The Asian Openbill engaging in foraging activity at Alue Naga Bird Research and Birdwatching site. Photo by Tedi Wahyudi.
Over the past four years, the Alue Naga Bird Research and Birdwatching initiative has steadily grown into an important community-based conservation effort. In October 2025, coinciding with the autumn migratory season, the site recorded a remarkable milestone: for the first time, the Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans) was documented using Alue Naga as both a feeding and resting site. This event not only represents a significant ornithological record, but also highlights the ecological value of the area within the broader migratory network of Southeast Asia.
Covering nearly 250 hectares, Alue Naga consists of extensive intertidal mudflats, well-established mangrove stands, and traditional aquaculture ponds. During low tide, vast mudflat areas are exposed, providing abundant foraging opportunities for waterbirds. The diversity of prey—including mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish—creates optimal conditions for migratory species to replenish their energy reserves after long-distance flights. Such habitat heterogeneity makes Alue Naga particularly suitable as a stopover and roosting site.
Since their initial arrival in October 2025, approximately 200 Asian Openbills have been recorded. Each morning, many individuals depart to forage in surrounding wetlands, while around 20 juveniles and 10 adults remain within the site to feed and rest. Notably, nocturnal counts indicate that up to 200 individuals gather at the site to roost, underscoring its importance as a secure resting ground. The presence of juveniles further suggests that the habitat provides adequate resources and minimal disturbance, both of which are crucial for migratory survival.
Ecologically, the arrival of the Asian Openbill serves as a strong indicator of habitat quality. Alue Naga lies along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, one of the world’s most significant migratory corridors, connecting breeding grounds in northern Asia with wintering areas as far south as Australia. Wetlands functioning within this flyway are essential stepping stones that enable migratory birds to complete their journeys successfully. The increasing use of Alue Naga by migratory waterbirds therefore reinforces its regional and potentially international conservation significance.
In addition to the Asian Openbill, monitoring efforts have recorded numerous migratory shorebirds, including the Bar-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew, Sanderling, Common Redshank, Asian Golden Plover, Tibetan Sand Plover, Little Stint, Red-necked Stint, and Ruddy Turnstone. Seabirds such as the Whiskered Tern and Little Tern have also been observed. Resident species—including the Little Egret, Intermediate Egret, Great Egret, and Black-crowned Night Heron—further enrich the site’s biodiversity. Raptors such as the Peregrine Falcon, Shikra, Osprey, and White-bellied Sea Eagle have also been documented, reflecting the ecological complexity of the wetland.
Beyond ecological monitoring, the Alue Naga team actively engages local communities through environmental education and awareness programmes. Collaboration with Panglima Laot, the customary maritime authority responsible for overseeing coastal waters, has strengthened site protection and reinforced community stewardship. This integrated approach—combining scientific monitoring, local knowledge, and community outreach—demonstrates that sustainable wetland conservation is most effective when built upon collective responsibility.
Ultimately, the increasing presence of migratory waterbirds at Alue Naga affirms its critical role within the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. Continued protection, research, and community engagement will be essential to ensuring that this wetland remains a safe haven for migratory birds in the years to come.
The juvenile Asian Openbill using the mangrove habitat at Alue Naga Bird Research and Birdwatching site as a resting area. Photo by Tedi Wahyudi. 
Routine monitoring activities at Alue Naga Bird Research and Birdwatching conducted by Heri and Tedi. Photo by Heri Tarmizi.
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