End 2009 by interesting field work

I managed to visit Pulau Kalumpang near Kuala Gula, Taiping, A Heaven For Migratory Birds on 29&30 December 2009. Thousands of migratory shore birds and over 120 species of birds can be observed in the island. How ever there will be a conflict later between human and birds, intergovernmental agencies such as Forest Department, Wildlife Department, Fisheries Department, Drainage Department and Local Authorities if no immediate actions taken. Even within the departments sections may have conflict opinion and implementations between conservation and recreation, ecotourisms and educations, security and economic, poverty and development, etc. An urgent discussion and planning needed. Universiti Putra Malaysia, Forest Department and Wildlife Department have long history of collaborations in conservation, rehabilitation, training, research and sustainable use of this world popular Matang Forest Reserve. Further effective collaboration including many other departments is urgently needed before it is too late. Increasing of interest among public, business, conservationist, naturalist and others, nationally and internationally, will invite a lot of inconsistency ideas with conservation and forest protection.

Beside intergovernmental agencies agreement in managing and conserve this island and whole Matang Forest Reserve, an urgent integrated, organised and systematic research are needed. A lot more information needed not only on the list of flora and fauna but the ecology of the forests, balance ecosystems and use the information in managing the forest reserve. The authorities such as Forest Department, Wildlife Department especially need to lead in this idea and probably Universiti Putra Malaysia can help and Fisheries Deparment, Drainage Department and Local Authorities can support the activities.