Kuala Gula Birds Paradise

World acclaimed best managed coastal wetlands. The 40,000-hectare Matang Mangrove Forest was gazetted as a Permanent Forest Reserve in 1906.  Today, it is recognized as the best managed sustainable mangrove ecosystem in the world.  This mangrove reserve contains rich and diverse wildlife that provide nature lovers to visit and explore its wetlands and resources.  Near to this reserve are silvicultural programmes of the Rhizophora, Lenggadai and Seaward berus forests carried out professionally by the Perak State Forestry Department.  This is also regarded as the breeding grounds for numerous species of marine crustaceans including crabs, shrimps, lobsters, horseshoe crabs and prawns as well as fishes and shellfishes. Like all mangrove swamps, the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve has been proven to act as a natural barrier against tsunamis.  Undoubtedly, it is an important site for coastal migratory water birds and a portion of migrant forest birds.  As many as 43,000 to 85,000 birds may be seen using the forest during the migration.  According to some ornithologists, there is a small population of rare and shy Great Argus Pheasant (Argusianus argus), known locally by the Malays as Kuang, that stays close to the ground and makes short flights to low hanging branches of the mangrove trees.  These large birds make a characteristic sound in the mangrove forests with two main calls – a repeated slow double note ku-wow ku-wow and a series of single hoots kwow kwow kwow kwow accelerating and rising in pitch.  During courtship, the male clears a display ground of bare earth in the forest from where he calls to attract females to watch it spread its wings in a striking peacock-like show of magnificence and beauty.  Along the coastline and near to villages, tourists will be welcomed by the sight of Brahminy Kites (Haliastur indus) and White-bellied Sea-eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) gracefully in flight scavenging for floating offal and fishes in rivers and the neighbouring mangrove swamps. It is also found that the 255-hectare Pulau Kelumpang and the 130-hectare Pulau Terong support a viable breeding population of the endangered Milky Stork (Mycteria cinerea) and the Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus). Stroll along the wooden boardwalk and observe forestry and fishing activities and denizens that thrive in the muddy mangrove floor.  Visit the mangrove forest and charcoal kiln sites which are found more inland.  Bird watching and fishing are the primary activities in the morning while at night get a boat ride to see synchronized blinking lights of fireflies of Pteroptyx species on Berembang trees or Sonneratia caseolaris.  Occasionally, the Chinese White Dolphin (Sousa chinensis), also known as the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin, can be spotted swimming along the river-mouths.  This dolphin is one of the 2 known species of pink freshwater dolphins found in the world.  A native of Southeast Asia, the dolphin is either white or pink-skinned and can grow to the length of 3.5 metres.  There is also a prehistoric archaeological site in Pulau Kelumpang. Out to the sea, visitors on boats may also be fortunate enough to see dugongs (Dugong dugon) swimming near the river deltas. According to the Perak State Forestry Department, in the Matang Mangrove Forest there are: 28 true mangrove species and 13 associate mangrove species; 19 mammals such as the Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis), Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis), Malayan Pangolin (Manis javanica), Smooth Otter (Lutra perspicillata), Short-tailed Mongoose (Herpestes brachyurus) and Island Flying Fox (Pteropus hypomelanus); at least 155 species of birds including the Great Argus Pheasant (Argusianus argus), Buffy Fish Owl (Ketupa ketupu), Pink-necked Green Pigeon (Treron vernans), the rare Bronzed Drongo (Dicrurus aeneus) and the Mangrove Whistler (Pachycephala grisola); a species of river dolphin, i.e. the Chinese White Dolphin (Sousa chinensis); 112 species of modern bony fishes and 3 species of stingrays; and about 50 species of crabs and 20 species of prawns and shrimps, both edible and non-edible. REASONS TO VISIT THE MATANG MANGROVE FOREST RESERVE Matang Mangroves, with its vast mangrove resources, well managed ecosystem, abundant wildlife and thriving fishing industry, is an ideal destination for tourists. This Mangrove Forest has the distinction of being internationally acknowledged as the best managed mangrove forest in the world. Stroll on wooden boardwalk to get a closer look at the mangrove trees and the animals that live in the muddy coastal floor of the mangrove ecosystem. Being a haven for migratory water and forest birds especially at the Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary, it is a place where bird watchers congregate and photographers to get their best shots. Visit the charcoal processing sites with their unique and traditional method of charcoal making. Study the numerous ways of fishing using floating fish-cages along Sungai Sangga, visit fishing villages which are built with supporting wooden stilts and examine aquaculture industry. Watch a documentary at the Nature Education Centre or the Pusat Eco Pelajaran Kuala Sepetang and learn about the mangrove environment. Participate in the replanting of saplings of Rhizophora and Lenggadai trees carried out by the Perak State Forestry Department under the reforestation programme for this mangrove ecosystem. HOW TO GO The Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve is located near Taiping, so if by car, use the North-South Highway and exit through the Changkat Jering or the Taiping Utara tolls.  From Kuala Lumpur, it takes 3 hours, from Ipoh slightly more than an hour and similarly from Penang it is an hour drive.  Keep to the coastal region, pass the Simpang junction and follow road to Matang village. Veer right around the bend and follow road with forests on each side and look for Pejabat Hutan Kecil, Paya Laut, Kuala Sepetang sign on the right.  Turn right and stop at entrance gate to sign forms and get advice from forest rangers. Since there is taxi service available in the town of Taiping, tourists can also catch a bus from Kuala Lumpur, Penang or Ipoh to this town.  From here, get onto a taxi and go to Matang Nature Education Centre or the Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary or Kampung Dew. WHERE TO STAY At the Matang Nature Education Centre, there are 3 chalets, a multi-purpose hall and a campsite located about 10 metres from the riverbank.   The hall is built on silts and can accommodate about 200 people, while the campsite can easily house 100 campers.  There is a common toilet with bathing facilities.  All these and the jetty are connected by the boardwalk.  Campers must bring their own camping gears and tents.  There is no entry fee or charges into Matang forest, but all other activities (such as charcoal, fireflies) require guides and tour fees.  For more information, contact the Matang District Forest Office (tel: 05-8072762 or 05-8075324) in Taiping; or visit website: www.perak.gov.my Homestay is found in abundance in villages throughout the Matang Mangroves.  There are homestay inKampung Dew near Simpang (call: Khairul 012-5145023; Azman 019-5788982 or Zul 013-5256508; or visit website: www.fireflyzone.blogspot.com for those who are interested to see the Pulau Kelumpang Prehistoric Archaeological Site in the morning, the charcoal making factories in the day and fireflies in the night. WHAT TO BRING ALONG Bring along cameras and telescopic lens. Carry binoculars for bird watching and monkey spotting.   Guide books to identify mangrove mammals and birds. Headlights or torches for night activities. Toiletries and towels. Wear multi-functional shoes. Insect repellent spray (which must be environmental friendly). For campers, bring along own camping gears and tents. WHERE TO EAT Prawn mee is a specialty of this region especially at Kampung Dew.  Among them is the Warung Makteh Mee Banjir Udang which is located just before the Chuah’s Charcoal Factory about 2 kilometres from the Matang Mangrove Forest.  Another stall is the Mak Jah Mee Udang.  Both of them also serve specially prepare curry mee. Around this region, there are several Chinese shops serving an assortment of seafood cuisines and seafood porridge. OTHER TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN VICINITY Charcoal Production Kilns. Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary. Fireflies River Tour. Pulau Kalumpang Prehistoric Site. CHARCOAL PRODUCTION KILNS Take a guided excursion to see how freshly cut trees are stacked and loaded into large baking kilns to produce charcoal.  Fires burn for up to 20 days and temperatures reach a superhot 220°C to dry out green trees into black fuel after leaving it to cool for 8 days. Using charcoal to heat the water and make steam, there are a few operators offering healthy steam baths to cleanse your skin.  Such treatment is said to be able to kill the germs on your body and relax your body muscles. HOW TO GO There are several charcoal production kilns which are located close to each other and at the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve.  Thus, once the visitor has gained access to the mangrove forest, these distinctive charcoal production kilns will not be missed.  Access to the Matang Mangrove Forest has been described above. WHERE TO STAY Simple and comfortable accommodation can be sought at the Matang Nature Education Centre or homestay in nearby Malay villages as mentioned above. KUALA GULA BIRD SANCTUARY  Khairul (012-5145023 A few kilometres at the northern tip of the Matang mangrove forest lies a large wetland swamp where local and migratory birds flourish. Go see the endangered storks, egrets, herons, kingfishers, bulbuls, doves, woodpeckers, magpies, sunbirds, tailorbirds, swifts, sparrows, kites and migratory birds from the northern hemisphere. The Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary is among the well-established bird sanctuaries in the Asian region.  It was established in the early 1970’s with the main objective is to protect and conserve the migratory as well as resident bird species.  There are more than 160 species of birds found in the Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary comprising at least 48 species of migratory birds and 118 species of resident or local birds.  The migratory birds such as the Eurasian curlew (Numenius arquata), Common Redshank (Tringa totanus), Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia), Mongolian Plovers (Charadrius mongolus), Pacific Goldenplover (Pluvialis fulva), Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Great Egret (Ardea alba), Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus), Black-naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana) come from Siberia, Japan and China during the migratory season from September until April each year. They usually come in large flocks, numbering from several hundreds to several thousands, individuals. The mangrove swamp forest and a long stretched of mudflat beaches here provide an excellent feeding ground and nesting habitat for these birds.  The mudflat or benthos ecosystem is rich with minute organisms and plankton such as small crabs, crustaceans, annelids and copepods which are rich in protein.  These organisms also provide the nutrients to generate energy the birds require to continue their journey to the south. Malaysian Nature Society and the Office of the District Forest Ranger hold bird watching events called “Bird Race” annually between the months of September and April, and it is a must of bird watchers to participate in these events.  For more information, visit websites of the Malaysian Nature Society: www.mns.my or the Perak State Forestry Department: www.forestry.gov.my Tourists can join fishermen in their daily fishing trips, help them to pull up their fishing nets, collect the fishes and shrimps and put them into pails or ice-boxes.  Tourists can also be of privilege to purchase freshly caught fishes and shrimps from the fishermen. HOW TO GO On the North-South Highway, exit at the Taiping Utara toll and follow road signage to Kuala Gula.  At Kuala Gula, there is a small Chinese fishing village surrounded with scattered Malay houses.  All around this small fishing village is mangrove forest where bird-watchers and nature lovers can venture in.  WHERE TO STAY Simple and comfortable accommodation can be sought at the Matang Nature Education Centre or homestay in nearby Malay villages as mentioned above. WHERE TO EAT There are a few Chinese restaurants serving fresh seafood.  There are also a few Malay food outlets selling seafood noodles and rice. FIREFLIES RIVER TOUR Nearby communities offer night time boat rides to see the fireflies.  One of the simple natural wonders of mangrove forests, these flashing insects amaze visitors with their sparkling displays. Kampung Dew is one of the many coastal villages that offer such tours with guides.  For more information, call Khairul (012-5145023), Azman (019-5788782) or Zul (013-5256408); or visit website: www.fireflyzone.blogspot.com For nature guides and tours, contact the Larut Matang District Forestry Department (Tel: 05-8072762) to organize tours with local guides for ecology or bird-watching and book groups to use the camping and information centre facilities. HOW TO GO Kampung Dew is situated about 2 kilometres from the Taiping toll exit of the North-South Highway.  Follow the road signage to Kampung Dew. WHERE TO STAY Simple but comfortable homestay can be sought at Kampung Dew, or call Khairul (012-5145023), Azman (019-5788782) or Zul (013-5256408). WHERE TO EAT Kampung Dew is famous for its seafood curry mee and prawn mee which are often served together with an icy dessert. PULAU KELUMPANG PREHISTORIC SITE Pulau Kelumpang, an island located in the Matang mangroves, is reputed to have the most picturesque mangrove swamp in the world.  A visit to this island is a must for those who wish to have a closer look at nature and learn about the special habitat of the wildlife found here. According to an archaeological study by the Malaysia Science University or USM, Pulau Kelumpang was found to be inhabited by an early Malay settlement about 1,000 years ago. Their remains and graveyards together with natural and synthetic gem and rock artifacts have been found in Pulau Kelumpang. As such, this island is an excellent destination for tourists who are interested in nature or archaeology, but only for a day trip because this island does not have accommodation nor food outlets. HOW TO GO A boat ride is required to go to Pulau Kelumpang.  Make arrangements with either the office of the District Forest Ranger or negotiate a boat ride with the villagers from the nearby villages.   WHERE TO STAY There is no accommodation in island, and camping is not very suitable as there is no fresh water.  Try affordable homestay at nearby Malay villages. WHERE TO EAT Sincere there is also no food outlet on this island, visitors are advised to bring along some snacks and bottled drinks.

Bangau Kuning

Buff-Yellow Egret

Jumpa burung ini di sawah padi berhampiran Ban Pecah Kuala Gula

Pelancongan Aktiviti Nelayan Di Kuala Gula

Pelancongan Aktiviti Nelayan Di Kuala Gula 23 December 2011

Tarikh 23 Disember 2012. Pn Alia merancang aktiviti ini. Tinggal di Seri Cempaka Chalet, Batu Kurau dan membuat aktiviti pelancongan nelayan di Kuala Gula bersama saya sebagai Tua Guide dibantu oleh Pak Ndak Samad (Green Badge Nature Guide)
1. Melawat perusahan udang geragau, ketam lembut, restoran terapung dan sangkar ikan.
2. Memerhati burung di pinggir sungai & dataran lumpur. Pelbagai jenis burung termasuk Milky stork.
3.Belajar memasang umpan dan melabuh tangkul ketam.
4. Memancing ikan. 40 ekor gelama selang seli dengan duri dan buntal
5. Belajar menyauk kerang & menyauk kerang. Semua yang menyertai trip ini telah diberi peluang menyauk kerang.
6. Menuai hasil tangkul ketam. Dari 15 tangkul yang dilabuhkan berjaya menuai 5 ekor ketam nipah.
Harapan saya agar aktiviti pelancongan nelayan ini akan menjadi tarikan utama pelancongan di Kuala Gula dan pemangkin ekonomi kepada nelayan Kuala Gula. InsyaAllah.

Kuala Gula: Lawatan Hutan Paya Laut, Bakau & Memerhati Burung

Lawatan Hutan Paya Bakau & Memerhati Burung Kuala Gula

29 Nov 2011: Seramai 72 murid dan guru Kafa Insaniah PJ menyertai aktiviti ini dengan menggunakan 7 bot. Ketika sampai aku lihat wajah setiap murid diulit kemuraman dan mendapati kerana tidak cukup tidur semasa bermalam di Kompleks Guru Kg Jambu, Taiping. Ketika En Azhar ketua Sahabat Hutan Bakau memberi penerangan, tidak banyak yang mendengar. Muka mereka mula terserlah bila disuruh mencuci muka. Mereka bertambah aktif dan mula bertanya apabila menghadapi masalah memasang klip ke3 life jacket yang terpaksa melalui celah kangkang.

Setiap kumpulan diberi satu nota dan pek aktiviti Menjelajah Hutan Bakau, aktiviti pertama menyusuri sungai dan melihat perkampungan nelayan dengan pelbagai jenis bot yang digunakan. Kelihatan pekerja sedang membersihkan pukat dan ada yang sedang menggredkan udang di pelantar.

Burung helang berterbangan memerhatikan ikan kecil yang dibuang oleh nelayan, semakin lama semakin hampir dan akhirnya menjunam dan menangkap ikan yang terapung di permukaan air. Anjing dari rumah sangkar ikan menyalak sakan melihat bot kami yang menghampiri sangkar ikan. Nelayan sangkar memelihara anjing bagi mengawal sangkar mereka dari diceroboh memerang.

Peserta juga dibawa melawat perusahaan menternak ketam kulit lembut dan sangkar ikan.

Semasa pembesaran ketam sebenarnya menyalin kulit beberapa kali. Satu penemuan bagi menjangka masa penyalinan kulit telah mengembangkan industri ini. Dalam tempoh 21 hari dipelihara maka hasilnya boleh dituai. Gambar di atas menunjukkan cengkerang kulit lama masih melekat pada cengkerang baru yang masih lembut. Seekor ketam kulit lembut saiz sederhana yang digoreng tepung berharga RM5 pada Dec 2011.

Dalam perjalanan berjumpa dengan nelayan yang sedang menuai hasil. Sembilang, belangkas dan pelbagai jenis ikan lagi mengisi perut sampan. Aktiviti yang paling menarik sekali ialah menggagau kerang. Masa kami datang amat tepat kerana ketika itu air surut pada paras terendah. Mulanya hanya aku seorang yang berani mengagau dari atas bot, selepas mendapati aku dengan mudah mendapat kerang maka peserta lain memberanikan diri mencuba nasib.

Lebih banyak gambar dalam FB Khairul Salleh bin Ahmad

PENGHARGAAN DARI KETUA ROMBONGAN: USTAZ AHMAD ZAHURI:
Saya amat berbangga dengan perkataan 'Ustaz... kami semua merasa amat seronok dengan program yang ustaz rancang.. dan ini merupakan satu destinasi yang menepati apa yang tertera di atas name tag yang kami pakai 'DESTINASI HEBAT', terima kasih ustaz.' Justeru saya amat berterima kasih di atas kerjasama yang diberikan oleh warga Kuala Gula Resort..Encik Khairul, Pak Ndak dan semua yang terlibat menjadikan expedisi ini sebagai Destinasi Hebat. Sehingga jumpa lagi.....

Udang Geragau

Industri Udang Geragau kering merupakan salah satu industri bagi nelayan di Kuala Gula

Taman Perlindungan Burung Kuala Gula

Negeri / Perak / Taman Perlindungan Burung Kuala Gula Hutan Paya Bakau Matang merupakan eko-sistem hutan paya bakau yang paling besar di Semenanjung Malaysia. Hutan ini meliputi kawasan sepanjang 50 km bahagian pantai barat di utara negeri Perak dan 40 km lagi di sepanjang pinggiran sistem sungai-sungai di dalam lima kawasan muara yang terlindung. Sewaktu musim penghijrahan burung antara bulan Ogos dan April setiap tahun, terdapat lebih dari 200,000 ekor burung dari kira-kira 50 spesis dijangka singgah di sini. Pusat maklumat pelawat yang lengkap disediakan di sini bagi membolehkan pelawat memahami kepentingan memelihara dan menjaga ekosistem hutan paya bakau dan burung-burung yang tinggal atau pun yang singgah di sini menerusi program pembelajaran dan bahan pameran yang disediakan. Taman Perlindungan Burung Kuala Gula pernah memenangi anugerah 'Tarikan Pelancong Terbaik (Tarikan Semulajadi) sewaktu majlis Anugerah Pelancongan Malaysia - sebuah majlis gemilang yang menyampaikan anugerah-anugerah kepada agensi dan pertubuhan yang menyumbang kepada pembangunan pelancongan di Malaysia.

Tips

Masa terbaik untuk memerhati burung di sini ialah dari bulan September hingga Mac.

Pengangkutan

Kereta Walaupun kawasan perlindungan burung in terletak di Negeri Perak, sebenarnya ia lebih mudah dikunjungi dari Butterworth (di Pulau Pinang). Pandu di sepanjang Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan menuju selatan dari Butterworth (di Pulau Pinang) selama kira-kira 30 minit, kemudian susur keluar di Jawi menghala ke pekan Kuala Kurau. Pandu terus selama 30 minit lagi dan anda akan jumpa papan-papan tanda yang menunjukkan arah ke Kuala Gula. Keluar dari PLUS Exit 148 TAIPING (U) menghala ke Utara

Talian Untuk Dihubungi

Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi Khairul 012-5145023

Penginapan

Terdapat beberapa kemudahan Kuala Gula Resort pada harga yang berpatutan di kawasan ini.

Kuala Gula destinasi burung migrasi

Rencana dan gambar oleh AZMAN MD. NOOR

PELANCONG mengambil kesempatan melihat burung botak kecil di kawasan Kuala Gula.

KETIKA menyusuri kawasan hutan paya laut, kelihatan burung botak kecil, burung upeh, kedidi berkaki merah dan bangau besar sedang tenang mencari makan di sepanjang kawasan paya laut yang sedang surut di Kuala Gula.

Tidak terlepas pandangan ialah helang merah berterbangan di udara manakala lotong kelabu, belacak, sekendi kepala besar dan kera di sekitar Ban Joo Kaw hingga ke Teluk Rubiah turut sibuk mengalas perut menandakan kawasan ini mempunyai banyak hidupan liar dan ratusan spesies burung.

Rekod Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman Negara (Perhilitan) mencatatkan terdapat sebanyak 192 spesies meliputi spesies burung yang hijrah dan juga spesies burung residen yang boleh ditemui sepanjang tahun di kawasan ini.

Kuala Gula antara 55 kawasan di Malaysia yang dikenalpasti sebagai Important Bird Area(IBA) melalui beberapa kriteria termasuk penghijrahan burung dari kawasan sejuk.

Aktiviti paling utama ialah pemerhatian burung bermula pada Ogos sehingga April setiap tahun dan menyaksikan lain-lain hidupan liar sekali gus kawasan ini antara kawasan penting populasi spesies pelbagai burung.

Migrasi burung di dunia dan Malaysia terletak dalam laluan East Asian-Australian Flyway bermula dari Siberia melalui China, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Jepun, Korea, Vietnam, Kemboja seterusnya ke Thailand, Malaysia ,Singapura, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia dan berakhir di New Zealand.

Apabila musim sejuk berakhir di Hemisfera Utara burung-burung ini akan kembali semula ke Siberia untuk membiak melalui laluan yang sama dan akan berulang setiap tahun.

Sesetengah burung ini terbang sejauh 10,000 kilometer (6,200 batu) semasa musim penghijrahan.

Mengapa Kuala Gula menjadi pilihan untuk migrasi burung-burung ini? Kuala Gula sebahagian daripada 40,000 hektar hutan Simpan Paya bakau matang yang mempunyai pantai berlumpur dan pokok-pokok bakau.

Hutan simpan ini terkawal dengan amalan sistem pengurusan hutan bakau yang terbaik di dunia.

Keadaan flora dan fauna dengan spesis tumbuhan seperti bakau minyak, bakau kurap, api-api putih,api-api jambu, api-api ludat, teruntum putih, perepat, nipah,piai raya selain pelbagai spesies teratai menarik perhatian banyak spesis burung memilih kawasan ini sebagai hidupan yang boleh dilihat di kawasan ini.

Faunanya hutan bakau dengan habitat yang dapat menampung spesies hidupan liar selain burung mamalia kecil, reptilia, ketam, udang dan ikan menjadikan kawasan ini lebih menarik.

Hutan bakau dan beting lumpur menyediakan habitat yang sesuai dan sumber makanan yang mencukupi untuk spesies burung ini, selain menyediakan kawasan yang sesuai untuk spesies residen membiak dan mengekalkan diri mereka dengan sesuai dikawasan itu.

Antara spesies burung yang banyak terdapat di kawasan itu ialah bangau kendi, bangau kerbau, burung botak kecil, upeh, helang siput, camar kecil, camar topi hitam kedidi kaki hijau ,kedidi kaki merah, kedidi pasir dan pisau raut.

Juga terdapat pucong seriap, pucong serambu dan burung upeh yang populasinya telah dipantau oleh Perhilitan sejak tahun 1980an lagi.

Dua kawasan utama yang sering direkodkan dengan kehadiran burung Upeh ialah pulau Kelumpang dan pulau Terung mudah dilihat mencari makan di kawasan tasik dan bertenggek di atas pokok atau terbang berlegar-legar di udara.

Satu lagi spesies ialah botak kecil yang diklasifikasikan di bawah burung-burung liar yang dilindungi.

Terdapat 19 spesies burung botak di seluruh dunia dengan 10 daripadanya boleh didapati di Asia Tenggara.

Spesies burung upeh dan botak kecil, sekendi kepala hitam dan kedidi kaki hijau boleh ditemui dengan mudah di persisir Kuala Gula.

Di Malaysia spesies-spesies ini dilindungi oleh Akta Perlindungan Hidupan Liar 76/72.

Namun bagi International Union for Concervation of Nature (IUCN) atau Kesatuan Antarabangsa untuk Pemuliharaan Alam telah mengkelaskan burung upeh dan botak kecil dan kedidi kaki hijau sebagai terancam.

Ancaman utama kawasan ini ialah kemusnahan habitat akibat gangguan manusia, dan pencemaran yang memerlukan perhatian semua pihak supaya kawasan populasi burung utama tidak terjejas sekali gus kawasan yang popular ini tidak lagi hanya tinggal nama. Kewujudan Pusat Konservasi Hidupan Liar (Burung Laut) Kuala Gula semenjak tahun 1985 bertujuan menjalankan aktiviti konservasi.

Menurut Penolong Pegawai Perhilitan Kuala Gula, Zainuddin Busrah, kewujudan pusat ini bukan sahaja dari aspek penguatkuasaan malah termasuk meninjau burung dan kajian-kajian berkaitan burung air.

Katanya, program pendidikan dan kesedaran awam kepada masyarakat khususnya pelajar-pelajar turut dijalankan di pusat ini.

“Pusat ini bertujuan untuk aktiviti konservasi dan menyediakan program pendidikan serta kesedaran awam khususnya kepada pelajar-pelajar dan masyarakat,” katanya.

spesis hidupan liar

Selain itu menurut Zainuddin, pusat tersebut turut menyediakan maklumat mengenai Kuala Gula terutamanya mengenai burung-burung laut dalam bentuk pameran dan diorama disediakan untuk kemudahan pelawat.

Ceramah dan tayangan video mengenai proses migrasi burung dan spesis hidupan liar lain di Kuala Gula boleh dilihat dan ditonton semasa kunjungan ke pusat tersebut.

Pemerhatian burung antara aktiviti paling utama di Kuala Gula dan lain-lain hidupan liar terutama pada bulan Ogos hingga April setiap tahun.

Waktu sesuai untuk pemerhatian burung ialah pada waktu air laut mulai pasang kerana pada waktu begini kebanyakan burung boleh dilihat di tepi air dan kawasan beting lumpur.

Malah aktiviti pemerhatian burung boleh dilakukan sama ada secara berjalan kaki sepanjang ban atau menaiki bot di sepanjang anak sungai dan beting lumpur.

Bot boleh disewa daripada penduduk tempatan atau calet berdekatan dengan harga berpatutan.

Bukan sahaja pemerhatian burung kelebihan Kuala Gula ialah memerhati kelip-kelip pada waktu malam juga antara aktiviti menarik.

Pelancong juga boleh melakukan aktiviti memancing pelbagai spesies ikan seperti kerisi (Nemipterus spp),duri (Arius spp) dan sembilang (Plotosus spp).

Seperti kawasan pelancongan lain usaha menjadikan Kuala Gula lebih istimewa dan terkenal perlu diperluaskan lagi oleh pihak tertentu termasuk kerajaan negeri.

Persatuan pencinta alam seperti Global Environment Centre (GEC) yang diketuai Balu Perumal dan kumpulannya antara persatuan aktif yang kerap kali turun membuat kajian, pemerhatian supaya kawasan ini tidak lagi terabai sehingga burung hijrah dan habitat dikawasan itu tiada lagi.

Malah Sahabat Hutan Bakau (SHB) sebagai komuniti nelayan di Kuala Gula yang diterajui Zakaria Mohamad, 50, memungkinkan persoalan ini terjawab. Begitu juga ahli Kelab Pencinta Alam(KPA) Kedah atas inisiatif pengerusinya, S. Kalaimani bersama pelajar yang juga ahli KPA SMK Teloi Kanan Baling diketuai Pengetuanya, Noriah Bahari dengan 200 ahlinya setiap bulan datang dengan perbelanjaan sendiri bagi menjayakan hasrat menyelamatkan kawasan hutan paya laut sejak tahun 2007 lagi.

Seperti kata S. Kalaimani, menjaga alam sekitar termasuk habitatnya sudah menjadi satu tanggungjawab besar terutama mendidik generasi muda seperti pelajar SMk Teloi Kanan ini.

Mampukah SHB, pelajar SMK Teloi Kanan bersama GEC ini bersendirian melakukan perubahan di Kuala Gula.

Penghuni alam di Kuala Gula perlu diselamatkan dan sudah sampai masanya mesej menjadikan alam lebih terjamin disahut oleh semua pihak.

Pencinta dan kajian mengenai spesis burung di kawasan itu boleh diperluas kerana dari segi geografinya mengapa kawasan ini telah menjadi lokasi persinggahan tetap burung dari kesejukan hemisfera utara.

Apakah bakau, kawasan paya laut, beting lumpur dan air pasang surut di Kuala Gula menjadi kelebihan burung hijrah ini? Kuala Gula perlu diangkat statusnya menjadi kawasan utama dunia mengenai spesies burung.

TOURIST taking advantage of a small bald spot birds in the sanctuary.WHILE down the mangrove swamps, appear to be small storks, birds Stork, Red-legged kedidi is quiet and great egret feeding along the mangrove areas are receding at Kuala Gula.

Do not miss the view is the red eagle hovering in the air while lotong gray, belacak, jugful big head and monkey around Kaw Ban Joo to cover the Gulf Rubiah stomach was busy marking the area has many wild animals and hundreds of bird species.

Records of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Wildlife) there were 192 recorded species of birds including the migratory and resident bird species are also found throughout the area.

Kuala Gula among 55 areas in Malaysia which is identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by several criteria, including the migration of birds from the cold.

The main activity is the observation of birds began in August and April every year and see the other wildlife of this area once the important areas a variety of bird species populations.

Migratory birds in the world and Malaysia is located in the East Asian-Australian routes from Siberia Flyway through China, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, then to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia and ending in New Zealand.

When winter ends in the Northern Hemisphere birds will be returned to Siberia to breed through the same route and will be repeated annually.

Some of these birds fly as far as 10.000 kilometers (6.200 miles) during the migration season.

Why Kuala Gula choice for the migration of these birds? Kuala Gula part of the 40,000 hectares of mangrove forest Reserve has done a coastal mudflats and mangroves.

Jungle is controlled by the practice management system, mangrove forests are the best in the world.

State of flora and fauna of mangrove plant species, such as oil, mangrove ringworm, the fires of white, pink fires, fires ludat, teruntum white, perepat, Nipah, Piai highway as well as various species of lotus attract many species of birds chose this area a life that can be seen in this area.

Fauna of the mangrove habitat that can accommodate wildlife species other than birds small mammals, reptiles, crabs, shrimp and fish make this area more attractive.

Mangroves and mud shoal provide a suitable habitat and adequate food sources for birds, in addition to providing a suitable area for resident species to reproduce and sustain themselves with the appropriate area.

Among the many bird species found in the jars were herons, storks buffalo, small storks, Stork, eagles snails, little gull, gull black hat kedidi green legs, red legs kedidi, kedidi sand and blade shape.

There is also a pucong seriap, pucong serambu and the Stork bird populations have been monitored by the Wildlife Department since the 1980s.

Two main areas are often recorded in the presence of bird Stork Shell Island and the island is easily seen Eggplant feed in the lake area and perched in trees or flying hover-hanging in the air.

Another species is classified as a small bald under the wild birds are protected.

There are 19 species of storks in the world with 10 of them can be found in Southeast Asia.

Stork bird species and small bald, black head and kedidi jugful green legs can easily be located in the coastal sanctuary.

In Malaysia, this species is protected by the Wildlife Protection Act 76/72.

However, the International Union for Concervation of Nature (IUCN) or the International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified the bird Stork and the small bald and green legs kedidi as endangered.

The main threat is the destruction of habitat due to human disturbance and pollution of concern to all the major areas of bird populations is not affected once the area is popular not only a name. The existence of Wildlife Conservation Center (Sea Bird) Kuala Gula since 1985 aimed at carrying out conservation activities.

According to Assistant Wildlife Officer of Kuala Gula, Zainuddin Busrah, the existence of this center not only in terms of enforcement but also explore the birds and related studies of water birds.

He said public education and awareness programs to the community, especially the students were also conducted at these centers.

"The center is aimed at the conservation activities and provide educational programs and public awareness, especially to students and the community," he said.

Wildlife Species

In addition, according to Zainuddin, the center also provides information on the Kuala Gula, particularly on seabirds in the form of exhibits and dioramas are provided for the convenience of visitors.

Lecture and video presentation about the process of migrating birds and other wildlife species in the Kuala Gula can be seen and viewed during a visit to the center.

Observations of birds among the most important activities at the Kuala Gula and other wildlife, particularly in August and April each year.

Time for bird observation is that at the time of sea water began to install because of the time so many birds can be seen at the edge of the shoal water and mud.

In fact, bird observation activities can be done either on foot or by boat along the tire along the creek and the mud shoal.

Boats can be rented from local residents or nearby chalets at reasonable prices.

Not only the advantages of Kuala Gula Bird observations were watching fireflies at night is also the interesting activities.

Tourists can also make fishing a variety of fish species such as Kerisi (Nemipterus spp), spine (Arius spp) and Sembilang (Plotosus spp).

Like other tourist areas of Kuala Gula made even more special and famous have to be extended by certain parties, including state government.

Association of environmentalists such as the Global Environment Centre (GEC), which led Balu Perumal and his team of active associations is often down to the study, the observation that this region is no longer neglected to migratory birds and habitat in the area is no longer available.

Even Sahabat Hutan Bakau (SHB) as a fishing community in Kuala Gula led Zakaria Mohamad, 50, allows this question unanswered.Similarly, a member of Nature Club (KPA) of Kedah on the initiative of its chairman, S. Kalaimani with students who are also members of KPA SMK Baling led Teloi Senior Principal, Noriah Bahari with 200 members each month comes at its own expense in furtherance of the desire to save the mangrove forests since 2007 again.

Like the S. Kalaimani, the environment, including habitat has become a major responsibility to educate the younger generation, especially as students of this School Senior Teloi.

Can SHB, Teloi Senior School students with GEC is alone to make changes in sanctuary.

Nature of Kuala Gula occupants must be saved and the time has come to make the message more secure environment suit all parties.

Love and the study of birds in the area can be expanded as in terms of geography why this area has become a permanent transit site birds from cold in the northern hemisphere.

What are mangroves, mangrove areas, shoal and tidal mud at the Kuala Gula Bird advantage of this migration? Kuala Gula be appointed status as the world's major areas of bird species