An Urgent Need for Milky Stork Study in Malaysia

Milky Stork (Mycteria cinerea) once had a scattered distribution in the West coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The species later underwent a constant decline and it now has less than 10 individuals recorded in Matang Mangrove Forest. Among the problems are threats from the pollution of hazardous chemicals, habitat destruction, poaching by humans, high rates of predation and disturbance, and the lack of mature trees for nesting. Thus, identification of suitable habitats for Milky Stork routine activity is important and Matang Mangrove Forest has provided such an opportunity for the Milky Stork Conservation Programme. In addition, there is also a need for integrated studies from various disciplines to conserve the remaining Milky Stork in Malaysia from extinction