THE STATE OF RAPTORS IN MALAYSIA

In Malaysia, 68 raptor species have been recorded, comprising 47 diurnal and 21 nocturnal species, including two near-endemics and about 20 migratory species. Among these, one is Endangered, four are Vulnerable, and 11 are Near Threatened. Recent taxonomic revisions, such as those involving the Collared Scops-owl (Otus lettia) and Eastern Barn-owl (Tyto javanica), have refined species classification and distribution. Over the past three decades, 79 journal articles on Malaysian raptors have focused on behaviour, species assemblages, and anthropogenic threats, with increasing emphasis in the past 15 years on nocturnal species. Citizen science initiatives have provided valuable insights into the natural history, behaviour, and ecological interactions of local residents, including the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus ernesti), Black-thighed Falconet (Microhierax fringillarius), Grey-headed Fish-Eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus), Crested Honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus torquatus) and Rufous-bellied Eagle (Lophotriorchis kienerii). Most of these records are available in the Malaysian Bird Report, with earlier reports also appearing in Suara Enggang, now temporarily halted. A 2024 survey documented 39 confirmed and suspected breeding sites of the Peregrine Falcon on limestone hills in Peninsular Malaysia. Tanjung Tuan, Melaka, serves as the only long-term migration count site, and nearly full-season counts between Tanjung Tuan (northbound) and Taiping (southbound) in 2009 and 2010 revealed differing patterns among the Crested Honey-buzzard (P. ptilorhynchus orientalis), Black Baza (Aviceda leuphotes), and Chinese Sparrowhawk (Tachyspiza soloensis). Gaps remain in long-term monitoring and threat assessments, with most research concentrated in Peninsular Malaysia. Major threats include habitat loss, secondary poisoning from agricultural chemicals, poaching, and illegal pet trade facilitated by social media. Strengthening conservation through renewed local collaborations, such as the Raptor Study Group (halted in 2018), and regional initiatives under the Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network (ARRCN) is crucial. Future research should prioritise integrated monitoring, migration flyway protection, habitat conservation, and citizen science to ensure the long-term survival of Malaysian raptors, particularly poorly studied species.

ASSOC. PROF. DR. PUAN CHONG LEONG

Universiti Putra Malaysia

Dr. Puan Chong Leong obtained his doctoral degree in wildlife ecology from University of Queensland. He is currently a lecturer in wildlife -related subjects at UPM and conducts ecological research on birds across diverse habitats. He has published numerous research articles, authored three books, and is also an editor for several ornithology and tropical forestry journals. He is a member of the Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network (ARRCN) since 2010 and now serve as the ARRCN President in 2025. He is also a member of the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Raptor Research Foundation, and MNS.