Joniston with Corder (2nd right), Zhang Zing (far left) and Ron Pudin (right)
KOTA KINABALU : – The World Pheasant Association (WPA) has agreed to collaborate with the Sabah Birdwatchers Association (SBA) to effectively manage pheasants in Sabah.
The decision to work together came about following a 10-day familiarisation visit by a team from the WPA led by its vice president, John Corder, to several locations in Sabah where pheasants had been sighted.
“We (WPA and SBA) will soon sign a memorandum of understanding to realise our common commitment to protecting pheasants in Sabah,” Corder said during a meeting with Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
The MoU would, among other things, entail a study on the pheasant population in Sabah, its habitat, and steps to be taken to ensure its increase.
Corder said Sabah offers an exciting new haven for birdwatchers to spot pheasants and other unique bird species while experiencing nature at its finest.
During their visit, the group explored various birdwatching spots, including the Gunung Alab Sub-Station in Tambunan, Bulwer’s Pheasant Hide in Trusmadi, and the Bornean Peacock Hide managed by Koperasi Kampung Bestari in Telupid.
Corder was joined by Geoffrey Davidson from Singapore’s National Parks Board and Zhang Jing from Beijing Zoo. SBA President Ron Pudin accompanied them throughout the visit.
“It was amazing to witness the diversity and beauty of the birds here,” Corder said, adding he was especially delighted to be up close with the rare Bornean peacock pheasants.
The group arrived in Sabah on January 13 for the familiarisation trip organised by the Sabah Tourism Board (STB).
On Friday, Joniston, who is also STB chairman, hosted the group at a pre-dinner cocktail reception at Rasa Ria Resort, where SBA members were also present.
They also visited the Borneo Rainforest Lodge and Utan Rainforest Lodge in Lahad Datu, as well as Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the highlands of Kundasang.
Joniston shared how Sabah’s participation in the Global Birdfair in Rutland, United Kingdom, had been instrumental in this visit.
Last year, Joniston led the STB team to the Global Birdfair, where they connected with birdwatchers, including members of the WPA and extended an invitation to explore Sabah’s birdwatching potential.
“I believe the World Pheasant Association’s visit to Sabah will go a long way in positioning the state as a premier birdwatching destination.
“Sabah has tremendous potential in birdwatching, which, if aggressively promoted, would complement our rural tourism initiatives, benefiting rural communities.
“The economic impact of birdwatching tourism is huge, as it targets a niche market with significant spending power,” he said, adding STB is committed to supporting the development of Sabah’s birdwatching scene.
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