Iqbal Abdollah
MIRI: Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) is urging Mirians who keep any wildlife to hand it over to state Forest Department or Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) as these agencies will properly manage and protect it.
MNS Miri branch chairman Iqbal Abdollah, in a press statement yesterday, stressed that it is not proper to release the animal or bird or recklessly dump it at any national park and nature reserve as such action could endanger its life.
The statement came after a juvenile Black Hornbill was found abandoned at Piasau Nature Park (PNR) on Sunday (July 22).
“Some wildlife may not suit well to the area and may not be able to fend for themselves, such as this juvenile Black Hornbill. In fact, their suitable habitats are like Lambir Hills National Park or Loagan Bunut National Park, whereas PNR is on the coastal area mostly dominated by Oriental-Pied Hornbill.
“Even if the young hornbill was released at Lambir Hill National Park, it may not able to survive due to its juvenile age and it may not able to forage for food alone.
“When they fledge, the hornbills tend to be with their parents until certain age when they will look for their own foraging area. Thus, until then, those who may have found young hornbills are advised to hand them to the relevant agency such as Forest Department of Sarawak or Sarawak Forestry Corporation so that they will be better protected,” he said.
Iqbal also urged the public to cooperate with MNS as well as the government agencies as it is vital to ensure the livelihood of any wildlife is taken care of.