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