Activities Report Jul 2000 Newsletter


Kudos to Malacca State for Decision on Tanjung Tuan Wildlife Sanctuary 
          The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) wishes to thank Datuk Wira Mohd Ali Rustam, the Chief Minister of Malacca, for his wisdom and foresight in seeing the importance of preserving the Tanjung Tuan forest as a Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary for all Malaysians. His decision to not allow the building of resorts and chalets within the sanctuary proves that Malacca is indeed very concerned and interested not only in its historical heritage, but also its rich natural heritage.
       The 91.3 ha of virgin forest is one of the last remaining coastal hill forest in the country and is an important stop for migratory birds especially raptors - birds of prey including eagles, hawks, buzzards and bazas, whose awesome and spectacular migration flights are a sight to behold. The area is very beautiful and its coasts are home to an impressive amount of corals and sea grass. The waters are also teeming in fish life, turtles like the Olive Ridley, and the dugong.
         In March this year MNS organized Malaysia's first-ever Raptor Watch Week and for four  consecutive days it pulled a tremendous number of visitors from as far as Penang and Singapore. Altogether over 400 people came to watch the hundreds of birds streaming in across the sea from Sumatra on their homeward journey to central and eastern Asia. Among the many species encountered during that period included the Honey Buzzard, the Grey-Faced Buzzard, the Chinese Goshawk, the Japanese Sparrowhawk and the Black Baza. Over 1800 birds were seen during this period.
       Protecting this small yet significant piece of land will go a long way in promoting our country, and especially Malacca, as an eco-tourism spot. The decision by the state to proceed with the plans of  the state forestry department to build proper footpaths and bird-watching towers must also be applauded. Low impact structures like these will only further enhance the beauty and uniqueness of  Tanjung Tuan to all that visit it without compromising its integrity. MNS would also like to suggest the building of a small visitor's hut at the foothill that will enable visitors to learn more about the area from trained personnel as well as purchase items related to the area's wildlife and birds in general. The Society will also be willing to assist the State on any aspects in regards to the preservation of this magnificent area. Activities like the Raptor Watch could, together with MNS, could be made into an annual affair.
Kuala Lumpur, 5 May, 2000 

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Created on 5th Jul 2000