Kota
Kinabalu Wetland Centre
Formally known as Kota
Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary (KKCBS)
Located in the heart of KK City this 24 hectare
area of mangrove forest is the last of its kind in the
region. Home to waterbirds - Egrets, Herons, Greenshank
and Redshanks, canopy birds - Kingfishers, Doves,
Starlings, Lora's and Pigeons. The area is also a key
rest and feeding place for birds on migration paths.
Mudskippers, Fidlers crabs, Mud Crabs and Mud lobsters
can be seen, especially at low tide on the mangrove mud
flats. Horseshoe crabs can also be seen but they are
quite rare.
The area was designated a bird sanctuary by the
state government in September 1996 to help foster a
better understanding and awareness on the value of
wetlands. In 1998, it was declared a State Cultural
Heritage Site.
As a wetland and natural flood retention area,
KKCBS plays a major role for the city of KK, preventing
possible downstream flooding, removing toxicants and
sediments and recycling nutrients. It is also a nursery
ground for many juvenile ocean fish. A green lung for the
city, its location is strategic for environmental
education, urban recreation and eco tourism.
Mangrove forests are found in saline coastal areas,
in the intertidal zone where salt water is washed through
twice a day with the tide. The trees and shrubs living
here are deprived of oxygen and must survive in
waterlogged mud with intense sunshine. Nature has various
ways of dealing with these environmental challenges. Some
species grow stilt roots so they can prop themselves up
out of the water and intake gases directly form the
atmosphere, often storing these nutrients so they can
survive at high tide when the prop roots are submerged.
There are 9 different species of mangrove within
the sanctuary as well as ferns, shrubs and other
naturally growing vegetation. A walkway runs through the
area keeping visitors from damaging the vegetation. There
is also a lookout point standing approx. 30m high and a
bird hide where a breeding colony of Purple Heron can be
seen.
To view images of some of the birds photographed at the
sanctuary please visit our
Borneo Birds section with
Photo Collections.
Contact
Information
The sanctuary is open from 8am - 6pm Daily.
Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary
Off Jalan Bukit Bendera Upper,
88400 Likas, Kota Kinabalu
Sabah
Tel: 088-246955
Fax: 088-247955
Email
