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Protected waterbirds found in Ketapang, indicating healthy wetlands
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Oriental darters perch in a tree in Matan Hilir Selatan district, Ketapang, West Kalimantan. A recent census by Ketapang Friends of Birds found more than 1,000 waterbirds in the area, indicating the good condition of wetlands. (Courtesy Kawan Burung Ketapang (KBK)./-)
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ore than 1,000 waterbirds were seen recently in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, an indicator that the regency’s wetlands were in good condition, an environmentalist said on Monday.
A Jan. 7-21 census held by Ketapang Friends of Birds found 350 nests of five different waterbird species. “More than 750 adults and some 500 young birds were also found during the census, with the Ardeidae family dominating the numbers,” said Abdurahman Al Qadrie, chairman of the group, which comes under Ketapang Biodiversity Conservation.
According to Abdurahman, Ardeidae were protected under Government Regulation No. 7/1999, as the birds were sensitive to disturbances in habitat and changes in land use.
“[Their existence] is an indication that Ketapang has a very good condition of wetlands and supportive ecosystem sustainability,” Abdurahman told The Jakarta Post.
Following the good news, Sungai Nanjung village chief Riduan said he would support the group’s findings. “I will tell villagers to not hunt the birds,” he said.
