By Nevash Nair August 21, 2008 Categories: News
More than 200 species of plants and animals at the 3,100-hectare Paya Indah Wetlands sanctuary are in danger from decreasing water levels in the area, the clearing of forests nearby for housing and recurring peat fires.
The recent alarming drop in water levels in the wetlands, located 15km north of the KL International Airport, is worrying officials of the eco-tourism park.
There are 14 lakes in the park and the water levels at two lakes are dangerously low, leading to fears that the entire area may dry up if action is not taken to rectify a problem of water flow from its source in Cyberjaya to the area.
Park Superintendent Salman Saaban told Malay Mail: "The water level in the wetlands has been dropping over the past three years. We noticed a significant drop in mid-April this year."
Salman said that park officials monitored the reduction in water levels through regular observations and from reading the water index data provided by the Drainage and Irrigation Department.
He explained that the drop in water levels could have been due to development in the area surrounding the wetlands.
The water to the wetlands flows through an irrigation canal from Cyberjaya, beneath a highway which cuts across the canals and interconnected lakes.
The development of the highway linking Cyberjaya with Putrajaya may have resulted in debris and mud clogging the canals.
Lack of maintenance of the canals and supporting lakes could also have reduced water levels.
Salman said the Wildlife Department is working with various agencies to solve the problem and ensure the wildlife in the area is preserved.
"We have informed all relevant parties involved in this matter. All the agencies have pledged to give their cooperation and work with us," he said.
The peat fires that occur, including the recent one in 658ha of agricultural land between the north Kuala Langat forest reserve and Paya Indah, are also keeping the birds away.
The latest spate of peat fires was reportedly deliberately set by the landowner who wanted to clear the land to plant fruits.
He will be charged soon under Section 29A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 that carries a maximum fine of RM500,000 or a five-year jail term, or both.
The wetlands is home to more than 140 species of birds, 40 species of fish, 25 species of mammals and reptiles and 220 species of aquatic and terrestrial plants.
It is also a breeding ground for several species of migratory birds including the Black Kite, Hen Harrier and the Grey- Faced Buzzard.
Selangor State executive councillor and environmentalist Elizabeth Wong said: "The State government will give its full support to the Paya Indah Wetlands preservation project.
"I also hope that this time around the wetlands will have more endemic species for our children to appreciate the beauty of our flora and fauna.
"For Paya Indah Wetlands to succeed, the federal committee must consider creating a suitable buffer to protect and preserve the peat bog and the forest reserve nearby," Wong said.
The wetlands, which was opened to the public in October 2001 and closed since Feb 1, 2005, will be reopened in November. It was previously managed by the Malaysian Wetlands Foundation on behalf of the Federal Government.
More fruit trees and plants are being planted to encourage the wildlife, especially birds, to make the wetlands a permanent home.
This article was taken from: The Malay Mail: News 21 August 2008
More than 200 species of plants and animals at the 3,100-hectare Paya Indah Wetlands sanctuary are in danger from decreasing water levels in the area, the clearing of forests nearby for housing and recurring peat fires.The recent alarming drop in water levels in the wetlands, located 15km north of the KL International Airport, is worrying officials of the eco-tourism park.
There are 14 lakes in the park and the water levels at two lakes are dangerously low, leading to fears that the entire area may dry up if action is not taken to rectify a problem of water flow from its source in Cyberjaya to the area.
Park Superintendent Salman Saaban told Malay Mail: "The water level in the wetlands has been dropping over the past three years. We noticed a significant drop in mid-April this year."
Salman said that park officials monitored the reduction in water levels through regular observations and from reading the water index data provided by the Drainage and Irrigation Department.
He explained that the drop in water levels could have been due to development in the area surrounding the wetlands.
The water to the wetlands flows through an irrigation canal from Cyberjaya, beneath a highway which cuts across the canals and interconnected lakes.
The development of the highway linking Cyberjaya with Putrajaya may have resulted in debris and mud clogging the canals.
Lack of maintenance of the canals and supporting lakes could also have reduced water levels.
Salman said the Wildlife Department is working with various agencies to solve the problem and ensure the wildlife in the area is preserved.
"We have informed all relevant parties involved in this matter. All the agencies have pledged to give their cooperation and work with us," he said.
The peat fires that occur, including the recent one in 658ha of agricultural land between the north Kuala Langat forest reserve and Paya Indah, are also keeping the birds away.
The latest spate of peat fires was reportedly deliberately set by the landowner who wanted to clear the land to plant fruits.
He will be charged soon under Section 29A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 that carries a maximum fine of RM500,000 or a five-year jail term, or both.
The wetlands is home to more than 140 species of birds, 40 species of fish, 25 species of mammals and reptiles and 220 species of aquatic and terrestrial plants.
It is also a breeding ground for several species of migratory birds including the Black Kite, Hen Harrier and the Grey- Faced Buzzard.
Selangor State executive councillor and environmentalist Elizabeth Wong said: "The State government will give its full support to the Paya Indah Wetlands preservation project.
"I also hope that this time around the wetlands will have more endemic species for our children to appreciate the beauty of our flora and fauna.
"For Paya Indah Wetlands to succeed, the federal committee must consider creating a suitable buffer to protect and preserve the peat bog and the forest reserve nearby," Wong said.
The wetlands, which was opened to the public in October 2001 and closed since Feb 1, 2005, will be reopened in November. It was previously managed by the Malaysian Wetlands Foundation on behalf of the Federal Government.
More fruit trees and plants are being planted to encourage the wildlife, especially birds, to make the wetlands a permanent home.
This article was taken from: The Malay Mail: News 21 August 2008
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