Survival of the Wettest: The Setiu Wetlands
Added to website: 31 March 2005
Text by Rick Gregory
In Terengganu, Malaysia the coastline is dotted with fishing villages separated by scenic stretches of mangroves, nipa palms and coconut trees. A speckled array of habitats - lagoons, marshes, deltas, peat swamps - offer refuge to many plants and animals; some endemic, some threatened species.
In the 1980s, 56 wetland sites were identified as important for conservation in Peninsular Malaysia. And now Setiu is a priority for the Malaysian Tropical Forest Conservation Project (MY2). Wetlands serve as feeding and roosting areas for seasonal water birds and are stopover sites for migratory birds. And of course sea turtles still find their way, although in far lesser numbers, to the beaches. The presence of endangered Painted and River terrapins adds to its ecological value.
“The aim of the project is to conduct rapid biodiversity assessments of different habitats within the Setiu Wetlands,” explained Rebecca Wilson, the MY2 Expedition Leader. “We want to compile a detailed species list and highlight the species distributions within this area.” The work demands patience, persistence and plenty of volunteers to carry out the day-to-day tasks.
“I like the mist netting,” said Kristen Furley, a gap year student, “especially when we catch something.” For volunteers the hot days and mosquito-filled nights are soon forgotten at the sight of a stork-billed kingfisher or a white-rumped sharma.
The MY2 also tries to catch the interest of people in the community as well. “I’m surprised how well received the project is in the village,” said Lorna Bousfield, a biology graduate. “That’s an aspect of the project I wasn’t looking at when I applied.”
Each volunteer for the MY2 participates in an intensive skills development programme that covers the basics of field research and survey techniques. The programme includes theories and approaches to avian, mammal, invertebrate and forest ecology, together with practical exercises to assess skills.
By identifying its resident and migratory species, mapping out its habitat types and inventorying its major animal groups, the MY2 is another step towards strengthening the ecological argument to conserve Malaysia’s wetland wonders……
To read the full article visit Wild Asia,, an internet-based resource with the aim of promoting the exploration, documentation and conservation of natural areas in Asia.
