Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary

Introduction

Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary is in the state of Perak is a large expanse of mangrove forest known as the Matang Forest Reserve. A fruitful time to visit is between the months of October and December. Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary is fortunate to have the Milky Stork and Lesser Adjutant, both globally-threatened species, grace its shores. Between late August through to late April, a variety of waders 'wintering' here are also present. Some of the common waders include Whimbrel, Lesser Golden Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Common Redshank, Common Greenshank and Terek Sandpiper. The beautiful white egrets, namely Great Egret, Little Egret and Intermediate Egret are here too. Sighting the globally-threatened Chinese Egret is rare but a possibility.

Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary is also a rich breeding ground for herons such as Little Heron, Purple Heron and Grey Heron. A few bitterns can be seen along with various species of terns and gulls, sometimes seen perching on boundary poles of cockle beds, lying in wait for a fish or two.

If time permits, a walk on a gravel road (1-2km) running along the mangrove, starting at the most north- western end of the fishing village can turn up colourful species like the Black-capped Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, Stork-billed Kingfisher and White-throated Kingfisher. Other birds such as munias, woodpeckers, bee-eaters, tailorbirds, sunbirds and a few resident raptors such as Crested Serpent-Eagle and Brahminy Kite can be seen.

Other wildlife in the area include otters, Silvered Leaf Monkeys, Long-tailed Macaques, Bottle-nosed and Ridge-backed Dolphins, Wild Pig, bats and civets. Reptilian delights present are Malayan Water Monitor, Clouded Monitor, pythons and mangrove snakes.

Overall, about 166 species of birds have been recorded during surveys carried out by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (PERHILITAN).