UniSZA’s Rich Biodiversity Makes It A Haven For Migratory Birds

By Nurfardlina Izzati Moktar

KUALA NERUS, April 17 (Bernama) -- Amid the hustle and bustle of campus life, the Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) grounds have become a habitat for a wide variety of bird species, both local and migratory, with 149 species recorded to date, reflecting the area’s rich biodiversity.

Research Fellow at UniSZA’s East Coast Environmental Research Institute (ESERI) Cornelius Anuar Abdullah McAfee said the campus’s strategic location, combined with its wetlands, open fields and landscaped areas, makes it a suitable habitat for a wide variety of local and migratory bird species.

He said the main migratory bird season in Malaysia typically falls between October and March, with some species arriving earlier or staying longer depending on weather patterns and food sources.

“Bird migration is not influenced solely by weather conditions, but by natural mechanisms. Birds respond to changes in daylight duration and food availability. When summer arrives in their original habitats and food resources increase, they return to breed.

“During this period, local birds here are breeding and require more food, which increases competition and drives migratory birds back to their original habitats. The monsoon also influences conditions on the East Coast, with strong winds and heavy rain making long-distance flights less favourable. As a result, the West Coast sees a higher number of migratory birds compared with the East Coast,” he told Bernama recently.

Cornelius Anuar, a member of the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Terengganu Branch, said migratory birds recorded in Terengganu include raptors such as the Osprey and Honey Buzzard, alongside wetland species like the Plover, Sandpiper and Snipe, as well as smaller birds including the Amur Stonechat, Taiga Flycatcher and Red-throated Pipit.

He said the presence of these species has made UniSZA an important ecological stopover along the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Cornelius Anuar said the two most frequently sighted and easily recognised migratory bird species on campus are the Common Sandpiper (kedidi) and the Chinese Pond Heron.

“The Common Sandpiper is commonly found in open areas, including along drains, while the Chinese Pond Heron is often observed, particularly in October when rainfall leaves the fields wet,” he said.

He added that Terengganu has recorded more than 400 bird species in total, with the number continuing to grow as new discoveries are made every few months through observations by researchers and nature enthusiasts.

“A rare migratory duck species was recently discovered on the East Coast near a golf course in Kuala Terengganu, marking the first recorded sighting of its kind in the state. In 2024, a Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) spotted at the UniSZA lake was also recorded as the first sighting of the species in Terengganu,” he said.

“The discovery is regarded as special because the species originates from the northern temperate zone, including Russia, and is rarely found in Malaysia. The Tufted Duck is seldom seen in Southeast Asia, and its appearance in the country, particularly in Terengganu, is a unique occurrence due to its ability to travel long distances and arrive safely,” he said.

Cornelius Anuar said UniSZA’s clean and safe surroundings, particularly the swamp area, are among the factors attracting bird species from the Arctic region.

Meanwhile, he said UniSZA offers eight Edutourism programmes across various fields, including birdwatching and astronomy, with the Tropical Rainforest Birdwatching programme being one of the most popular.

“Last year, the birdwatching programme drew nearly 400 participants, involving both students and members of public,” he said, adding that birdwatching is not only a leisure activity but also a platform to raise awareness of environmental conservation.

“Birdwatching is now seen as an easy way to bring people closer to the environment without the need to enter forest areas or national parks. With a little patience and observation, anyone can start to identify the wildlife around them, including on campus,” he said.

Cornelius Anuar said recent studies have shown that birdwatching also has mental health benefits, including stress reduction through cognitive stimulation and interaction with nature.

He said birdwatching has also grown into bird photography, which not only boosts interest among young people but also aids the documentation and dissemination of biodiversity information.

“Photography makes this activity more interactive and has a greater impact in raising public awareness of the importance of conservation,” he said.

In this regard, Cornelius Anuar said UniSZA is organising a birdwatching and photography programme at Tasik Kenyir from today until April 19, bringing together several components, including UniSZA Edutourism (Birdwatching), Kenyir Bird and Nature Quest (KBNQ), and the Canon Birding Photo Marathon x KBNQ 2026.

“The three-day programme features guided birdwatching activities, photography training and knowledge-sharing sessions and is open to both beginners and experienced participants,” he said.

--BERNAMA