Brahminy Kites in Malaysia

Brahminy Kites Soaring Above USM Areas
Bernama 23 Jan 09;

PENANG, Jan 23 (Bernama) -- The migration of Brahminy Kites (Lang Merah) from their former habitat in the jungle to the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) area proved that the university's efforts to preserve its eco-system and environment have been fruitful.

The red-backed sea-eagle or scientifically known as Haliastur indus is an environmentally-conscious species and would nest only in a clean, safe and conducive environment.

As such, Mohamed Hifni Baharuddin, the Chairman of the Environment and Aquatic Biology Programme of the Biological Science Study Centre, USM, said the Brahminy Kites would be the perfect indicator for such environment.

"Our observation over the past year had revealed that there are four Brahminy Kites' nests in USM. This species usually nest in tall emergent trees with excellent view of the horizon," he told a press conference, here today.

He said the presence of the Brahminy Kites in USM had also provided environmental balance and solved many problems following the major migration of monkeys in the university's area.

"The presence of these fantastic birds of prey has also reduced the problems caused by monkeys as they would also become prey for the Brahminy Kites," he said.

Mohamed Hifni said USM's location, which is close to the beach, had also lured the Brahminy Kites to build its habitat at the university.

This was because the bird preferred to nest along the coasts or swampy sites, whether on their own or in pairs, he said, adding that the mating season for the Brahminy Kites was between December and March.

-- BERNAMA