Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary

Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary (kkcbs), located just 2km northeast of the state capital, kota kinabalu. Sabah state government designated it as a sanctuary in 1996 to help foster a better understanding and awareness on the value of wetlands. In march 2000, the sanctuary opens to the public, "wetland-in-a-city" is an educational eye-opener. Th 24-hectare sanctuary is the only remaining patch of a once extensive mangrove forest.

The site is fed by both saline and fresh water, which create a unique ecosystem within mangrove flora and fauna, and freshwater aquatic species, can flourish at the same time. The site is also an important refuge and feeding ground for many species of resident birds, as well as several migratory species from northern Asia. In fact, some 80 species of resident and migratory birds have been recorded in this sanctuary. The Purple Heron, for example, has already established a breeding colony at the Sanctuary.

Birds are attracted to the site's mangrove plants and trees. From the commonly found Rhizophora (which makes up about 70 to 80% of the plants found here) to the lesser-known Lumnitzera, these vegetation have a special root system that is specially adapted to the mangrove environment, where water levels can vary by as much as 50cm in a matter of hours. The roots of the plants alternate between soaking in water and standing on dry land every few hours.

Mangroves also act as a sponge by absorbing water during a heavy rainfall and later releasing them, thereby making it an effective flood mitigation mechanism. In fact, it is this regulatory function of the wetland that creates an important living sanctuary for the trees, plants, birds and fishes. The Sabah Wildlife Department, together with other government agencies and NGOs including WWF Malaysia, have formed a committee to oversee the development and management of the Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary emphasises educational and awareness activities, especially among students from the 15 surrounding schools. A a 1.78km-long boardwalk, interspersed with resting huts, observation towers, and an outdoor classroom have been built for the convenience of visitors.

The site will soon accommodate an environmental education centre with basic facilities and equipment, including an exhibition area, multipurpose hall and a research laboratory.

For more information on KKCBS, please contact:
Project Coordinator
Likas Wetlands
P.O.Box 14393
88850 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah.
Tel: 088 - 247 955
Email:

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