ARTICLE TYPE : RESEARCH ARTICLE
Published on : 23 Jul 2026,
Volume - 2
Journal Title :
WebLog Journal of Environmental Sciences
| WebLog J Environ Sci
| WJETS
Source URL:
https://weblogoa.com/articles/wjets.2026.g2303
Permanent Identifier (DOI) :
Preliminary Observational Documentation of Shorebirds and Waterbirds along the Coastline of Kuala Juru and Port Klang, Malaysia
2Fisheries Research Institute, Batu Maung, 11960 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
3Graduate School of Maritime Sciences, Faculty of Maritime Sciences, Kobe University, Kobe 658-0022, Japan
4Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java, Indonesia
5Biodiversity Research Group, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java, Indonesia
6Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, Persiaran Perdana BBN, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Abstract
Coastal wetlands and estuarine mudflats along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF) are critical for migratory waders and resident waterbirds, yet many sites in Southeast Asia remain poorly documented despite intense anthropogenic pressure. This study presents opportunistic photographic observations of waterbirds, migratory waders, and predatory birds in two heavily industrialised estuarine systems along Malaysia’s west coast: Kuala Juru, Penang, and Port Klang, Selangor. Surveys were conducted from small boats along intertidal mudflats and mangrove fringed coastlines, with species identification verified using eBird and regional field guides. A total of nine waterbird and wader species were recorded, including the Near Threatened Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus), alongside four predatory and piscivorous species, including the Vulnerable Black-capped Kingfisher (Halcyon pileata). Observed behavioural patterns revealed partial overlap between resident waterbirds and migratory waders in flocking and foraging on exposed mudflats, while predatory species exhibited solitary perching and ambush strategies. Despite extensive industrialisation, shipping activity, and coastal modification, both estuaries continue to support foraging, roosting, and stopover functions for migratory and resident birds. These findings highlight the value of degraded estuarine habitats as secondary or opportunistic refuges within the EAAF and underscore their potential for ecological restoration. The study demonstrates the utility of opportunistic photographic surveys in data-limited regions and provides baseline information to support future monitoring, conservation prioritisation, and flyway-scale management of Malaysian estuarine wetlands.
Keywords: East Asian-Australasian Flyway; Waterbirds; Migratory Waders; Estuarine Wetlands; Industrialised Coasts; Opportunistic Observation; Habitat Restoration; Malaysia
Citation
Izzuddin Mohd Hadir M, Saupi Ismail M, Horie Y, Dwi Setyawan A, Kumar K, Kong Yap C. Preliminary Observational Documentation of Shorebirds and Waterbirds along the Coastline of Kuala Juru and Port Klang, Malaysia. WebLog J Environ Sci. wjets.2026.g2303. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21739749