South-west Johor coast (16034)
Malaysia, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: South-west Johor coast
Central coordinates: Latitude: 1.7500, Longitude: 102.9333
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 5
Area of KBA (km2): 164.42532
Protected area coverage (%): 4.37
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: (I) Physical CharacteristicsPulau Kukup is located off the south-west tip of Johor State. The island is covered by mature mangrove forest, accreting towards the west and north-west, eroding in the south-east, and is a particularly good example of unexploited mangrove forest. Large mudflats are located to the north-west whereas severely degraded coastal mangroves (less than 500 m wide) are bunded on the landward side (DWNP, 1987; Junkov, 1999; Hawkins and Howes, 1986). (II) Climatic ConditionsPulau Kukup experiences a humid tropical climate with annual showers from both the NE and SW monsoons. The annual rainfall average ranges from 2,000 - 2,500 mm with an even distribution throughout the year (WIMP, 1999). Temperature ranges from 24.5oC to 26.5oC annually (IKAS, n.d.). The island experiences semi-diurnal tidal exposure of two high tides and low tides in a day (WIMP, 1999).
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: Pulau Kukup is an important feeding ground for the Lesser Adjutants and migratory shorebirds (5 species) (Noramly, 1998). The mangroves around the Kukup area are refuges for several globally Near Threatened species such as the Long-tailed Parakeet Psittacula longicauda, Chestnut-bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus sumatranus, White-chested Babbler Trichastoma rostratum and Mangrove Pitta Pitta megarhyncha (Anon., 1992). Non-bird biodiversity: Unidentified dolphins have been seen using the channel between island and mainland. (I) Globally threatened mammals (IUCN, 2002): VULNERABLE: Smooth Otter Lutrogale perspicillata, NEAR THREATENED: Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis(II) Globally threatened reptiles (IUCN, 2002): None.(III) Globally threatened plants (IUCN, 2002): None.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Mangrove and mudflats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 50 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 50 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Reclamation, loss of nesting site, waterbird hunting, illegal mangrove removal, pesticide/chemical pollution, industrial pollution, infrastructure development, oil slicks, aquaculture pollution, erosion.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pollution | Industrial & military effluents | Oil spills | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Nutrient loads | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Logging & wood harvesting | Unintentional effects: subsistence/small scale (species being assessed is not the target) [harvest] | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Agro-industry farming | Ongoing |
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Shipping lanes | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: DWNP. 1987. Malaysian Wetland Directory. Peninsular Malaysia: Department of Wildlife and National Parks.IUCN. 2002. 2002 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. http://www.redlist.org (23 June 2003).Junkov, M. (ed.). 1999. Biodiversity Audit and Conservation Plan for the Mangroves of Johor. Project Document No 6. Forestry Department, Peninsular Malaysia/Johor State/DANCED.Hawkins, A.F.A. and Howes, J.R. 1986. Preliminary Assessment of Coastal Wetlands and Shorebirds in South-West Peninsular Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur: INTERWADER Publication No.13. Lamont, A. (ed.). 1997. Johor Bird Report 1998. (Unpublished).Lamont, A. (ed.). 1998. Johor Bird Report 1998. (Unpublished).Lamont, A. (ed.). 1999. Johor Bird Report 1998. (Unpublished).Lamont, A. (ed.). 1999. Johor Bird Report 1998. (Unpublished).Lamont, A. (ed.). 2000. The Johor Bird Report 1999. (Unpublished).Lim, K.C. 1998. Birding Johor - Kukup. Singapore Avifauna 11(4): 23-25.Lim, K.S. (compiler). 1992. Jan-Mar 1992 Bird Report. Singapore Avifauna 6(1): 1-23.Mah, T.O. 2000. An Update of Kukup's shorebirds. Suara Enggang,6: 10-11.MCRST 1992. The Coastal Resources Management Plan for South Johor, Malaysia. Malaysian Coastal Resources Study Team. Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment. ASEAN/US Coastal Resources Management Project. Technical Publications Series 11. Manila: ICLARM.Noramly, G. 1998. Bird Survey of the Johor Mangroves, Technical Report for the Project Preparation of an Integrated Management Palm for Sustainable Use of the Johor Mangrove Forests. Johor State For.Dept/DARUDEC/DANCED.Noramly, G. 1999. Birding Around Kukup, Johor. Suara Enggang 1: 8-10.MOCAT. 1997. National Ecotourism Plan Malaysia. Prepared for the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Federal Government of Malaysia. IKAS. No date. Kajian Pelan Pengurusan Pelancongan dan Rekreasi Rezab Taman Negara Pulau Kukup, Pontian, Johor Darul Takzim. Prepared by Institut Kajian Alam Sekitar, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia for Perbadanan Taman Negara (Johor).WIMP. 1999. Ecological Assessment of Pulau Kukup, Johor: To determine its status as a wetland of international importance. A report submitted to Perbadanan Taman Negara (Johor), Johor Darul Takzim. Petaling Jaya: Wetlands International-Malaysia Programme.WIMP. 2001. Ecological Assessment of Sungai Pulai Mangrove Forest Reserve and Proposed Tanjung Piai State Park: To determine their status as wetlands of international importance (Ramsar Sites). A report submitted to Perbadanan Taman Negara (Johor), Johor Darul Takzim. Petaling Jaya: Wetlands International-Malaysia Programme.