BOA Outdoor Trails: Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary, Perak

Kuala Gula is a fishing village located along the coast of Perak, approximately 50 km south west of Taiping. The Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary is within the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, a rich mangrove and mudflat ecosystem. Nearby is Pulau Kelumpang, an island within the reserve which is surrounded by the Selinsing River at its south east, the Kelumpang River at its north east and the ocean on its west. Pulau Kelumpang is encircled by new mudflats rich with young mangrove (Avicennia spp) trees. These mudflats are vital foraging areas for migratory species as well as nesting sites for resident species.

Diversity of Wildlife

Kuala Gula is renowned locally and internationally especially amongst birdwatchers for it is a hotspot for waterbirds, both resident and migratory species. Local as well as foreign tourists all over the world, including the United States, Australia, Europe, Japan visit Kuala Gula to observe these birds.

Each year, migratory species stop at Kuala Gula along their migratory route. There are several migratory routes worldwide, and Malaysia is within the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Various waterbird/migratory species can be observed from the end of August until April the following year. Species which are classified as Endangered by the IUCN such as the Milky Stork Mycteria cinerea, Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus), Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes) and Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) can be found here. The existence of the Kuala Gula mangrove forests ensures suitable rest areas and nesting grounds for many species. Additionally, the sandbanks and mudflats are a stable source of food supply for the birds, which rely on fish, crabs, molluscs and other invertebrates for sustenance. The majority of the birds found here are protected by Malaysia’s Protection of Wild Life Act 76/72.

Based on various surveys conducted by PERHILITAN between 1984 and 2007, 192 bird species, including migratory species, have been recorded. Mammals such as squirrels, rats, bats otters, leaf monkeys, macaques, wild pigs, dolphins, leopard cats and civets can also be found here. Reptiles such as monitor lizards, pythons, watersnakes and pit vipers can also be observed.

For further information:

Director, PERHILITAN Perak
Tkt. 3, Wisma Persekutuan
Jalan Dato’ Seri Ahmad Said
Greentown, 30450 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 05-243 6645
Fax: 05-243 6635