Conservation group says Mandalay birds need help

PHYO WAI KYAW 21 JAN 2020

A local conservation group will present to the Mandalay Region Forest Department a list of birds that need to be protected.

Daw Thiri Dae We Aung, managing director of the Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association, said the survey, which was conducted in Rakhine, Mon, Bago and Yangon regions and states, will be submitted by the end of the month.

“We will propose bird species to conserve, and detail where bird hunters are active and selling,” she said.

The survey is aimed at supporting the government’s environmental protection campaign and the 2018 Biodiversity and Conservation of Protected Area Law.

Under the law, anyone guilty of unlicensed hunting or violating hunting rules faces a maximum three years in prison, a maximum fine of K500,000 (US$340), or both.

Wildlife, including birds, is essential for a healthy ecosystem, and water birds are a useful indicator of wetland health.

The association conducted a survey of birds in Paleik, Pyu, Sakar, Manaw, Sont Ye and Taungthaman lakes in Mandalay on January 12 and 13, Daw Thiri Dae We Aung said.

“We found rare species of water birds like Baer’s pochard in Paleik and Manaw,” she said. “The birds migrate in April and May, so we have to wait to count them. Paleik and Sont Ye lakes and the wetlands are essential for water birds.” – Translated

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