Mangrove forest and mudflat along Matang and Kuala Gula Perak have been known as an Important Bird Area (IBA) internationally and recognised by the government. We need to have more information on birds, their habitat and potential threat. Continuous research needed, at least some activities be the university's students. Research grants needed from the government and corporate sectors.

The mangroves forest as well as the surrounding mudflat areas in Matang have been an attraction to many species of wildlife which among others include birds, marine mammals, reptiles/amphibians, fish and shellfish. These creatures are all oil sensitive and must be protected.
Birds are the main species populating the Matang forest and mudflat areas. Out of 650 bird species recorded in Peninsular Malaysia, more than 154 (nearly 25%) can be found in Matang (Keong, 1995). For example, in a short period of observation (15 days) made by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) together with the Japan Wildlife Research Center (JWRC) in 1993, there were 78 species of birds belonging to 33 families recorded (PERHILITAN-JWRC, 1994). The most popular birds are the highly endangered Milky Stork and Lesser Adjutant which reside almost entirely in the Kelumpang Island. In this place, there are also no less than five species of Egret, including the endangered Chinese Egret, which migrates during the cold winter months up North. Heron, e.g. Little Heron, Purple Heron, Chinese Pond Heron and Grey Heron can also be seen residing in this forest.

http://www.malaysiagis.com/index.php/local-gis/articles/44-gis/312-environmental-sensitivity-index-esi-mapping-for-oil-spills-a-pilot-project-for-west-coast-of-malaysian-peninsular-?showall=1

Larut Matang is also an attractive area to migratory coastal water birds. It is reported that about 49 species of these birds can be found in the Matang forests especially during the annual cold winter months - from July to April. During this period, as many as 180,000 birds are estimated to populate the area. They are believed to visit the same site year after year, provided their habitats are not disturbed. Some of these birds come from as far as Northern Russia and Siberia, making a stopover in China and Matang to rest before continuing their journey to Indonesia and Australia. The most common of these birds are the Common Redshank, Mongolian Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Terek Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Asian Golden Sandplover, Whimbrel, Eurasian Curlew, Common Greenshank, bar-tailed Godwit and Grey Plover