Saturday, July 17, 2010

Setiu Wetland: The rich biodiversity area that you should not miss

Setiu Wetland occupies approximately 23,000 hectares of land around Setiu River basin in Setiu, Terengganu. It consists of riparian forest, fresh water swamps, peat swamps, mangroves, nipah, brackish water, seagrass beds, sand islands and sandy beach. 

It is a breeding grounds for terrapin, green turtles (endangered species), fish, crabs, prawns etc. Now, many of this areas are used for aquaculture pond, cage culture, oyster farming etc. Some are converted into other uses. Here also, it is a feeding area for water birds and stop over sites for migratory birds

The unhurried river supports flora and fauna community.


The fish are plenty here and good for fishing.


The replanting of mangrove by the authority and NGO's


The area has typical plants: coconut, nipah, and other tree species.

The Setiu Wetland has attracted many research organisations in Malaysia like WWF, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, MNF. Even research organisations  from other countries  also come here to conduct research.

For those interested in environmental conservation and protection, bird watching, preservation of endangered species, aquaculture and the related socio-economic activities of the inhabitants, this area is a must visit.

If you are interested, contact the local travel agent or you can go on your own to Penarik and start your exploratory walk and drive. Penarik is 50km north of Kuala Terengganu. Happy travelling.

1 comment:

  1. for more setiu wetland's nature exploration, kindly contact me, ramleemuda.I am a licensed nature guide
    (TG 8807).tel no 6012 3264440 or 6017 3264440.

    ReplyDelete