Protected bird in danger - Malaysia

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From the New Straits Times

 

Protected bird in danger

Ajitpal Singh

 

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 24:

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The protected Pied Imperial pigeon is increasingly falling prey to poachers

on islands off the Terengganu coast.

 

The pigeons, which frequent Pulau Perhentian Besar, Pulau Perhentian Kecil

and Pulau Rawa from May to November every year, are believed to be sold for

consumption in Terengganu and Thailand.

 

This claim was made by Terengganu " pheasant king " Oh Siong Lai, who breeds

38 of the 49 protected species on his farm in Ajil, Hulu Terengganu.

 

He said the wild pigeon was hunted for the supposedly medicinal value of its

meat.

 

" Their number has dwindled over the years due to clearing of vegetation on

the islands, " said the 38-year-old, whose bird park was recently listed as

one of the 12 " wonders of Terengganu " .

 

The World Conservation Union has also placed the pigeon on its

near-threatened list.

 

Special permits must be obtained to rear the pigeon, protected under the

Protection of Wildlife Act 1972.

 

Oh said there was also a need to create awareness among the people of the

Pied Imperial and its status. " People on the mainland and islands are

unaware that the pigeons should not be hunted, " he said.

 

As with the Nicobar pigeon, found mainly on islands off the Terengganu coast

between May and November, the state Wildlife Protection and National Parks

Department (Perhilitan) is facing problems in protecting these pigeons from

poachers.

 

The pigeons travel huge distances in their lifespan, from small islands

adjoining the Indian Ocean. The birds feed mainly on fruits.

 

Perhilitan director Rozidan Md Yusof could not be reached for comment.

 

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