The presence of a pair of Hoopoes, also known as the Hud-hud, at Taiping Lake Gardens since two weeks ago has drawn attention from the public.
Yang Dipertua of Taiping Municipal Council (MPT), Khairul Amir Mohamad Zubir explained that the bird species which is rarely seen in the country was spotted by a group of bird enthusiasts while they were carrying out their activities around the Taiping Lake Gardens.
“The Hud-hud is included in the migratory bird species of the month September till April every year when the cold season hits north of Asia. Usually, these birds will fly back to their country of origin in April.
“The Hud-hud hails from the Afro-Eurasia region made up of areas of Africa, Asia, and Europe. The species spotted at the Taiping Lake Gardens is believed to be of the Asian species, specifically the northern area of Asia.
“The MPT will monitor and ensure the safety of the pair of birds nesting in the hole of a Yellow Flame tree (pokok Jemerlang). To date, there is no breeding record of this bird in Malaysia, making this finding a very special one,” he said via a media statement today (April 28).
The Zoo Taiping & Night Safari will collaborate with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) Malaysia and Nature Educational Society (NEST) to carry out periodical monitoring works at the breeding area and determine the safety control methods and enforcements.
According to Khairul Amir, MPT hopes that the collaboration with PERHILITAN and NEST will enable various information to be collected from the research.
“MPT also hopes that members of the public will cooperate in ensuring the pair of birds are not disturbed. If the birds are stressed by surrounding factors, it will surely leave its nest and never return again. Enforcement action will be taken if any violation of the law occurs regarding the safety of the birds,” he added.
Rosli Mansor
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