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What are the endemic birds of Tasmania?

Are you planning a trip to Tasmania and wondering which bird species are endemic? You’re in the right place! In Tasmania, there are only 12 bird species that cannot be observed anywhere else in the world. That is a high number for a single region of Australia covering just under 70,000 km². With 45% of the island classified as national parks and nearly 20% protected and listed as UNESCO World Heritage, Tasmania boasts a remarkably rich biodiversity. In addition to iconic mammals such as the Tasmanian Devil, the Wombat, and the Pademelon, more than 380 bird species have been recorded in Tasmania, 12 of which are endemic.

Birding at Kinabalu Park

Kinabalu Park is extremely well known and heavily visited for its summit rising to 4,095 meters: Mount Kinabalu. This altitude makes it the highest peak in Malaysia. Among the many visitors to the park are hikers, guides, and porters climbing toward the summit. But alongside them are also a few birdwatchers in search of rare and Borneo-endemic species.

Birding at Bukit Tinggi

Bukit Tinggi is a rather unusual birdwatching destination in Malaysia. This hill, located about 1.5 hours from Kuala Lumpur, is a replica of Colmar, a town in northeastern France. Within the botanical garden of this site, near the Japanese garden, a bird hide allows observers to see one of Malaysia’s rarest birds: the Mountain Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron inopinatum).

Birding at Crocker Range & Trusmadi

Crocker Range National Park is one of the must-visit birding locations in the Sabah region. Beyond the park itself, Mount Trusmadi is also a very interesting place to observe many iconic species such as the Bulwer’s Pheasant (Lophura bulweri) and the Bornean Banded Pitta (Hydrornis schwaneri). Two paid bird hides are located along the road leading up to the summit.

Birding at Western Treatment Plant

Located southwest of Melbourne, this wetland covering more than 10,000 hectares is a true treasure for birdwatching. During my trip around Melbourne, I met several Australian birders who told me that the Western Treatment Plant is one of the best places (if not the best) for birdwatching in Victoria, and even in Australia. Also known locally as “Werribee”, it is in fact a wastewater treatment facility managed by Victoria’s water authority. The ponds are environmentally friendly lagoons, and this biological treatment method is internationally recognized.

Birding in Fraser’s Hill

Fraser’s Hill is simply the best place for birding in Peninsular Malaysia. If you are doing a tour of the country specifically focused on ornithology, this is a must-visit stop. It’s no coincidence that many birdwatching events are organized here every year.

Morakot Resort: At the edge of the former territory of the Gurney’s Pitta

Morakot Resort is a lodge located one kilometer from the Khao Nor Chu Chi Wildlife Sanctuary in Krabi Province, southern Thailand. It is the only lodge in the area, making it the go-to accommodation for birders visiting the sanctuary. The large restaurant on-site is a natural gathering spot where visitors exchange information about the species they have seen.

Lung Cha Homestay : Meet Khao Sam Roi Yot birds

Lung Cha Homestay is the only lodge located inside Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, in Kiri Chan Province, Thailand. The homestay sits on the edge of the Thung Sam Roi Yot marsh, giving direct access to the many bird species that frequent the area. It is not strictly a birding lodge, since it was not specifically designed for birders. However, it fully deserves a place on our list of Thailand’s birding lodges, as birdwatching is a key activity here.

Birding in Kuala Selengor

If you are passing through the Malaysian capital, the small coastal town of Kuala Selangor is well worth a detour. Most tourists come here for a nocturnal boat trip to see the hundreds of fireflies that light up the mangroves. But this town has other attractions, and it would be a shame to focus only on the fireflies—especially if you are passionate about birdwatching. The avifauna in Kuala Selangor’s reserve is very rich, as is the coastline of the neighboring villages, which host thousands of waders.

Birding in Taman Negara

Taman Negara is the most famous national park in Malaysia. It attracts thousands of tourists every year. Most visitors do not come here specifically for birds but for multi-day explorations in the jungle. Despite its high visitor numbers, the park remains an excellent place for birdwatching. I recommend spending at least two or three days here to make the most of the different trails.

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