nordmann’s Greenshanks in midwinter. This large winter presence, constituting perhaps as
much as 9% of the world population (Wetlands International 2006), was hitherto unsuspected: the
first regularly wintering birds in the Inner Gulf were discovered only in November 2003, though
they have been found consistently since.
Red-necked Stint
A total of 4,017 birds were recorded, most of which (3,447 birds) were counted in the Inner Gulf.
This is the largest-ever count of Red-necked Stint for any site in Thailand. The actual numbers
could be much higher as there were, in addition, 2,899 unidentified stints recorded from the Inner
Gulf, most of which were likely to have been Red-necked Stints. The previous largest count for
the Inner Gulf was 2,000 birds (Round and Gardner, in press). Round and Gardner surmised that
the numbers in the gulf were probably of international importance, constituting 1% of the flyway
population (Wetlands International 2006). The latest count confirms this supposition.
Long-toed Stint
A total of only 470 birds were recorded, most of which (409) were found in the Inner Gulf. This
is liable to be an underestimate: at least some of the additional 2,899 unidentified stints from the
Inner Gulf are likely to have been this species. Additionally, Long-toed Stints are often scattered
around the margins of pond-expanses, and are difficult to count.
Great Knot
The total count of 1,695 Great Knots (from six sites) was the largest number ever recorded in
Thailand, and was largely contributed by a single flock of 1,450 birds at Laem Phak Bia, in the
extreme southwest of the Inner Gulf, where the previous largest count (800 birds) was in January
2005. Although the species should logically be more numerous as a passage migrant, since the
largest numbers are known to winter in northwest Australia, paradoxically the largest counts have
been in midwinter. This may be because spring and autumn counts are relatively infrequent,
while turnover is high.
It is not clear whether the increasing numbers recorded in the Inner Gulf represent a genuine
geographical shift in distribution, or whether this is due solely to improved coverage.
60
Spoon-billed Sandpiper (Endangered)
Only a single individual was recorded during the midwinter count (Tables 12, 13 and 14).
However, a minimum of 10 Spoon-billed Sandpipers wintered at two sites in the Inner Gulf in
winter 2005–2006. The peak counts were eight at Ban Pak Thale on 5 and 6 January 2006, and
two at Khok Kham on 3 February 2006. The first and last records were 6 October and 5 May.
There were two sightings of Russian leg-flagged Spoon-billed Sandpipers: a bird with a light
green flag (ringed in S. Chuchotka) was present at Khok Kham on 3 November, while a bird with
a light blue leg flag at Pak Thale on 2 March had been ringed as a chick in N. Chuchotka.
Additionally, a third individual, a first-winter, was mist-netted and flagged with the Inner Gulf of
Thailand colours (black/green) on 3 February, and was last seen on 5 May. This indicated that at
least three different individuals were present at Khok Kham during the winter.
Relatively little is known of the detailed foraging behaviour of Spoon-billed Sandpipers in the
Inner Gulf. Most sightings have been on salt pans, those that are either out of use or in the early
stages before the brine becomes concentrated. The species favours areas of either shallow
flooding, keeping mainly to the edges of flooded salt pans or other ponds, or areas of mud
dappled with wet patches, though it also disperses to feed on tidal mudflats, where there are a
very few sightings.
Spoon-billed Sandpipers were most reliably found in the early part of the winter. As the saltfarming cycles advances and the brine becomes more concentrated, they are less reliably
detected. It is not known how far birds disperse to feed: they are assumed to visit intertidal
mudflats (and indeed the pattern of occurrence at Khok Kham mostly coincides with high tides,
when the mudflats are inundated), although there are very few sightings in that habitat. The
regularity of the sightings (indicating a constant midwinter presence, but also indicating the
possibility of some ongoing movement) may suggest that the population using the gulf may be
substantially higher than is at present known.
Great Crested Tern
A total of 138 Great Crested Terns were recorded at five sites. The largest single concentration
(100 birds) was in the northwest corner of Ao Bandon, near Laem Sui, where birds roosted
offshore, on the protruding wooden stakes of fish-traps, on 13 January. Elsewhere, 15 were
recorded at Laem Phak Bia, in the Inner Gulf, and 19 at Pak Nam Krabi.
So far as is known, these are all wintering birds. A few pairs of Great Crested Terns bred on
rocky islets in the Inner Gulf, off the coast of Rayong, in the early twentieth century in and
around what is now Ko Samet National Park. There were still a couple of individuals present with
Bridled, Roseate and Black-naped Terns in May 1982, but there have been no recent surveys of
breeding birds.
Lesser Crested Tern
A total of 145 Lesser Crested Terns were recorded at three sites, with the largest numbers at
Krabi (127 birds). Sixteen were roosting offshore near Laem Sui, Ao Bandon, with Great Crested
Terns on 13 January.
Whiskered Tern
The January midwinter count (which recorded only 3,585 birds in the Inner Gulf) almost
certainly under-estimated numbers, as the birds are highly dispersed over mudflats, ponds and
canals within the coastal strip during the day and can only be counted at dusk when they flight
out to roost on offshore fish-traps.
61
Roughly 30,000 birds together with (perhaps a few hundred) White-winged Terns roosted on salt
pans at Khok Kham on 5 April. This is the largest single count ever made in the Inner Gulf, and
perhaps one of the largest anywhere along on the flyway. Ten Whiskered Terns and seven Whitewinged Terns netted on that date were all were in active moult of primaries (P.D. Round, unpubl.
data).
Brown-headed Gull
The Inner Gulf is the only area to regularly support a large concentration of this species, where
5,731 were recorded during the midwinter count. Even so, this was probably an under-count,
since numbers throughout the gulf are thought to be ~ 10,000 (perhaps as much as 7% of the
world population; Wetlands International 2006; Round and Gardner, in press).
5. DISCUSSION
5.1 General discussion
Although the pre-eminence of the Inner Gulf in relation to the other sites counted is a more or
less accurate reflection of its position in terms of overall numbers and diversity of waterbirds, it is
important to recognise that much greater effort and more intensive coverage, involving several
teams, was expended there. Most other sites were covered by one or two observers during a
single day.
The AWC, held in mid-January, takes place at a time when, due to the mixed, semi-diurnal tides,
the mudflats in the Inner Gulf and along the east coast of the peninsula are inundated throughout
most of the daylight hours. Although this may assist with counting, as roosting birds become
concentrated on onshore ponds, it also means that no assessment can be made of the most
important offshore feeding areas, and may lead to some species whose roosts are not located
being under-estimated (e.g. Common Redshank and Whimbrel, which roost among mangrove
stumps on the upper shore rather than on ponds).
Two successive counts, at Pak Nam Krabi, on 18 and 23 January (Table 18), show the difficulties
of interpretation that may arise in comparing counts at different stages of the tide. Both counts
were made by boat, using local assistance. The count on 18 January, made in the morning, at low
to rising tide, recorded only 25% of the numbers of birds that were found on 23 January, when
the count was made in the afternoon, on a high tide, when birds were roosting on fish-traps.
Species that were recorded in disproportionately different numbers during the two counts were
Lesser Sandplover (0 vs. 553 for 18 and 23 January respectively), Bar-tailed Godwit (1 and 93),
Terek Sandpiper (16 and 117), Ruddy Turnstone (0 and 50) and Lesser Crested Tern (16 and
127). Presumably, at low tide, birds are more dispersed and harder to count. At high tide, those
species that roost on fish traps may be easily counted, though some species that roost elsewhere
among mangroves may be overlooked.
Because a great many counters participate, identification ability may differ among teams and this
may lead to occasional instances of species being misidentified or errors in estimation of
numbers. Attention was drawn to some possible misidentifications (above) and as far as possible
the data presented are believed to be reliable.
62
Table 18: Comparison of two successive counts at Pak Nam Krabi, Thailand, 18 and 23
January 2006
Date
Species
Time
Great Egret Casmerodius albus
Chinese Pond-Heron Ardeola bacchus
Nordmann's Greenshank Tringa guttifer
Total Waterbirds
18 Jan 2006
23 Jan 2006
07:00–10:00
14:00–17:00
45
4
4
2
28
8
69
0
1
26
20
0
5
6
16
18
0
36
16
1
0
305 (17 species)
7
0
5
0
4
2
123
553
93
17
3
11
0
0
117
3
50
76
127
19
1
1,211 (17 species)
5.2 Comparison of relative importance of different sections of the Inner Gulf
The results from four different ground (or combined ground and boat) surveys, covering the
spring passage in 1999 (Erftemeijer and Jukmongkol 1999), AWC in January 2000 (Round
2000), AWC January 2005 and AWC January 2006 (this report) are compared in Table 19.
Figures are presented as numbers of waterbirds and shorebirds per km length of coastline, even
though this takes no account of area covered and the differential width of coastal hinterland
(aquaculture ponds and salt pans) in the various sections. Data from a fifth survey (Starks 1985),
collected during an aerial survey of the Inner Gulf in October 1984, have also been incorporated.
These latter data show a surprisingly close correspondence with the Erftemeijer and Jukmongkol
(1999) April figures for the respective sections, though they correspond less well with more
recent (2000–2006) midwinter counts. Almost certainly the disparity in numbers (on the
Phetchaburi section in particular) is not due to increased usage, however, but to the much better
ground coverage attained in recent years.
In all the midwinter surveys, the Phetchaburi section had the highest density of shorebirds (156–
493 birds/km), followed by Samut Sakhon (113–270 birds/km) and Samut Songkhram (27–127
birds/km). The density for shorebirds was 4–5 times greater on the Phetchaburi coastline than the
Samut Songkhram coastline. Other waterbirds followed a similar pattern in 2006 and 2005, while
in 2000 the densities for all three sections were rather similar. The total for Samut Songkhram,
which generally supported many fewer shorebirds, was in that case boosted by a single count of
5,000 Lesser Whistling Ducks. In the 2005 count, the only midwinter count in which
comprehensive coverage of the eastern sectors of the gulf was attained, the overall waterbird and
shorebird density was only about half that on the Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram section.
In particular, the shorebird density in the eastern gulf was only about 10% of that on the most
dense (Phetchaburi) section. This can probably be explained by the more urbanised and
63
industrialised nature of the onshore pond zone in the eastern sectors, compared with the
substantially undeveloped Phetchaburi coast.
Table 19: Comparison of shorebird numbers and linear density (birds/km of shoreline)
along sections of the shoreline of the Inner Gulf of Thailand made during five count
periods
Total count followed by density (in parentheses)
Location
Survey
1
Length of shoreline (km)
Starks (1985)
Erftemeijer & Jukmongkol
(1999)
Round (2000)
AWC 2005
AWC 2006
Shorebirds only
All waterbirds
Samut Prakan &
Chacheongsao
70
4,282
n.a.
Shorebirds only
All waterbirds
Shorebirds only
All waterbirds
Shorebirds only
All waterbirds
Shorebirds only
4,857 (69/km)
n.a.
n.a.
8,022 (115/km)
1,636 (23/km)
n.a.
n.a.
Samut Sakhon
Phetchaburi
40/39
6377
n.a
Samut
Songkhram
35/20
3124
n.a
6,745 (169/km)
14,287(366/km)
4,983 (128/km)
8,862 (227/km)
4,393 (113/km)
16,223 (416/km)
10,539 (270/km)
3,358 (101/km)
6,170 (308/km)
542 (27/km)
4,018 (201/km)
1,360 (68/km)
6,021 (301/km)
2,357 (127/km)
1,064 (30/km)
10,425 (298/km)
5,471 (156/km)
1,4471 (413/km)
8,609 (246/km)
23,436 (617/km)
17,287 (493/km)
30/35
766
n.a
Note:
1
First figure is length of shoreline estimated and used in calculations by Erftemeijer and Jukmongkol (1999). Second figure is length of shoreline
estimated and used in calculations for Round (2000) and AWC 2006.
The midwinter counts differed from the Erftemeijer and Jukmongkol (1999) April count in which
the highest density of birds was recorded on the Samut Sakhon section (169 birds/km) and the
lowest density on the Phetchaburi section (30 birds/km). The circumstances of the April count
differed from the midwinter counts, however, in that the tide was lower and many birds were
detected on mudflats rather than on onshore ponds. Additionally, the precise boundaries of the
sections that were covered in 1999 are less well known: possibly less complete coverage of the
important (but then less well-known) Phetchaburi section was achieved.
The differential accessibility of onshore and offshore habitats may affect comparison of the
various stretches. The mudflat zone is probably less accessible in some parts of Samut
Songkhram and Phetchaburi Provinces than it is in Samut Sakhon Province, which has better road
access. This should not affect the midwinter counts (made when the mudflats were inundated and
most birds were counted on ponds) but it may have caused feeding birds at lower tide to have
been somewhat under-recorded on those sections during the April 1999 count. Overall, however,
these comparisons do tend to underscore the great importance of the Phetchaburi and Samut
Sakhon sectors relative to the Samut Songkhram section and the eastern gulf.
Sites lying inside the Don Hoi Lot Ramsar site (Don Hoi Lot, Ban Khlong Khone and Ban
Khlong Chong) held a total of 3,602 waterbirds of all species, including 1,535 shorebirds – only a
relatively small proportion of the total in the western sectors of the Inner Gulf.
6. RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 Inner Gulf
(i) More detailed and frequent counts are needed for the Inner Gulf as part of a routine
monitoring programme for this most important wetland site. Ideally, counting should be
conducted twice monthly at key sites along the gulf shoreline throughout the year so as to better
determine patterns of usage by shorebirds.
64
(ii) More detailed records of habitat use (mudflats, prawn ponds, salt pans, other) need to be
collected, together with the use that birds make of these areas (e.g. the proportion feeding or
roosting).
.
(iii) Particular emphasis should be paid to determining the importance of the Ramsar site at Don
Hoi Lot relative to other sections of the Inner Gulf shoreline, and in assessing the impact of
human disturbance (through collection of shellfish) relative to other sectors).
(iv) Further counts should be timed to coincide with falling or rising tides, so that usage of areas
of feeding areas on mudflats can be properly assessed.
(v) Breeding and roosting sites of larger colonial waterbirds should be inventoried and estimates
of numbers made.
(vi) The Inner Gulf should be designated as an East Asian – Australasian Shorebird Reserve
Network site.
(vi) The Thai Government should be lobbied to unequivocally recognise the international
importance of the Inner Gulf.
6.2 Peninsula
The following measures are recommended.
(i) More frequent monitoring is necessary for those key sites that remain under-visited, such as
Ao Bandon, Pak Phanang and Ao Pattani. Such monitoring should better be concentrated in
autumn and spring periods.
(ii) The three major east coast sites mentioned above should be searched for the presence of the
globally Critically Endangered Chinese Crested Tern, known from three specimens collected at
Pak Phanang in November 1923 (Hall 1956). The large concentration of Sterna bergii that was
present at Ao Bandon when it was surveyed during January would suggest that the occurrence of
S. bernsteini there is plausible.
(iii) The present impact of shorebird hunting (mostly snaring) at Ao Pattani and other sites in the
peninsula should be evaluated. There has been little published follow up since Ruttanadakul and
Adseungnern (1986) documented the immense scale of this activity in the bay.
(iv) There is a need for the extension of surveys into Palian Langu (6º50'–7º15'N, 99º35'–
99º45'E), a site identified from aerial survey as probably supporting an internationally important
concentration of waders (2,450 birds along 8 km of shoreline) in October 1984 but which has
never received a ground survey.
(v) Breeding and roosting sites of larger colonial waterbirds should be inventoried and estimates
of numbers made.
(vi) The capacity of Wetlands International – Thailand Programme and/or Krabi Province staff
that are stationed at the Ramsar site needs to be developed so that they can reliably count and
monitor usage of waterbirds at regular intervals. These data should be shared with both
government and NGOs (such as BCST).
65
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Many of the records contained in this report are a subset of records obtained nationwide by over
100 counters who covered 94 sites during the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) in 2006. We are
most grateful to all of them. For the most part the AWC was jointly coordinated by the Wildlife
Research Division, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation (DNP),
Department of Marine and Coastal Resource (DMC) and the Bird Conservation Society of
Thailand (BCST). We owe special thanks to Dr. Pinsak Surasawasdi, Director of the Samut
Sakhon Mangrove Research Station, for his assistance.
Counters who participated in counting the sites covered in this report are:
Nonrapat Apainonkitikul, Dr. Panom Archarit, Dr. Sunee Archarit, Somsak Buathip, Simon
Buckell, Chatchai Chevitanondra, Suchart Daengphayon and Khok Kham Conservation Club,
Douglas Downard, Esther Downard, Attakorn Eangsusophon and members of the Silpakorn
University Bird Club, Peter Ericsson, Jatuporn Grudprayoon, Sarisa Jampa, Jittanan
Kaewmaneesuk, Dr. Pornkasem Kantamara, Panya Kalalak, Dr. Wanchamai Karntanut, Dr.
Chaiyan Kasorndorkbua, Porntep Katsura, Angkana Ketloy, Panya Khalalak, Uaiphorn
Khwanphae, Wicharn Khongyos, Wirat Khongyos, Rattapon Klaichid, Amorn Liukiriyutkul,
Petch Manopawitr, Yotin Meekaeo, Somchai Nimnuan, Porpol Nontaya, Chukiat Nualsri, Orapan
Pattanajindakit, Chultawat Phowattanadilok, Kant Ratanajun, Philip Round, Pinit Saengkaew,
Siriya Sriphanomyom, Jumpow Srisawang, Smith Sutibut, Wassana Tammapon, Yupin Tatuwan,
Prasarn Ueasamritphon, Stijn de Win, Krisakorn Wongkornwuthi and members of WWF’s
Bangpu Nature Education Centre, Yodsaphol Wonglertwit and Suwit Yindeephayapadung.
We apologise to any counters who have been inadvertently left off this list.
Special thanks are owed to Kritsana Kaewplang (BCST manager), who organised many
volunteers for the count, and Somchai Nimnuan, who undertook additional surveys of shorebirds
in the Inner Gulf during March–May 2006. Sittichai Jinamoy (Hornbill Project Thailand)
prepared the figures.
This survey was commissioned and funded by Wetlands International.
REFERENCES
BCST (Bird Conservation Society of Thailand). 2004. Directory of important bird areas in the
Kingdom of Thailand: Key sites for conservation. Bird Conservation Society of Thailand,
Bangkok.
BirdLife International. 2001. Threatened Birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data
Book. BirdLife International, Cambridge, UK.
BirdLife International. 2004. Important Bird Areas in Asia: key sites for conservation.
Cambridge, BirdLife International, UK.
BirdLife International. 2006. Threatened Birds of the World. Downloaded from BirdLife
International website www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html on 31 December
2006.
Briggs, M.R.P. and Funge-Smith, S. 1994. Unsustainable shrimp culture: Causes and potential
solutions from experience in Thailand. In: Development of strategies for sustainable
shrimp farming. Report to the Overseas Development Administration, Research Project
R4751, Appendix 1. Stirling, UK.
66
Erftemeijer, P.L.A. and Jukmongkol, R. 1999. Migratory shorebirds and their habitats in the
Inner Gulf of Thailand. Wetlands International – Thailand Programme Publication No. 13.
Wetlands International and Bird Conservation Society of Thailand, Hat Yai and Bangkok.
Hall, B.P. 1956. First record of the Chinese Lesser Crested Tern, Thalasseus zimmermanni, from
Thailand. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 76: 87.
Jørgensen, A. 1949. Siams vadefugle. IV. Charadriidae (Scolopacinae, Recurvirostrinae),
Rostratulidae, Jacanidae: Supplement, Literatur. Dansk Ornithologisk Forenings
Tidsskrift 43: 261-279.
Melville, D.S. and Round, P.D. 1982. Further records of the Asian Dowitcher Limnodromus
semipalmatus from Thailand, with notes on its distribution and identification. The Natural
History Bulletin of the Siam Society 30 (2): 199-204.
OEPP (Office of Environmental Policy and Planning). 1999. Wetlands in the Central and Eastern
Regions. Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment, Bangkok. [In Thai.]
OEPP (Office of Environmental Policy and Planning). 2002. An inventory of wetlands of
international and national importance in Thailand. Ministry of Science, Technology, and
Environment, Bangkok.
Parish, D. and Wells, D.R. 1985. Interwader Annual Report 1984. Interwader Publication No. 2.
Interwader, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Round, P.D. 1985. Records of the Asian Dowitcher Limnodromus semipalmatus in Thailand.
OBC Bulletin 1: 5–7.
Round, P.D. 2000. Waterfowl and their habitats in the Gulf of Thailand. Paper presented at OEPP
Wetlands 2000 Meeting, Grand Hotel, Bangkok, 2–3 February 2000.
Round, P.D. and Gardner, D. In press. Birds of the Bangkok Area. White Lotus, Bangkok.
Royal Forest Department. 2001. Forestry statistics of Thailand 2001. Information Office, Royal
Forest Department, Bangkok.
Ruttanadakul, N. and Ardseungnern, S. 1986. Evaluation of shorebird hunting in Pattani
Province, South Thailand. Interim report for WWF-US. PSU/Interwader, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia. Unpublished.
Scott, D.A. (ed.). 1989. A Directory of Asian Wetlands. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.
Starks, J. 1985. Interwader Surveys in Thailand. In: Parish, D. and Wells, D. (eds.). Interwader
Annual Report 1984. Interwader Publication No. 2. Interwader, Kuala Lumpur.
Tunhikorn, S. and Round, P.D. 1995. The status and conservation needs of migratory shorebirds
in Thailand. In: Wells, D.R. and Mundkur, T. (eds.). Conservation of Migratory
Waterbirds and their Wetland Habitats in the East Asian –Australasian Flyway. Proc. Int.
Workshop, Kushiro, Japan, 28 November – 3 December 1994, pp. 119–132. Publication
No. 116. Wetlands International – Asia Pacific, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Vanarat, L. 1994. Salt processing and distribution of natural salt in Thailand. Nutrition Division,
Department of Health, Ministry of Health, Bangkok.
Wells, D.R. 1999. The Birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsula, Vol. 1. Non-passerines. Academic
Press, London.
Wetlands International. 2006. Waterbird population estimates – Fourth Edition. Wetlands
67
Surveys of Coastal Waterbirds and Wetlands in the Ayeyarwaddy Delta, Myanmar, December 2005 – March 2006
Surveys of Coastal Waterbirds and Wetlands in the Ayeyarwaddy
(Irrawaddy) Delta, Myanmar, December 2005 – March 2006
Thet Zaw Naing
Myanmar Bird & Nature Society
SUMMARY
From 12 December 2005 to 2 March 2006, waterbird surveys were conducted in 11 areas in the
mouth of the Yangon River and Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) Delta. A total of 38,235 waterbirds
comprising 68 species were counted. In addition, 14 other wetland-dependent bird species were
recorded. Three globally threatened species – the Endangered Nordmann’s Greenshank and
Vulnerable Lesser Adjutant and Greater Spotted Eagle – and five Near Threatened species –
Oriental Darter, Painted Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Black-tailed Godwit and Brown-winged
Kingfisher – were also recorded. One new species for Myanmar was recorded, namely Great
Frigatebird.
1. INTRODUCTION
The wetlands of Myanmar include rivers and streams, shallow freshwater lakes and marshes,
water storage reservoirs, fish ponds, seasonally flooded cultivated plains, and estuarine areas with
extensive mangrove swamps. The coast of Myanmar is 2,278 km long, hence most of the
wetlands in Myanmar are directly or indirectly associated with river systems, several very large
estuarine and delta systems, and numerous offshore islands. There are an estimated 517,000 ha of
mangrove forest in Myanmar, located mainly in the Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) Delta, on the
Tanintharyi and Rakhine coasts and on offshore islands. The Ayeyarwaddy Delta covers an
estimated 1,100,000 ha and is located in Ayeyarwaddy and Yangon (Rangoon) divisions, in the
south of the ornithological regions of Myanmar (Robson 2000). The area has been only very
poorly covered. Ornithological surveys were carried out by Armstrong (1876) and Salter (1982),
and waterbirds were counted for the Asian Waterbird Census from 1991 to 2005 (Perennou and
Mundkur 1991; Perennou and Mundkur 1992; Mundkur and Taylor 1993; Lopez and Mundkur
1997; Naing and Aung 2002; Naing 2003; Naing 2004; Naing 2005; van der Ven. and Naing
2005; Li and Mundkur 2007).
2. METHODS
From December 2005 to March 2006, waterbird surveys were conducted in the mouth of the
Yangon River and the Ayeyarwaddy Delta (Figure 9). A major objective of the surveys was to
record the diversity and determine the numbers of shorebird species present in the study area,
however not only shorebirds but also other waterbird species were recorded. The different bird
species were determined by direct observation. Surveys were carried out on the ebb tide,
whenever this was feasible, and care was taken to avoid double counting wherever possible.
Eleven of the sites surveyed were coastal, the exception being Bogalay Royal Lake, which is
68
situated in an urban area. Motorised boats were used to reach survey sites, while observations and
counts were undertaken on foot. Conservation status follows BirdLife International (2006)
criteria.
3. ITINERARY
Mouth of Yangon River
12 December 2005 Morning, depart by coach from Yangon to Meepya. On arrival, survey on
foot at Meepya (#1). Evening, drive back to Yangon.
11 January 2006
Morning, depart by coach from Yangon to Thante. On arrival, survey on
foot at Thante (#2). Evening, drive back to Yangon.
6 February 2006
Morning, depart by coach from Yangon to Let Khoke Kone. Evening,
survey at Let Khoke Kone (#3). Overnight there.
7 February 2006
Survey at Let Khoke Kone.
8 February 2006
Morning, survey at Let Khoke Kone. Late afternoon, return to Yangon.
Ayeyarwaddy Delta (Mouth of Ayeyarwaddy River)
6 February 2006
Depart by boat from Yangon to Bogalay. Overnight at Bogalay.
7 February 2006
Afternoon, survey at Bogalay Royal Lake (#4).
8 February 2006
Depart by boat for Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary (WS) (#5). On the
way, survey at Byone Hmwe Island site in Kadonkani Reserve Forest Area
(#6). Overnight at Meinmahla Kyun WS.
9 February 2006
Survey by boat and on foot at Meinmahla Kyun WS. Overnight at
Meinmahla Kyun WS.
10 February 2006
Morning, survey by boat and on foot at Meinmahla Kyun WS. Afternoon,
depart by boat for Pyindaye Reserve Forest Area (#7), birding along the
way (Kamar Hauk River). Overnight at Pyindaye RF area.
11 February 2006
Survey on foot at War Kone Lake and Myat Ka Lone Lake sites.
Afternoon, depart for Bo Ba Kone site. Evening, survey on foot at Bo Ba
Kone. Overnight there.
12 February 2006
Survey again on foot at Bo Ba Kone site.
13 February 2006
Morning, depart by boat for Naut Mee Beach site and bird survey along the
way (Yoe Yoe Gyi Lake and Naut Mee River). Afternoon, survey on foot
at Naut Mee Beach site. Overnight there.
14 February 2006
Morning, another survey on foot at Naut Mee Beach site. Afternoon, depart
by boat for Thaung Ka Dam Beach site. Birding along the way (Thaung Ka
Dam River). Survey on foot at Thaung Ka Dam Beach site. Evening,
depart by boat to Gaw Du Beach site. Overnight there.
15 February 2006
Morning, survey on foot at Gaw Du Beach site. Afternoon, depart by boat
to Gayet Gyi Island site. Survey on foot at Gayet Gyi Island. Overnight
there.
16 February 2006
Morning, another survey at Gayet Gyi Island. Later, depart by boat for
Amar Beach site. Evening, survey on foot at Amar Beach. Overnight there.
17 February 2006
Morning, a further survey at Amar Beach. Late afternoon, depart by boat
for Kadonkani Reserve Forest Area (#6). Overnight at Kadonkani Beach
site.
69
18 February 2006
19 February 2006
20 February 2006
21 February 2006
22 February 2006
23 February 2006
24 February 2006
25 February 2006
26 February 2006
27 February 2006
28 February 2006
1 March 2006
2 March 2006
3 March 2006
Survey on foot at Kadonkani Beach site. Evening, depart by boat for Ayar
Beach site. Birding along the way (Ayar River). Overnight there.
Morning, survey on foot at Ayar Beach site. Afternoon, depart by boat for
Ye Kyaw Beach site and birding on foot there. Overnight there.
Morning, further survey at Ye Kyaw Beach. Later, depart by boat for Ta
Htat Gyi Beach site and survey on foot. Evening, depart by boat for Kaing
Thaung Island (#8) and survey on foot on arrival. Overnight there.
Survey on foot at Kaing Thaung Island. Overnight there.
Morning, depart by boat for Pyinalan Reserve Forest Area (#9). Survey on
foot at Ye Lawe Thaung site. Depart by boat for Byaing Gyi Sonn Beach
site and survey. Proceed by boat to Aung Hlaing Beach site and survey in
the evening. Overnight there.
Another survey on foot at Aung Hlaing Beach site. Evening, depart by boat
for Ka Met Gyi Beach site. Overnight there.
Survey on foot at Ka Met Gyi Beach. Evening, depart by boat for Myit Wa
Beach site. Overnight there.
Morning, survey on foot at Myit Wa Beach. Afternoon, depart by boat for
Yaung Du Beach site and survey on foot. Late afternoon, depart by boat
for Pyinsalu Island Area (#10) and survey on foot at Seik Gyi Beach site.
Overnight there.
Morning, another survey at Seik Gyi Beach. Afternoon, depart by boat for
Kyarkan Kwin Pyauk Reserve Forest Area (#11) and survey on foot at
Pyin Kaung Beach site. Overnight there.
Morning, another survey on foot at Pyin Kaung Beach. Later depart again
by boat to Pyinalan Reserve Forest Area via Pyinsalu Island. Birding on
the way (Ta Pyut River). Survey on foot at Ye Twin Seik Beach site.
Overnight there.
Morning, depart by boat for Poe Laung Beach site. Bird survey on the way
(Ye Yan River) and at Poe Laung Beach, by boat. Depart by boat for
Pyinalan extension site and survey on foot. Overnight there.
Morning, another survey at Pyinalan extension. Later depart again by boat
for Kadonkani Reserve Forest Area. Survey on foot at Gaung Gyi Island
site. Overnight there.
Morning, further survey at Gaung Gyi Island and depart by boat for Dani
Chaung Kyun Beach site and survey by boat . Evening, return by boat to
Bogalay. Overnight there.
Morning, return by coach to Yangon.
4. RESULTS
4.1 Survey areas
A total of 11 areas were surveyed: Meepya (#1), Thante (#2), Let Khoke Kone (#3), Bogalay
Royal Lake (#4), Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary (#5), Kadonkani Reserve Forest (#6),
Pyindaya Reserve Forest (#7), Kaing Thaung Island (#8), Pyinalan Reserve Forest (#9), Pyinsalu
Island (#10) and Kyakankwin Pyauk Reserve Forest (#11). For location of the survey areas see
Figure 9. A total of 38,235 waterbirds comprising 69 species were counted. In addition, 14 other
wetland-dependent bird species were recorded (Table 20).
70
1) Meepya
Meepya (16º31'N, 96º19'E) is located at the mouth of the Yangon River in Kyauk Tan Township.
This coastal site has a mainly muddy shore.
A total of 336 waterbirds of 22 species, including seven Near Threatened Black-headed Ibises,
were recorded at this site.
2) Thante
Thante (16º29'N, 96º23'E) is located at the mouth of the Yangon River in Kyauk Tan Township.
This coastal site has a mainly muddy shore which is completely covered by seagrasses.
A total of 754 waterbirds of 29 species were recorded at this site. Globally Threatened species
recorded included five Endangered Nordmann’s Greenshanks and one Vulnerable Lesser
Adjutant; Near threatened species included one Painted Stork, 11 Black-headed Ibises and 21
Black-tailed Godwits.
3) Let Khoke Kone
Let Khoke Kone (16º19'N, 96º09'E) is located between the mouths of the Yangon and Toe Rivers
in the Ayeyarwaddy delta. It was here in 1875 that Armstrong (Armstrong 1876) found large
numbers of waders and also took a specimen of Spoon-billed Sandpiper. The area has a mud-andsand shore with some degraded mangroves.
A total of 3,753 individuals of 36 waterbird species were recorded at this site, including 76 Near
Threatened Black-headed Ibises.
4) Bogalay Royal Lake
Bogalay Royal Lake (16º17'29''N, 95º24'20''E) is located in the town of Bogalay. It is a
permanent freshwater lake with an area of about 28 ha. The vegetation comprises grasses, lotuses
and water hyacinths, which cover half the lake.
A total of 356 waterbirds of seven species were recorded at this site.
5) Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary
Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary (15º51'N, 95º15'E) is located between the Bogalay and
Kadonkani Rivers in Bogalay township. It comprises an island about 25.6 km long and 9.6 km
wide, which is covered by mangroves and mudflats.
A total of 1,587 individuals of 28 waterbird species were recorded in this area. Three Vulnerable
Lesser Adjutants, 12 Near Threatened Black-headed Ibises and one Near Threatened Brownwinged Kingfisher were recorded.
6) Kadonkani Reserve Forest
Kadonkani Reserve Forest is located between the Kadonkani and Ayeyarwaddy Rivers at the
mouth of the Ayeyarwaddy River in Bogalay Township. A total of eight sub-sites were surveyed:
Byone Hmwe Island (15º59'15''N, 95º16'14''E) An island in the Kadonkani River. It is about 8 km
long and is covered by mature mangroves and mudflats.
Kadonkani Beach (15º47'49''N, 95º13'37''E) A coastal site with a mud-and-sand shore. A distance
of about 7.2 km was surveyed. There are over 400 houses on one part of the site.
Ayar River (15º49'18''N, 95º13'12''E) The river was surveyed by boat during the journey from
Kadonkani Beach to Amar Beach, which is surrounded by paddy fields. Degraded mangroves
covered both banks, which are tidal mudflats.
71
Ayar Beach (15º48'50''N, 95º05'52''E) A coastal site divided by the Ayar River. The shore in the
southern section is mainly sandy with coconut plantations and about 400 houses. The shore in the
northern section is muddy and, in places, fringed with degraded mangroves. A distance of about 4
km was surveyed.
Ye Kyaw Beach (15º51'54''N, 95º06'33''E) A tidal mudflat fringed, in places, by mature
mangroves. A distance of about 4.8 km was surveyed.
Ta Htat Gyi Beach (15º55'06''N, 95º07'22''E) A tidal mudflat which is covered by some degraded
mangrove. A distance of about 3.2 km was surveyed.
Gaung Gyi Island (15º59'45''N, 95º06'47''E) An island located in the Ayeyarwaddy River; its
shores are muddy and partly covered by degraded mangroves. The island is about 12.8 km long
and 4 km wide.
Dani Chaung Kyun (16º09'11''N, 95º11'42''E) This site is also located in the Ayeyarwaddy River.
It has a muddy shore which is partly covered by degraded mangroves. A distance of about 9.6 km
was surveyed.
A total of 6,457 waterbirds of 42 species were recorded at this area, including two Vulnerable
Lesser Adjutants, 33 Near Threatened Black-headed Ibises and 108 Near Threatened Black-tailed
Godwits. Another species, Common Redshank, occurred in internationally important numbers
(1,073, 1% = 1,000).
7) Pyindaya Reserve Forest
This area is located in Pyapon Township. Twelve sub-sites were surveyed:
Kamar Hawk River (15º51'22''N, 95º17'57''E) The river was surveyed during the boat journey
from Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary to Pyindaya Reserve Forest area. Degraded mangroves
covered both shores, which are tidal mudflats.
War Kone Lake (15º48'12''N, 95º25'17''E) A permanent freshwater lake of about 40 ha that is
covered by grasses and surrounded by paddy fields.
Myat Ka Lone Lake (15º47'50''N, 95º25'42''E) Also a permanent freshwater lake. It has an area of
about 202 ha and is surrounded by degraded mangroves.
Bo Ba Kone (15º50'45''N, 95º31'18''E) An area of about 647 ha comprising tidal mudflats with
scattered mangroves. The site is surrounded by paddy fields. The survey team arrived in the
evening of 11 February, at high tide. The area was completely submerged and it was not possible
to see and count shorebirds or any other species on the first day. Hence, two days were spent at
this site.
Yoe Yoe Gyi Lake (15º49'33''N, 95º31'05''E ) A permanent freshwater lake of about 8 ha. The
banks are covered by grasses.
Naut Mee River (15º49'08''N, 95º30'18''E) The river was surveyed by boat during the journey
from Bo Ba Kone to Naut Mee Beach. Degraded mangroves covered both banks, which are tidal
mudflats.
Naut Mee Beach (15º46'08''N, 95º29'53''E) The site is located on the coastline and is divided by
Naut Mee River. The north coast is a mainly muddy and the south coast mainly sandy. The
survey team spent two days at this site. The surveyed was conducted mainly along the north shore
over a distance of about 9.5 km.
Thaung Ka Dam River (15º45'11''N, 95º27'59''E) The river was surveyed by boat during the
journey from Naut Mee Beach to Thaung Ka Dam Beach. Degraded mangroves covered both
banks, which are tidal mudflats.
Thaung Ka Dam Beach (15º42'55''N, 95º21'58''E) A coastal site with a mud-and-sand shore;
immature mangroves were present on the shore. A distance of about 8 km was surveyed.
Gaw Du Beach (15º43'05''N, 95º17'20''E) A coastal site with a mainly muddy shore; scattered
mangroves are present on the shore. A distance of about 3.2 km was surveyed.
72
Gayet Gyi Island (15º40'52''N, 95º16'01''E) An island about 5 km long and 3 km wide. It has a
mainly sandy shore which is covered by grasses. The interior of the island is covered by mature
mangroves. There are about 150 houses on one part of the island.
Amar Beach (15º46'51''N, 95º16'46''E) A coastal site with a muddy shore with degraded
mangroves. Amar village, a settlement of over 400 houses, is located near the survey site. A
distance of about 5.6 km was surveyed.
A total 13,571 waterbirds of 55 species were counted in this area. The area recorded the highest
number of waterbirds during the surveys. Three species occurred in internationally important
numbers (i.e. exceeding 1% of the flyway population): Kentish Plover (1,106, 1% = 1,000),
Lesser Sandplover (2,086, 1% = 1,300) and Brown-headed Gull (3,256, 1% = 1,500). Blacktailed Godwit, a Near Threatened species, recorded a significant 1,148 individuals (1% =1,600).
Furthermore, one Vulnerable Greater Spotted Eagle and 42 Near Threatened Black-headed Ibises
were recorded in this area.
8) Kaing Thaung Island
Kaing Thaung Island (15º44'N, 95º04'E) is located in the mouth of the Ayeyarwaddy River,
Labutta Township. It is about 9.6 km long and 3.5 km wide, and divided by a narrow channel.
The northern part of the island is totally covered by mature mangroves, and the shore is a tidal
mudflat. The southern part is covered by degraded mangroves and has a mud-and-sand shore.
About 250 houses are located on the south of the island.
A total of 2,708 waterbirds of 33 species were recorded in this area. Fourteen Endangered
Nordmann’s Greenshanks were counted – nearly 2% of the flyway population (1% = 8
individuals). Six Near Threatened Black-headed Ibises were also recorded here.
9) Pyinalan Reserve Forest
Pyinalan Reserve Forest is located between the Ayeyarwaddy and Pyamalaw Rivers in Labutta
Township. A total of 10 sub-sites were surveyed:
Ye Lawe Thaung (15º46'45''N, 95º01'03''E) This 2.4 km long site is a mainly sandy, grasscovered island situated in the Ayeyarwaddy River.
Byaing Gyi Sonn Beach (15º48'09''N, 95º02'11''E) A coastal site with a mainly muddy shore
covered by some scattered mangroves. A distance of about 2.4 km was surveyed.
Aung Hlaing Beach (15º45'02''N, 94º58'21''E) A coastal site with a mud-and-sand shore covered
in many areas by mature mangroves. A distance of about 6.4 km was surveyed.
Ka Met Gyi Beach (15º45'07''N, 94º54'10''E) A coastal site with a mud-and-sand shore with some
areas of degraded mangroves. A distance of about 6.4 km was surveyed.
Myit Wa Beach (15º46'N, 94º51'24''E) A coastal site with a mud-and-sand shore with some areas
of mature mangroves. A distance of about 3.2 km was surveyed.
Yaung Du Beach (15º48'30''N, 95º50'43''E) A coastal site with a mud-and-sand shore with some
areas of mature mangroves. A distance of about 4 km was surveyed.
Ye Twin Seik Beach (15º50'53''N, 94º50'36''E) Located on the bank of the Pyamalaw River, a
muddy shore with degraded mangroves. A distance of about 4.8 km was surveyed.
Ye Yan River (15º51'47''N, 94º50'45''E) The river was surveyed by boat during the journey from
Ye Twin Seik site to Poe Laung Beach. Degraded mangroves covered both shores, which are
tidal mudflats.
Poe Laung Beach (15º50'39''N, 95º02'23''E) A coastal site with a muddy shore. Poe Laung
village, a settlement of about 50 houses, is located on the site. A distance of about 3.2 km was
surveyed.
Pyinalan extension (15º50'55''N, 95º03'30''E) An island in the Ayeyarwaddy River. It is about 3.2
km long, with a muddy shore covered by mature mangroves.
73
A total of 8,419 individuals of 51 waterbird species were recorded in this area; they included nine
Endangered Nordmann’s Greenshanks, three Vulnerable Lesser Adjutants and 28 Near
Threatened Black-headed Ibises. The number of Nordmann’s Greenshank recorded exceeds 1%
of the flyway population (9, 1% = 8). Two other species occurring in internationally important
numbers were Kentish Plover (1,924, 1% = 1,000) and Lesser Sandplover (2,264, 1% = 1,300).
10) Pyinsalu Island
Pyinsalu is an island in the Pyamalaw River at the mouth of the Ayeyarwaddy River, Labutta
Township. Only two sub-sites could be surveyed:
Seik Gyi Beach (15º47'16''N, 94º47'14''E) A coastal site with a mainly muddy shore with some
degraded mangrove. A distance of about 8.8 km was surveyed.
Ta Pyut River (15º52'18''N, 94º46'29''E) The river was surveyed by boat during the journey from
Pyin Kaung Beach (Kyakankwin Pyauk Reserve Forest) to the Pyinsalu Island area. Degraded
mangroves covered both banks, which are tidal mudflats.
A total of 937 waterbirds of 25 species were recorded in this area. They included one Vulnerable
Lesser Adjutant, four Near Threatened Black-headed Ibises and two Near Threatened Oriental
Darters.
11) Kyakankwin Pyauk Reserve Forest
This area is located between the Pyamalaw and Ywe Rivers at the mouth of the Ayeyarwaddy
River in Labutta Township. Only a very small part of this area could be surveyed (one site):
Pyin Kaung Beach (15º50'42''N, 94º42'35''E) This coastal site has a muddy shore with some
degraded mangrove. A distance of about 8 km was surveyed.
A total of 358 waterbirds of 19 species including three Near Threatened Black-headed Ibises
were recorded in this area.
Figure 9: Areas of the Ayeyarwaddy Delta, Myanmar, covered by surveys, December 2005
– March 2006
74
4.2 Significant records
During the survey a total of 38,235 waterbirds comprising 68 species were counted. In addition,
14 other wetland-dependent bird species were recorded (see Table 20). Of these, one is a new
record for Myanmar, two are new records for southern Myanmar, one is globally Endangered,
two are Vulnerable and four are Near Threatened. The status of each species in southern
Myanmar (Robson 2000) is shown in Table 20. The following records are significant.
Oriental Darter (Near Threatened)
Two Oriental Darters were seen at Pyinsalu Island on 25 February 2006.
Painted Stork (Near Threatened)
A single Painted Stork was seen flying at Thante on 11 January 2006.
Lesser Adjutant (Vulnerable)
A total of 10 Lesser Adjutants were recorded from five sites – three at Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife
Sanctuary, two at Kadonkani Reserve Forest, three at Pyinalan Reserve Forest, one at Puinsalu
Island and one at Thante.
Black-headed Ibis (Near Threatened)
A total of 252 Black-headed Ibises were recorded at 10 sites (1% = 250 individuals). 12, 42, 33,
28, 36, 4, 3, 76, 11 and 7 individuals were recorded at Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary,
Pyindaye Reserve Forest, Kadonkani Reserve Forest, Pyinalan Reserve Forest, Kaing Thaung
Island, Pyinsalu Island, Kyakankwin Pyauk Reserve Forest, Let Khoke Kone, Thante and
Meepya respectively.
Lesser Whistling Duck
A total of 3,537 Lesser Whistling Ducks were recorded at six sites (1% = 10,000 individuals).
This species is one of the most numerous recorded during the survey. Kadonkani Reserve Forest
recorded the highest count (2,493 individuals).
Kentish Plover
A total of 4,515 Kentish Plovers were recorded at eight sites (1% = 1,000 individuals). This
species is one of the most numerous recorded during the survey. Two sites, namely Pyindaye
Reserve Forest and Pyinalan Reserve Forest, recorded more than 1% of the population (1,106 and
1,924 individuals respectively).
Lesser Sandplover
A total of 7,041 Lesser Sandplovers were recorded at nine sites (1% = 1,300 individuals). This is
the most numerous species recorded during the survey. Two sites, namely Pyindaye Reserve
Forest and Pyinalan Reserve Forest, recorded more than 1% of the population (2,086 and 2,264
individuals respectively).
Greater Sandplover
A total of 1,137 Greater Sandplovers were recorded at five sites (1% = 1,000 individuals). The
highest count was at Pyinalan Reserve Forest, with 480 individuals recorded.
Black-tailed Godwit (Near Threatened)
A total of 1,279 Black-tailed Godwits were recorded at four sites (1% = 1,600 individuals). The
highest count was of 1,148 individuals at Pyindaye Reserve Forest.
75
Bar-tailed Godwit
Bar-tailed Godwit was not recorded in the past in Myanmar as no ornithological research was
undertaken. The species was reported only recently by Inskipp et al. (2001). Subsequent records
were as follows: Naing & Aung (2002), Inskipp et al. (2003), van der Ven (2004) and Naing
(2005). A total of 247 birds were recorded at four sites, namely Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife
Sanctuary, Pyindaye Reserve Forest, Pyinalan Reserve Forest and Thante.
Whimbrel
A total of 1,218 Whimbrels were recorded at 10 sites (1% = 1,000 individuals). Highest counts
were at Kadonkani Reserve Forest and Pyinalan Reserve Forest, with 333 and 343 individuals
recorded respectively.
Common Redshank
A total of 2,929 Common Redshanks were recorded at nine sites (1% = 1,000 individuals).
Kadonkani Reserve Forest was the only site that recorded more than 1% of the population (1,073
individuals).
Common Greenshank
A total of 695 Common Greenshanks were recorded at seven sites (1% = 1,000 individuals). The
highest count was recorded at Pyindaye Reserve Forest, with 493 individuals observed.
Nordmann’s Greenshank (Endangered)
Nordmann’s Greenshank was rediscovered in Myanmar after a gap of almost 129 years. A total
of 28 individuals were recorded at three sites (1% = 8 individuals). Five birds (groups of two and
three individuals) were recorded on a muddy shore at Thante (16°29’N, 96°23’E) on 11 January
2006. A total of 14 birds (four, seven and three individuals) were recorded on a mud-and-sand
shore on Kaing Thaung Island (15°43’05”N, 95°03’16”E) on 21 February 2006. A group of nine
individuals were recorded on a sand-and-mud shore in Pyinalan Reserve Forest (15°45’58”N,
94°59’05”E) on 22 February 2006. The only earlier records of this species were Armstrong’s
sighting on the Ayeyarwaddy Delta in 1875 (Armstrong 1876) and in Kayin State (Amherst) in
1877 (Smythies 1953).
Brown-headed Gull
A total of 5,588 birds were recorded at 10 sites (1% = 1,500 individuals). This is the second most
numerous species recorded during the survey. Two sites, namely Pyindaye Reserve Forest and
Pyinalan Reserve Forest, recorded more than 1% of the population (3,256 and 1,263 individuals
respectively).
Other wetland-dependent species recorded
Great Frigatebird
One juvenile Great Frigatebird was recorded at Meepya on 12 December 2005. This is the first
confirmed record for Myanmar.
Brown-winged Kingfisher (Near Threatened):
One Brown-winged Kingfisher was observed at Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary on 9–10
February 2006.
Hen Harrier
This is a first record for south Myanmar. One male Hen Harrier was seen at Meinmahla Kyun
Wildlife Sanctuary on 10 February 2006.
76
Greater Spotted Eagle (Vulnerable)
One Greater Spotted Eagle was recorded at Pyindaye Reserve Forest on 14 February 2006.
In addition, the Long-tailed Shrike subspecies Lanius schach schach is a new record for
Myanmar. Three individuals were seen at Let Khoke Kone on 7 February 2006; one was seen
again at the same site on 8 February.
Table 20: Waterbird and wetland-dependent bird species recorded during surveys in the
Ayeyarwaddy Delta, Myanmar, December 2005 – March 2006
Site
Species
Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster (NT)
Eastern White Egret Ardea modesta
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax
nycticorax
Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala (NT)
Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus
Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus (VU)
(NT)
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
Ruddy ShelduckTadorna ferruginea
Cotton Pygmy-Goose Nettapus coromandelianus
phoenicurus
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus
chirurgus
Small Pratincole Glareola lacteal
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrines
Greater Sandplover Charadrius leschenaultia
unidentified Charadrius plovers
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa (NT)
Common Redshank Tringa tetanus
Nordmann's Greenshank Tringa guttifer (EN)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Total
12
4
1
11
18
12
83
1
3
3
6
8
16
12
6
19
11
33
48
2
32
185
32
53
10
30
93
17
76
94
8
34
8
169
181
3
43
98
5
16
150
216
222
13
50
1
27
1
16
32
24
46
61
26
3
106
96
178
1
71
7
2
5
8
5
33
43
16
5
2
47
11
1
11
7
17
1
11
76
138
1
141
297
1
3
12
2
33
42
10
670
26
4
2,493
31
40
278
27
5
2
3
1
4
1
2
3
36
3
28
1
4
3
2
1
2
3
1
1
8
2
16
11
11
6
3
7
1
2
2
6
21
6
183
4
19
5
5
7
6
5
36
8
22
620
857
47
206
1
58
8
434
773
18
7
1
108
3
2
23
6
333
35
52
53
68
6
1,073
8
32
15
1
8
2
6
1
37
81
4
1
66
32
5
247
12
28
1,106
2,086
280
190
21
1,148
235
177
25
1
936
493
4
18
65
130
44
10
3
146
28
3
69
848
312
84
7
14
2
70
36
27
1,924
2,264
480
88
120
23
2
4
343
102
334
28
14
343
102
9
32
26
18
19
11
3
51
41
20
44
30
1
11
1
10
252
250
3,000
250
50
250
9 Unknown
1 Unknown
35 Unknown
6
1,250
3
81
12
137
2
140
260
18
16
250
529 Unknown
763
1,500
933
28
1,000
182
1,250
16
250
3,537
10,000
658
500
6
1,000
12 Unknown
36
6
32
6
1%
Criterion
10,000
2,500
100
1,000
1,000
4
1
1
15
16
250
170
10
96
21
18
1
11
1
52
52
4
10
4
10
2
158
47
13
559
120
106
4,515
7,041
1,137
584
23
1,279
247
1,218
197
1
2,929
695
28
12
24
227
333
87
73
53
1,000
750
1,000
500
1,000
1,300
1,000
1,000
1,300
1,000
10,000
1,600
1,300
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
8
1,000
1,500
1,000
750
1,000
2,200
1,000
77
Site
Species
Little Stint Calidris minuta
Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii
Great Black-headed (Pallas's) Gull Larus
ichthyaetus
Common Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus
White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
Total Waterbirds
Wetland-dependent Species
Great Frigatebird Fregata minor
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus
White–bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
Eastern Marsh Harrier Circus spilonotus
Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus
Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos
Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina
Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga (VU)
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting
Brown-winged Kingfisher Halcyon amauroptera
(NT)
White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis
Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata
Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris
1
2
3
4
5
6
22
6
27
33
44
18
40
4
4
28
6
23
4
125
3
140
335
25
34
7
754
2,753
7
356
304
35
19
2
12
38
67
1,587
185
44
48
56
50
6,457
8
22
59
37
341
44
18
426
3,256
378
19
18
154
154
19
13,571
9
10
11
54
16
57
47
4
16
7
28
12
173
21
6
12
10
188
1,263
222
18
10
63
158
65
8,419
25
2
2,708
110
287
142
394
144
62
15
492
4
7
937
18
20
7
20
358
1
1%
Criterion
2,500
3,200
1,000
250
2,500
1,000
1,000
1,000
5,588
1,500
413 Unknown
128
1,000
30
750
471
1,000
454
1,000
221 Unknown
38,235
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Total
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Notes:
1: Key to IUCN Threatened Species Categories: EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, NT = Near Threatened
2: Key to Survey Site Names:
1 = Meepya; 2 = Thante; 3 = Let Khoke Kone; 4 = Bogalay Royal Lake; 5 = Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary; 6 = Kadonkani Reserve
Forest; 7 = Pyindaye Reserve Forest; 8 = Kaing Thaung Island; 9 = Pyinalan Reserve Forest; 10 = Pyinsalu Island; 11 = Kyakankwin Pyauk
Reserve Forest. For location of the sites see Figure 9.
3: 1% population criterion. The 1% criteria follow Waterbird Population Estimates – Fourth Edition (Wetlands International 2006). As Myanmar
is located in an area where the Central Asian and East Asian Flyways overlap, it was difficult to apply the 1% criterion for species that have
wintering populations in both South Asia and Southeast Asia, as the counts were not able to separate the species into populations. For the
purpose of this report, for species for which it was difficult to identify the population the 1% population criterion for Myanmar used the higher
figure for either the South Asian or Southeast Asian wintering population.
4.3 Comparison with previous counts at the two most regularly surveyed sites
AWC counts in the Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) Delta from 1991 to 2005 covered only Let Khoke
Kone (#3), Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary (#5), Gayet Gyi Island (part of #7) and
Kadonlay Island (Perennou and Mundkur 1991; Perennou and Mundkur 1992; Mundkur and
Taylor 1993; Lopez and Mundkur 1997; Naing and Aung 2002; Naing 2003; Naing 2004; Naing
2005; van der Ven and Naing 2005; Li and Mundkur 2007). Let Khoke Kone and the Meinmahla
Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary were the two areas most regularly visited. Tables 21 and 22 below
provide a detailed comparison of the counts in these two areas.
The total count of 1,547–2,753 individual waterbirds at Let Khoke Kone in 2002–2006 shows a
significant decline compared to the count from 1991 to 1994, when 6,702 – 13,325 individuals
were recorded. The decline was accounted for mainly by the reduction in the number of ducks. If
the duck species are excluded from the comparison, the numbers of other waterbirds seem fairly
stable, with a slight increase (341–2,213 individuals in 1991–1994 compared to 1,459–2,606
individuals in 2002–2006).
78
Table 21: Waterbird counts at Let Khoke Kone, Myanmar, 1991–2006
Year
Species
Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
unidentified Ardeidae Ardeidae spp.
Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala (NT)
Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus (NT)
Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula
unidentified ducks Anatinae spp.
Small Pratincole Glareola lactea
unidentified Charadrius plovers Charadrius spp.
Swinhoe's Snipe Gallinago megala
unidentified curlews Numenius spp.
Little Stint Calidris minuta
Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii
unidentified shorebirds Charadrii spp.
Great Black-headed (Pallas's) Gull Larus ichthyaetus
Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis (VU)
Total Waterbirds
1991
1992
1993
1994
3
35
8
34
1
24
65
2
43
5
4
1
266
15
22
83
80
7
2002
5
16
27
6
2004
3
29
150
63
2005
2006
150
10
100
15
22
12
58
2
11
16
12
40
37
10
50
170
100
7
52
93
30
27
36
3
200
12
50
194
68
20
76
1
141
38
2
8
8
53
340
38
81
5
36
8
22
620
857
47
206
9
73
17
160
5
4
1
1
118
351
10,000
208
4,489
1
9,327
80
142
250
35
283
11,316
1
8
2
16
23
3
148
781
107
1,411
6
3
400
300
4
1
1
6
1
50
23
4
250
700
46
21
6
1
2
5
6
1
20
1
3
1
1
16
2
7
10
118
25
13
98
436
3
80
34
65
52
132
5
138
38
2
1
3
45
3
100
1
52
25
6
40
20
1
20
10
5
14
53
28
1
1
28
37
21
25
33
339
1
1
125
6
521
40
51
149
11
6
47
70
3
16
2
141
11,721
3
6,702
9,668
13,325
2,693
12
30
25
45
6
100
150
1
4
15
8
60
10
2,669
32
15
1
8
6
22
27
44
18
470
6
7
16
96
6
125
34
7
1,547 2,753
Note:
79
The count at Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary varies between years, and no trend was
identifiable. If the duck species are excluded from the comparison, the numbers of other
waterbirds show an increase from 48–89 individuals in 1993–1994 to 111–891 individuals in
2002–2006.
Table 22: Waterbird counts at Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary, Myanmar, 1993–2006
Year
Species
unidentified cormorants Phalacrocorax spp.
Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster (NT)
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
unidentified Ardeidae Ardeidae spp.
Greater Adjutant Leptoptilos dubius (EN)
Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus (NT)
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
unidentified rails Rallidae spp.
Common Redshank Tringa tetanus
unidentified shorebirds
Great Black-headed (Pallas's) Gull Larus ichthyaetus
Brown Noddy Anous stolidus
Total Waterbirds
1993
1994
2002
2003
2
10
3
14
30
5
15
30
25
10
2005
2006
18
11
16
26
6
19
2
17
8
10
14
94
76
8
38
12
1
3
6
10
20
2
14
40
30
70
40
40
34
3
650
2,000
2
3
2
4
25
2
2
6
30
600
2
3,000
10
1
3
1
500
2
4
50
2
8
3
3
1
1,391
19
3
12
10
670
26
3
5
5
10
16
30
12
20
3
2
8
1
20
4
20
10
10
2
50
50
3
10
30
10
30
30
3
13
1
2
2
1
20
183
5
1
2
23
6
68
6
6
304
35
19
2
8
698
2,091
8
25
15
40
8
5
10
913
3,604
613
Note:
80
2004
283
2
1,990
12
38
67
1,587
5. DISCUSSION
This is the first comprehensive survey of waterbirds in the Ayeyarwaddy Delta although only a
small part of the delta was covered.
Internationally important numbers, i.e. exceeding 1% of the flyway population estimate
(Wetlands International 2006), were recorded for eight waterbird species: Black-headed Ibis
(252, 1% = 250), Kentish Plover (4,515, 1% = 1,000), Lesser Sandplover (7,041, 1% = 1,300),
Greater Sandplover (1,137, 1% = 1,000), Whimbrel (1,218, 1% = 1,000), Common Redshank
(2,929, 1% = 1,000), Nordmann's Greenshank (28, 1% = 1% criterion of 8) and Brown-headed
Gull (5,588, 1% = 1,500).
Four sites met the 1% criterion for sites of international importance (Ramsar Criterion 6):
Kadonkani Reserve Forest (1 species), Pyindaya Reserve Forest (3 species), Kaing Thaung Island
(1 species, Nordmann’s Greenshank) and Pyinalan Reserve Forest (3 species, including
Nordmann’s Greenshank). A further two sites, namely Thante and Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife
Sanctuary, were identified as being potentially of international importance by recording a small
community of globally threatened species (Ramsar Criterion 2).
Hunting and mist-netting are the major threats to the shorebirds in this area. Local people
regularly hunt and poach birds using mist-nets and poison (pesticide) both for food and to trade
locally. All shorebird species are legally protected under the Wildlife Act of Myanmar, which
prohibits their killing or capture, dead or alive, however most people are unaware of this
legislation. Consequently, local people poach birds throughout the survey area. Fishermen
regularly fish on the muddy shores at low tide, a time when shorebirds feed and roost there.
Hence low-tide harvesting activities pose significant threats to the shorebirds’ foraging and
roosting habitats. The survey team did not discover any logging of mangroves, but many
mangroves are degraded. A few prawn ponds have been created. The degradation of mangroves
and introduction of prawn aquaculture threaten shorebird habitats. Therefore awareness and
education programmes should be carried out in this area to encourage protection and discourage
activities such as hunting, netting and habitat destruction. If action is not taken, it is likely that
more species and habitats will be lost.
Many parts of the Ayeyarwaddy Delta have still not been adequately covered by ornithological
surveys, therefore there is now an urgent need to conduct intensive baseline surveys. Further
shorebird surveys should be carried out in this area and in the remaining areas of the
Ayeyarwaddy Delta. Such surveys should also be extended to the coastal areas of Rakhine and
Thanintharyi.
6. RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 The internationally important coastal wetlands, including Kadonkani Reserve Forest,
Pyindaya Reserve Forest, Kaing Thaung Island, Pyinalan Reserve Forest, Thante and
Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary, should be designated as bird sanctuaries and
nominated for the East Asian – Australasian Flyway site network.
6.2 Comprehensive wintering surveys need to be conducted in other areas, including Rakhine
and Thanintharyi, to understand fully of the importance of the Ayeyarwaddy Delta to
wintering waterbirds.
81
6.3 Comprehensive waterbird surveys need to be carried in the northward and southward
migratory periods to understand the importance of the Ayeyarwaddy Delta for waterbirds
during their migration.
6.4 Public awareness programmes on waterbirds and their habitat need to be carried out
immediately to ensure the conservation of the waterbirds in the Ayeyarwaddy Delta.
6.5 Training activities need to be carried out urgently for government officials who are in charge
of wetland and wildlife conservation departments in order to encourage them to organize
surveys and monitoring activities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am extremely grateful to Wetlands International for funding the Ayeyarwaddy Delta survey. I
wish to thank Ngwe Lwin, Naing Lin, Lay Win and Lay Ko Ko, my colleagues on the survey of
the Ayeyarwaddy Delta. I appreciate the help given by Dr Taej Mundkur, Warren Lee Long,
Doug Watkins and David Li from Wetlands International. Special thanks are due to Hnin Yu Zin
Htwe, Thiri Dawe Aung, Nyunt Shwe and Khin Maw Maw Myint, who conducted the waterbird
survey at Let Khoke Kone and shared their list with me. I would like to thank Ngwe Lwin, Naing
Lin, Lay Win, Lay Ko Ko, Kyaw Naing Htoo, Chan Yein, Zaw Lwin Tun, Hnin Yu Zin Htwe,
Thiri Dawe Aung, Nyunt Shwe, Nyo Nyo Aung, Myo Sanda Win, Nwe Nwe Aung and Khin
Maw Maw Myint, participants of the Asian Waterbird Census (Myanmar) at the mouth of
Yangon River. I record here my appreciation for the help given by U Soe Lwin (Park Warden),
Hla Soe Win (Ranger) and other staff of Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary.
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