Report on the 6th ARRCN Symposium on Asian Raptors

The 6th Asian Raptor Research & Conservation Network (ARRCN) Symposium, held in Mongolia from 23 – 27 June 2010, was jointly organized by the Mongolian Ornithological Society and National University of Mongolia, with support from ARRCN, Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism, Mongolian Academy of Science, the Peregrine Fund and several Japanese corporate sponsors.



The theme this year was “Science and Conservation for Present and Future”. Some 130 people from 18 countries registered for the symposium, which opened in the capital city Ulaanbaatar and later moved to Hustai Nuruu National Park, about 100 km away.

Following the format of previous editions, this symposium was also divided into three parts: oral presentations, posters and workshops. There were 43 oral and 35 poster presentations covering a wide range of topics that mainly included population and distribution, ecology and habitat use, breeding biology, conservation status and migration. Aun Tiah’s paper “Some aspects of spring raptor migration at Tanjung Tuan, Malaysia” and my own on “Current status and distribution of diurnal raptors in Malaysia” are attached with this report.



The four workshop sessions on Raptor Research and Management Techniques were conducted by several well-known names in the raptor research world. Dr Keith Bildstein from Hawk Mountain Sanctuary spoke about migration watch-site counts and roadside surveys.

The Peregrine Fund was represented by Dr Rick Watson and Lloyd Kiff, with the former discussing the critical elements that are consistently important for successful raptor conservation while the latter introduced us to the raptor literature sources available when researching for raptor information.

Prof Ian Newton, who has authored more than 300 scientific papers and seven books, lectured on the study of population ecology as a tool to assess productivity and survival of raptors. Other sessions included those on investigating raptor mortality, marking and tracking methods for raptors, wildlife tracking using ARGOS system and hands-on demonstration of trapping and marking techniques.

Abstracts of all oral, poster and workshop presentations are available on the ARRCN website:

ARRCN Symposium Program and Abstracts



The five Malaysian participants included Lim Aun Tiah and Lim Kim Chye of the Raptor Study Group, MNS-BCC and three others Dr Jalila Abu, Chong Leong Puan and Mohamed Naim from Universiti Putra Malaysia. ARRCN provided ISGs (International Student Grant) for the air tickets for Mohamed Naim and the two MNS participants. In addition, MNS paid for the registration fee of USD150 each for Aun Tiah and Kim Chye while expenses for accommodation and other costs were borne by themselves.

Apart from presenting oral papers, ISG awardees also had to agree to conduct a raptor workshop upon return to their home country. The format of this workshop in Malaysia, to be held in Kuala Lumpur sometime in September 2010, will generally follow that of the sessions held in Mongolia.

ARRCN has provided USD300 workshop expenses to Dr Jalila Abu who has agreed to organize the event with support from Raptor Study Group.

The Mongolia symposium afforded RSG the opportunity to gain valuable lessons about raptor research field techniques from world experts. The varied topics presented at the symposium and net-working opportunities with the delegates have provided RSG some ideas on how to encourage more raptor research in Malaysia.

One tentative idea that resulted from discussions with the ARGOS delegate is a co-operative project among Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore to study raptor migration using satellite tracking.

The next symposium will be held in January 2012 in South Korea, with a focus on spring raptor migration. RSG suggests that members interested in raptors prepare suitable project papers in order to be eligible to apply for the ISG to attend the 7th Symposium.

Reported by:

Lim Kim Chye
Raptor Study Group
MNS-BCC

12 July 2010

MNS Hornbill Conservation Project : Hornbill Volunteer Program 2010

Title page of MNS Hornbill Project website http://www.hornbills.org Please checkout the url to find our more about MNS Hornbill Project in Belum-Temengor and how you can make a direct contribution to hornbill conservation efforts.

Older than the Congo; richer in biodiversity. The Belum-Temengor (BT) Forest Complex in Perak is a 130 million year old forest. The BT Forest Complex consists primarily of the Royal Belum State Park and the Temengor Forest Reserve, an area of 288,000 ha in size. It is home to some of Asia’s most spectacular wildlife including tigers, elephants and rhinoceros, and something very special; possibly the world’s largest seasonal congregations of hornbills.

In 2006, the MNS Belum-Temengor Campaign was launched, aimed at securing this large expanse of forested landscape. The Perak Government responded to one of the five actions and gazetted Royal Belum State Park (117,500 ha) in 2007.

MNS continues to advocate for the protection of Temengor Forest Reserve, part of which forms the site for MNS Hornbill Conservation Project. Due to continued disturbance to the forest, logging being one of the main ones, the hornbills of Belum-Temengor are under threat as they require large areas of forested land to feed on fruiting trees as well as large mature trees to nest in.

MNS led the first heritage and scientific expedition to Belum-Temengor in 1993 to document its rich biodiversity. Through this expedition, the mass movement of Aceros hornbills was documented. Over 2,365 individuals in flight were counted on 25 November 1993. In September 2008, the highest count ever recorded was 3,261 birds.

During the second expedition in 1998 (at Sg. Tan Hain, Belum Forest Reserve), the identity of these Aceros hornbills was confirmed as the Plain-pouched Hornbills Aceros subruficollis. This confirmed the presence of a previously unrecorded species of hornbill in Malaysia, making Belum-Temengor the only site in the country with 10 hornbill species to date.

Marking a new country record in 1999, the Plain-pouched Hornbill became a fascinating species needing attention, simply because the numbers in this biologically diverse site were unprecedented anywhere else in the world, putting Belum-Temengor on the map as one of global conservation importance. This served as a catalyst for the MNS Hornbill Conservation Project which strives to gain knowledge and information on hornbills in order to conserve their home, the Belum-Temengor Forest Complex.

For more details, visit http://www.hornbills.org/

MNS NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!

We have initiated a volunteer programme to provide the public an opportunity to assist MNS monitor the Plain-pouched Hornbill. This is the first volunteer programme of its kind in the country. In August and September, the season for the Plain-pouched Hornbill, thousands of these birds flock in Temengor, perhaps in search of food. The reasons why they migrate here during certain times of the year are uncertain yet, which is the main reason for this programme – to answer the many unanswered questions as to why these birds are here.

Here volunteers can help conduct the important daily flight census and be a part of a national conservation effort, aiding our staff and experienced members in collecting data. Hornbill census is conducted twice a day, once in the morning and once in the late afternoon. This flight census will offer valuable information on population numbers which in turn will be used to advocate for the protection of Belum-Temengor, especially in addressing the logging threats. Join us in our effort to tell the world that the hornbills are a prized asset of our Belum-Temengor forest that must be protected for future generations.

A briefing will be held during which responsibilities and duties are explained and assigned. There are also other duties related to the set up and maintenance of the site.

PROGRAMME ITINERARY

[Abbreviation: B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner]

PACKAGE 1 [4D/3N]

Day 1 [D]

1500hrs Arrival in Banding Island Jetty, Gerik, Perak, Boat transfer from Banding Island to Kampung Tebang

1700hrs Introduction and familiarization with the indigenous Jahai community at villageHornbill monitoring in Kampung Tebang

Day 2 [B/L/D]
0645-0900 hrs Hornbill monitoring

0900-1730 hrsActivities in Kg Tebang or excursion

1730-1930 hrs Hornbill monitoring in Kampung Tebang

Day 3 [B/L/D]
0645-0900 hrs Hornbill monitoring
0900-1730 hrsActivities in Kg Tebang or excursion
1730-1930 hrs Hornbill monitoring in Kampung Tebang

Day 4 [B]

0645-0900 hrs Hornbill monitoring
0900-1200 hrs Debrief by Group Leader and Coordinator , Departure to Banding Island Jetty

The local Orang Aslis have helped MNS for years in search for hornbill nests and also guiding and transporting members and guests through unfamiliar territory. Learn what the Orang Asli eat, how they live and what they know about the rainforest they have lived in for centuries.

Activities in Temengor may include camp crafts, hut enhancement and raft building. Excursions in Temengor may include visits to nearby waterfall and Rafflesia sites.

IMPORTANT

Please note that the programme itinerary above is subject to change due to local weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

FACILITIES AT KAMPUNG TEBANG

Obviously you must love nature and the wild outdoors. Facilities in Belum-Temengor are basic and you’re as close to nature as it gets. There are NO shops within the vicinity of the village, so please purchase whatever you need and bring it along with you. The nearest town is Gerik and once you pass through this town, you will be heading on a highway to the Banding Island Jetty, 40 minutes away from town.

Accommodation is in the form of a wooden shelter. Bathing and toilet facilities are provided in the village area and the water source is from the lake surrounding the village. Those uncomfortable with this source of water may resort to baby wipes or use a damp towel to ‘wash up’.

There is no electricity in this village.

Local daily temperatures range from 21 – 30 degrees C.

We provide:

• kerosene lamps

• foam mat (for sleeping)

• mosquito nets• stationery

• cooking and eating utensils

VOLUNTEER ELIGIBILITY

First and foremost you must be ...

• Enthusiastic and open minded

• Interested in Malaysian natural history and biodiversity

• Nature appreciators

• Fit and adventurous

• Able to live under very basic conditions

• 18 and above of age

• Willing to work with others

Note: To get out of this area for any emergency purposes requires a minimum of two (2) hours.

DUTIES OF VOLUNTEERS

• Gather and report data as required as accurately as possible

• Act as tally counter

• Participate in available activities when off-duty in order to fully enjoy the opportunity/ experience

• Provide constructive feedback to coordinator/ review experience with media and other volunteers (if requested)

• Cooperate and coordinate with other volunteers/ group leader with regards to travel arrangements/ duties on-site OR arrange for own transport to transfer site (or car-pool with other volunteers if available)

• Take responsibility for own supplies/ needs/ safety/ health

• Prepare for volunteer stint: attend/read guidelines provided

COST FOR VOLUNTEERS

(Package 1 [4D/3N])

Category and Price

Malaysian students RM170.00 per person

MNS Members RM230.00 per person

Malaysian residents (non-MNS members) RM300.00 per person + 1 year MNS membership

International residents (visiting volunteers) USD150.00 per person + 1 year MNS membership

COST FOR VOLUNTEERS

(Package 2 [5D/4N])

Category and Price

Malaysian students RM220.00 per person

MNS Members RM280.00 per person

Malaysian residents (non-MNS members) RM350.00 per person + 1 year MNS membership

International residents (visiting volunteers) USD180.00 per person + 1 year MNS membership

HOW TO BOOK

Book a slot on the Volunteer Application form, downloadable on the MNS Hornbil Website:

http://www.hornbills.org/

AVAILABLE SLOTS AUG and SEP


Please note that expenses relating to getting to Gerik and Banding Jetty including transportation, meals, etc are NOT covered in volunteer price.

Please also make sure you are properly insured. Payments made are non-refundable and will be donated to MNS Hornbill Conservation project. Should there be unavoidable cancellations, please let MNS know four (4) days in advance so we can find suitable replacements to fill vital slots.

WHAT TO BRING

Binoculars (essential)

CamerasExtra batteries

Flashlight

Good walking shoes or hiking boots

Slippers

Leech proof socks (can be purchased at MNS headquarters)

Long sleeves and pants (earthy colors as bright colors can scare birds away)

Sweater for night and early morning and cooling clothes for the afternoon

Medication you are currently taking. (A basic medical kit is available on site)

Mosquito spray/insect repellent

Reading material

Rainwear

Sleeping bag or blanket

Sun hat

Sunscreen lotion

Toiletries

Optional items:

Fishing rod

Inflatable sleeping mat (e.g. Thermarest)

Inflatable pillow

Spotting scope

Video camera

Wet towels or baby wipes

Note:

1. There is no electricity supply in Kampung Tebang. Please keep this in mind when bringing any electronic equipment in.

2. Cell phone reception not available in Kampung Tebang. Cell phone reception is available at the Banding jetty.

3. Ensure your belongings fit into one rugged piece of luggage preferably waterproof backpack.

4. Please note all volunteers who join our programme will be given a limited edition Plain-pouched Hornbill T-shirt and Hornbill poster, as well as a certificate of appreciation for the work they have done for the MNS Hornbill Conservation Project at MNS.

We hope to see you in Kampung Tebang!

*************************************

Special note to employees of Shell:

Shell Malaysia has adopted this program as part of Project Better World - Malaysia program, Shell staff are eligible to apply for a stint at Belum-Temenggor counting hornbills with other volunteers under supervision of MNS. All expenses for the program are covered by Shell as part of Shell's commitment to Project Better World.

To apply please contact Shell Malaysia focal point Yoong, Agnes via Shell internal email.

Some details are provided at the Shell's internal PBW-MY website.

*************************************

[All the information above is taken from the Hornbill Volunteer Program 2010 Factsheet provided by the Malaysian Nature Society.]

Nazeri Abghani/MNS Miri/Jul 2010

Birds in Miri's very own patch of wetlands.

The reeds are growing quite well, so well that the open space previously are all overgrown with them making viewing not as easy because all the are making use of the great cover. One tiny snag is that it makes it hard for birders to see our quarry. You can definitely hear them though.


Wandering Whistling Duck doing a fly-by, the only site we know where the species is breeding in northern Sarawak.


The ducks flies in groups from the south west lake, settles in the Curtin Lake and later seen heading towards the Curtin Lakeside with the Curtin University gates, there's still hope yet for these ducks albeit not within the confines of their original habitat.


A duck spooked out of it's cover. Other birds commonly sighted in this area : White-browed Crake, Cinnamon Bittern, Yellow-bellied Prinia, Intermediate Egret, Common Moorhen. Only regular full time monitoring will tell whether this habitat also harbours Common Coot (high on the wishlist) and jacanas (a very long shot). Raptors such as Osprey, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle have all been sighted here before, similarly for Grey Heron and Purple Heron.


A large footprint of a waterbird in comparison with a 10 cent coins, within the same habitat we have previously sited a female watercock. This same day a Black-backed Swamphen sigthing was made as it flew over the tall reeds after being spooked by a motorcylist. One other sighting of the same bird was made way back in 1996 near Beluru. With large segments of peatswamp forest and wetlands habitat converted to agriculture (main oil palm in the northern region), sightings of this beautiful bird has been most infrequent. We don't know how long this particular patch of wetlands will stay intact as it is now.


A beautiful healthy looking cattails, a type of reeds common at the edges of the lake. There have documentation on how lowly cattail is emerging as the weapon of choice against water contamination, and perhaps even global warming. In addition to its use in large phytoremediation projects to absorb contamination from groundwater and wetlands, the cattail could also work in on a small, inexpensive scale, helping to reduce arsenic contamination in impoverished areas. One side effect is the cattails themselves overwhelming the wetlands if not properly managed. It is also capable of converting wetlands into drylands by: 1)sucking out water; and 2) building up soil until the land is too far above the water table to remain a wetland.


One lone Oriental Darter seen drying itself on top of a dead tree trunk in the Southwest Lake nearby.


Apparently there were others nearby, the highest number we've seen so far in the same area was 11 darters back in April 2010. Though most of the lakes are man-made via sandmining activities, it has created habitats ideally suited to wetland birds in some parts. And with the onslaught of development in Kuala Baram, this could well be the best that there is for the wildlife, for the time being.

What would be great for this sort of "temporary" sites is perhaps to have 24/7 monitoring via a close-circuit tv at a few selected ideal locations coupled with regular monitoring. Sightings via pure luck doesn't actually rate too high up on the reliability scale; video playback could very well be.

By Nazeri Abghani/MNS Miri/Jul 2010

Birds on Campus, Curtin University Miri

Curtin Lakeside, the biggest expanse of water on campus, beautiful setting should soon be ideal for waterbirds.


Next door, just outside the fence tall reeds and cattails which harbour several species of interesting waterbirds.

Between 01-30th July, birders from MNS Miri are trying to record as many birds on Curtin Miri campus and showcase them here in images and/or videos. What previously was peat swamp forest is now well manicured compound of higher learning. Fields with well manicured lawns, avenues lined with verdant leafy trees, some flowering species as well wide expanse of water bodies in and around campus are welcoming back all manner of bird species. Nesting birds (Pink-necked Pigeon, Dusky Munia, Chestnut Munia, Pied Triller, White-breasted Woodswallow et al) can be located all around campus. Will Curtin be the final haven for our feathered friends in Kuala Baram?


White-bellied Sea Eagle


Oriental Darter


Pacific Golden Plover


Pied Triller


Blue-throated Bee Eater


Striated Grassbird


Curtin Birdlist from 1999 EIA:
Crested Serpent Eagle
Jambu Fruit Dove (Near Threatened)
Spotted Dove
Greater Coucal
Common Kingfisher
Black-capped Kingfisher
Blue-tailed Bee-Eater
Yellow-vented Bulbul
Oriental Magpie Robin
Rufous-tailed Tailorbird
Asian Glossy Starling
Spectacled Spiderhunter
Eurasian Treesparrow

Additional since:
Wandering Whistling Duck
Black-backed Swamphen
Cinnamon Bittern
White-browed Crake
Oriental Darter (Near Threatened)
Osprey
White-bellied Sea Eagle
Grey-headed Fish Eagle (Near Threatened)
Oriental White-eye
Pied Triller
Lesser Coucal
Wood Sandpiper
Little Ringed Plover
Pacific Golden Plover
Striated Grassbird
Brown-throated Sunbird
Grey Heron
Purple Heron
Intermediate Egret
Little Green Pigeon
Pink-necked Pigeon
Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker
White-breasted Waterhen
White-breasted Woodswallow
Collared Kingfisher
Oriental Pratincole
Black-headed Munia
Dusky Munia
Common Moorhen
Black-winged Kite
Yellow Bittern
Blue-breasted Quail
Common Snipe
Common Iora
Pied Fantail
Yellow Wagtail
Paddyfield Pipit
Little Tern
Olive-backed Sunbird
Yellow-bellied Prinia
Plaintive Cuckoo
Large-billed Crow
Cattle Egret
Chinese/Javan Pond Heron
Watercock
Ashy Tailorbird
Barn Swallow
Pacific Swallow
Oriental Reed Warbler
Eastern Marsh Harrier
Brahminy Kite


Nazeri Abghani/MNS Miri/Jul 2010

World Migratory Bird Day 2010 in Miri and Kinabalu

Students lining up to register and pick up their WMBD souvenirs from Pustaka Miri staff. Pustaka Miri has been a staunch supporter of our WMBD activities since 2008.


Participants posing with their WMBD posters and Encik Ahmad Samsudin of Pustaka Miri.

This year on May 08th and 15th marked the 3rd year MNS Miri Branch celebrated WMBD.

Our first WMBD in 2008 was celebrated with bird photographer Choo Tse Chien from Penang with slideshows of Malaysian birds as well as endemic Bornean species at Pustaka Miri, several schools in Lutong as well as rural schools in Bekenu. We went birdwatching with our members in Lambir Hills and Similajau National Park.

In 2009, Nazeri Abghani from Miri Branch spoke about waders in Kuala Baram and Miri in general in conjunction with WMBD at Pustaka Miri and Kpg Tengah, Bekenu. Denis Degullacion from Borneo Bird Club spoke of Bornean birds at Similajau National Park to park staff and participating schools nearby. We conducted fieldtrips simultaneously in Miri and Similajau for participants and our members.

For 2010, we invited Khoo Swee Seng from Selangor to talk about migrating raptors and garden birds in Pustaka Miri as well as led fieldtrips for members and students to Lambir Hills National Park and Kuala Baram. For the first time this year we exported WMBD to Kinabalu National Park in conjunction with MNS 70th year anniversary. Collaborating with MNS Sabah Branch together with Alim Biun of Sabah Parks, Jimmy Omar of Sabah Foundation, Denis Degullacion of Borneo Bird Club and our staunch supporters we birdwatched with students from SMK Dato Paduka Mat Salleh Ranau at KNP.

"World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) aims to inspire people to take action for the conservation of migratory birds and encourages national authorities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), clubs and societies, universities, schools and individuals around the world to organize events and programmes, which help draw attention to migratory birds around a central theme each year.

This year’s theme is “Save migratory birds in crisis – every species counts!” It is closely linked to the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) declared by the United Nations for 2010.

The WMBD 2010 theme aims to raise awareness on globally threatened migratory birds, with a particular focus on those on the very edge of extinction – the Critically Endangered migratory birds.

In line with the International Year of Biodiversity, the 2010 WMBD theme also highlights how migratory birds are part of the biological diversity of our world and how the threat of extinction faced by individual bird species is a reflection of the larger extinction crisis threatening other species and the natural diversity that underpins all life on earth.

By focusing on “migratory birds in crisis” during the International Year of Biodiversity, World Migratory Bird Day 2010 is also highlighting the role played by birds as indicators, enabling us to clearly see and highlight the negative effects our current way of life is having on the planet and it’s biodiversity.

As one of the best researched taxa, birds serve as vital indicators for the state of biodiversity and the biological health of the ecosystems they inhabit. If a bird species becomes threatened with extinction it is often a clear sign that the conditions of the required habitats have changed and that other species that depend on them may also be affected." (1)

The events at Pustaka Miri on 08th May saw participants from 8 schools in Miri making up approximately 70 students, and teachers. Members of the public were also present. The presentation for the day focussed on common birds in Malaysia according to habitat as well as migrating raptors. Khoo Swee Seng spoke of his involvement and MNS yearly efforts with the Raptor Count in Tanjong Tuan.


Khoo Swee Seng speaking about common birds in Malaysia classified according to their habitats.


Raptors had the students in full concentration, Khoo spoke about the raptors in Tanjong Tuan and the efforts by Malaysian Nature Society with the studies there.


Khoo presenting a momento in the form of a framed WMBD 2010 poster to a representative from Pustaka Miri.

Our fieldtrip the next day, took students to Kuala Baram to see common open grassland habitat birds. The students had ample opportunity to identify several common species to the area.

At Kinabalu National Park on the 15th May, led by Alim Biun, Jimmy Omar, Denis Degullacion, forty students were taken around a loop trail to see some of Sabah's endemic birds common to the locality.


Group photo before the start of the birdwatching session.


Jimmy Omar going though the finer details of how to use a pair of binoculars, Alim Biun and Denis Degullacion led the second group of students.


Now, where did the Green Magpie go. Students peering into the trees to look out for the bird making the loud calls.

Here's another year for the birds and for WMBD!

Nazeri Abghani/MNS Miri/May 2010