Friday, 22 Jun 2018
TANJUNG Aru Beach on the
outskirts of Kota Kinabalu is a popular haunt for both the locals and visitors,
and is much loved for its tall old Casuarina trees, lovely sand and magnificent
sunsets. Sunsets in Kota Kinabalu are among the most spectacular in the world.
Tanjung Aru Beach is also home to
the uncommon blue-naped parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis), which Bird Life
International has described as near threatened (close to extinction).
The estimated number of this
narrow-range parrot is between 1,500 and 7,000 and is declining further due to
trapping and forest loss.
The parrots at Tanjung Aru beach
owe their existence to Quentin Phillipps, author of Phillipps’ Field Guide
to the Birds of Borneo, who is credited with saving them from their cages at a
nearby market. The population is maintained at around 30 to 50 birds due to
competition for nesting holes in the old Casuarina trees with other birds.
Unfortunately, this beach has
been designated for extensive development for a 133ha golf “retreat”, a marina,
seven hotels, 5,000 commercial and residential rooms, among others.
No comments:
Post a Comment