Current Status of the Milky Stork Re-introduction Programme in Malaysia and Its Challenges

Abstract

This review discussed the current status of the Milky Stork Re-introduction Programme in Malaysia and the challenges it faced. Although it has continued for almost seven years, more challenges appeared as time elapsed mainly due to the arising conflicts between the implementation of conservation policy versus the development projects in Kuala Gula. Hence, the released population is struggling to adapt mainly due to the reduction of suitable habitat for nesting and disturbed foraging areas by the continuous anthropogenic activities. Furthermore, the lack of appropriate training among captive storks prior to being released also slows the adaptation of the birds in their new habitat. The increasing pattern of pollution in the area is also highlighted. Several suggestions were given to help improve the current re-introduction programme. These include improvements to the captive training method, improvement of the existing enclosure’s condition and environment, protection of remaining mangrove forest, creation of a buffer zone to mitigate the increasing pollution level in the area, close monitoring of the released population, and maintaining continuous support and awareness among the public. Considering the ongoing anthropogenic activities that may impair the status of Kuala Gula as an important bird sanctuary, emphasis should be given to achieve sustainable development throughout the area.

Kertas kerja ini membincangkan status terkini Program Pelepasan Semula Burung Upeh di Malaysia dan cabaran yang dihadapinya. Walaupun program ini telah berterusan selama hampir tujuh tahun, terdapat banyak cabaran baharu timbul akibat konflik antara pelaksanaan dasar pemuliharaan dan pembangunan yang berlangsung di Kuala Gula. Oleh itu, populasi burung upeh sukar untuk menyesuaikan diri kerana habitat sedia ada untuk bersarang dan mencari makanan sering terganggu oleh aktiviti antropogenik di samping peningkatan pencemaran di kawasan tersebut. Selain itu, kekurangan latihan yang sesuai kepada burung upeh dalam kurungan sebelum aktiviti pelepasan turut melambatkan proses penyesuaian populasi burung tersebut di habitat yang baru. Beberapa cadangan telah dikemukakan bagi membantu meningkatkan keberkesanan program pengenalan semula ini. Cadangan tersebut termasuk penambahbaikan kaedah latihan yang diberikan kepada burung di dalam kurungan, penambahbaikan keadaan dan persekitaran kandang sedia ada, perlindungan kepada hutan bakau yang masih ada, pembangunan zon penampan bagi mengurangkan kadar pencemaran yang semakin meningkat di kawasan tersebut, pemantauan rapi populasi yang telah dilepaskan dan mengekalkan sokongan berterusan serta kesedaran orang awam. Memandangkan aktiviti antropogenik yang berterusan boleh memberi kesan terhadap status Kuala Gula sebagai kawasan perlindungan burung yang penting, penekanan yang menjurus kepada mencapai pembangunan mampan di seluruh kawasan Kuala Gula perlu diberi perhatian.