KOTA KINABALU: More than 100 birding and wildlife travel experts and enthusiasts from across the globe attended the unveiling of the Sabah Birding Routes during the recent Global BirdFair in Rutland, United Kingdom.
The guide map, launched by Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, was the focal point of the Sabah birding destination promotion.
"We aim to put Sabah on the global birdwatching map, and we are excited about the strong interest in Sabah as a birding destination at the Global BirdFair.
"This event showcased Sabah's birding potential and connected us with the global community.
"We are eager to welcome more birding enthusiasts to explore Sabah's natural beauty," said Joniston, who is chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), in a statement.
Present were STB chief executive officer Julinus Jimit, Sabah Birdwatchers Association president Ron Pudin, and representatives from key birding associations, including the World Pheasant Association.
The Sabah Birding Routes outlines the best birdwatching locations in Sabah, including Mount Kinabalu, which Joniston describes as "a VIP lounge for our avian celebrities" due to its role as a key distribution centre for Borneo's montane birds.
With 688 bird species, including 66 endemic to Borneo and six unique to Sabah, the guide aims to enhance the birdwatching experience and allow enthusiasts to explore Sabah's rich avian diversity with ease.
The guide map was prepared by the Sabah Tourism Board with input from the Sabah Birdwatchers Association.
Acknowledging the invaluable contributions of the Sabah Birdwatchers Association, Joniston said Ron Pudin has been instrumental in promoting Sabah's rich avian diversity.
"Ron's passion and dedication have been crucial in putting Sabah's birding treasures on the map.
"I am sure his work will continue to inspire both locals and visitors to appreciate and protect our natural heritage," he said.
Meanwhile, Ron said the opportunity to produce the birding route map has opened the door to working with the World Pheasant Association to share technical and expertise knowledge, particularly on one of the rarest pheasants in the world, the Bornean Peacock Pheasant.
"It's high time that we work together to establish long-term plans for sustainable habitats for this species.
"This is a successful trip indeed to one of the biggest bird fairs in the world."