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An overview of the status and abundance of migratory waders in Sumatra,

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Stilt 50 (2006): 90–95 Migratory waders in Sumatra

AN OVERVIEW OF THE STATUS AND ABUNDANCE OF MIGRATORY WADERS IN

SUMATRA, INDONESIA

ANDREW C. CROSSLAND1, SULE A. SINAMBELA2, ANDY S. SITORUS3 & ARI W. SITORUS4

1
34 Chichester Street, Woolston, Christchurch 8006, New Zealand; Andrew.Crossland@ccc.govt.nz. 2Jalan. Mual Nauli IV,
No.16 Siopat Suhu, Pemantang Siantar, Sumatera Utara 21115, Indonesia. 3,4 Universitas Teknologi Yogyakarta, D.I.
Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia

This paper provides a summary of the status and abundance of 37 species of migratory wader recorded in Sumatra,
western Indonesia. High numbers, totalling tens of thousands of birds occur along the eastern coastline of Sumatra
in the provinces of North Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra and Lampung. Smaller numbers occur in the
northern province of Aceh and along the west coast. Wader species occurring in thousands include Lesser Sand
Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Asian Dowitcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew,
Common Redshank, Terek Sandpiper and Curlew Sandpiper. Species found in hundreds include Pacific Golden
Plover, Grey Plover, Pintail Snipe, Whimbrel, Eastern Curlew, Marsh Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Great Knot and
Red Knot. Sumatra is both a terminus for some migrants, as well as a passage zone for waders migrating towards
eastern Indonesia and probably Australia. The eastern coastline of Sumatra and adjacent islands combine with the
west coast of Peninsular Malaysia to create one of the most important areas for waders and other shorebirds in
South-East Asia.

INTRODUCTION most areas by mangrove forest, nipah swampland or,

The Indonesian archipelago comprises 13,600 islands and
forms a 5,000 km wide barrier between South-East Asia and
Australasia. The coastline of this archipelago, as well as its
inland wetlands and extensive areas of human-created rice
fields support large populations of native and migratory
waterbirds. Although vast numbers of migratory waders are
assumed to overfly or transit through Indonesia on migration
(Lane 1987), many thousands more spend the northern
winter on the archipelago's shores.
The island of Sumatra (476,000 km2) straddles the
equator at the western end of the Indonesian archipelago
(Figure 1); it comprises both a passage zone for waders
migrating between northern Asia and Australasia, as well as
a terminus for species that spend the non-breeding season in
the tropics. This overview summarises what is known about
the status and abundance of migratory waders in Sumatra.
This information is collated from a number of sources but
mainly derives from a decade of field observations by the
authors in north-east Sumatra, and from the published results
of survey work carried out in south-east Sumatra during the
1980s and 90s – principally by Silvius (1988), Verheught et
al. (1990, 1993) and Parrott & Andrew (1996). Little is
known of wader concentrations along the west coast of
Sumatra as, to date, minimal survey work has taken place
there. However the existence of large concentrations is
unlikely because the extent of intertidal mudflats is limited.
Coastal Wader Habitats
The coastline of north-eastern Sumatra (facing the Andaman
Sea and the northern part of the Strait of Malacca) is
characterised by a semi-diurnal tidal cycle and generally
low-energy wave environments (Whitten et al. 2000). This,
combined with high loads of suspended sediments
transported by rivers, has allowed the development of
extensive soft mudflats along open shorelines, backed in
following land reclamation, aquaculture ponds. North of
Lake Toba, coastal rivers tend to develop extensive deltaic
river mouths with associated mangrove forests. East of Lake
Toba, rivers tend to carry a larger volume of coarser
sediments resulting in the prevalence of sandy beach and
sand spit development between the mudflat and mangrove
zones. Further south, the first of the major river estuary
systems starts with the Asahan, Kuala, Bila and Barumun
Rivers, culminating with the Rokan River. The mouths of
these rivers are characterised by expansive areas of intertidal
mudflat, ranging in width from 500 m to upwards of 10 km.
The coastline of south-eastern Sumatra (facing the
southern part of the Strait of Malacca, the South China Sea
and the Java Sea) has a complex mix of tidal cycles
(including mixed, semi-diurnal and diurnal) and generally
low-energy wave environments (Whitten et al. 2000). The
mainland coastline comprises a sequence of large
embayments punctuated by major drainage systems entering
the sea either via extensive deltas or through single channel
(Amazon-like) river estuaries. The largest rivers such as the
Musi, Banyuasin, Bantang Hari, Indragiri and Kampar carry
enormous volumes of sediment to the coast, resulting in high
rates of accretion, the development of expansive mudflats
and creation of mangrove-covered islands. Behind the
accreting coastline lies a wide alluvial plain with zones of
mangrove, swampland and peat forest, in places extending
up to 100 km inland. Large barrier islands line the coastlines
of southern Riau and South Sumatra Provinces, while the
coastline of Lampung consists mainly of open shorelines.
Compared with the east coast, the western coastline of
Sumatra offers limited wader habitat. The west coast is
characterised by steep hill country, a narrow coastal plain
and a shoreline exposed to the high energy waves of the
Indian Ocean. Much of the west coast comprises beaches and
cliffs, with mudflat habitat limited to a small number of
embayments and river mouths.

90
Stilt 50 (2006): 90–95 Migratory waders in Sumatra

Figure 1. Sumatra, showing geographical regions referred to in text.

Inland Wader Habitats progressively surveyed the eastern coastline of North

Sumatra Province from Belawan in the north to the Asahan
Inland wader habitats include the banks of large rivers, lake
Rivermouth in the south.
shores, water reservoirs, aquaculture ponds, freshwater
Other information on wader numbers and distribution in
swamps and rice fields. The last is the most significant with
Sumatra (including limited survey data from the west coast
tens of thousands of hectares under cultivation across
of Sumatra) comes from the Asian Waterbird Census (Lopez
Sumatra. Although difficult to survey, rice fields are known
& Mundkur 1997; Li & Mundkur 2004), from the Sumatra
to support sizeable wader populations, especially of snipe
Bird Report periodically published in Kukila (Holmes 1996),
and some of the sandpipers and stints.
and from accounts in various regional field guides.
PREVIOUS SURVEYS
SPECIES ACCOUNTS
South-eastern Sumatra has had the best survey coverage,
“Summer” and “winter” in these accounts refer to northern
mainly as a result of fieldwork by M. Silvius and colleagues
hemisphere seasons. The summer months, June to August,
who completed wader surveys along the eastern coastlines of
refer to the northern hemisphere breeding season. The other
Riau, Jambi and South Sumatra provinces over the period
months comprise the non-breeding season; winter refers to
1984 to 1986 (Silvius 1988). Subsequently, Verheught et al.
that part of the non-breeding season in which there is no
(1990, 1993) carried out aerial and ground surveys of the
migration, usually December to February.
South Sumatra Province tidal lowlands and floodplains in
1988 and 1989. Milton (1985) and Parrott & Andrew (1996) Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum
reported on wader observations made at Way Kambas
A rare passage wader in the north-east (Crossland in prep.);
National Park in Lampung Province in 1985, and in 1988
an uncommon migrant and winter visitor elsewhere,
and 1989, respectively. Crossland & Sinambela (2005)
including islands (MacKinnon & Phillipps 1993). Flocks of
reported on a survey of waders on Batam Island in the Riau
up to 60 observed in the north-east (Crossland in prep.); up
Archipelago in 2001 and 2002.
to 87 in the south-east (Silvius 1988) and 24 in the west
Wader populations in north-eastern Sumatra have
(Holmes 1996).
received much less survey coverage. Crossland (2000)
reported on wader populations observed at three coastal Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva
wetlands in the northern tip of Aceh Province in December
1995. Over the period 1994–2006 the authors have A common migrant with flocks of low hundreds in the north-
east, with highest numbers occurring in winter (Crossland in

91
Stilt 50 (2006): 90–95
prep.). This species is scarce in the south-east (Silvius 1988)
but common in the Riau archipelago with highest numbers
recorded during southward migration (Crossland &
Sinambela 2005). Pacific Golden Plovers are found mainly
on coastal sites, but also occur inland up to 1400 m a.s.l.
(Holmes 1996).
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
Slightly less common but more widespread than preceding
species in the north-east. Low numbers during southern
migration; highest numbers during northward migration with
flocks of up to 200 (Crossland in prep.). Much more
common than P. fulva in the south-east. Highest numbers
observed during southward migration with a moderate influx
during northward migration (Silvius 1988, Verheught et al.
1990).
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
Relatively common in the Aceh area of the north-east
(Crossland 2000), but generally scarce elsewhere (Strange
2001, Crossland & Sinambela 2005).
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
An uncommon visitor on all coasts (Parrott & Andrew 1996,
Strange 2001). Sumatra is outside the principal wintering
range for this species.
Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus
An abundant and widespread migrant to mudflats,
aquaculture ponds and marshland on all coasts. Flocks of
thousands observed in the north-east (Crossland in prep.) and
the south-east (Silvius 1988).
Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii
An abundant and widespread migrant in the north-east where
it is often more numerous than preceding species, with flocks
of 2000+ recorded (Crossland in prep.). Much less numerous
in the south-east, with highest numbers during northward
migration (Silvius 1988).
Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus
Sumatra lies west of the usual wintering range of this species
and it has been recorded as a rare vagrant only (Silvius 1988,
MacKinnon & Phillipps 1993, Parrott & Andrew 1996).
Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura
A common migrant to marshland and rice fields where it can
be locally abundant (MacKinnon & Phillipps 1993,
Crossland in prep.).
Swinhoe's Snipe Gallinago megala
An uncommon visitor to Sumatra, recently recorded in North
Sumatra Province (Crossland in prep.) but a need for further
records to clarify its status and distribution throughout the
island (MacKinnon & Phillipps 1993).
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
Reported by MacKinnon & Phillipps (1993) as a scarce
visitor to the Greater Sundas with doubtful records from
Sumatra. As with the preceding species, further records are
92
Migratory waders in Sumatra
required to clarify the status and distribution of Common
Snipe in Sumatra.
Asian Dowitcher Limnodromus semipalmatus
An abundant and widespread migrant with flocks of up to
7000 recorded in the north-east (Crossland in prep.) and up
to 12,000 recorded in the south-east (Verheught et al. 1990,
1993). Distribution and abundance insufficiently
documented for the west. The most abundant wader species
at a number of sites, including Pantai Sejara in North
Sumatra Province (Crossland in prep.) and Way Kambas in
Lampung Province (Parrott & Andrew 1996). The east coast
of Sumatra is the principal wintering ground for this species.
The current estimated world population of 23,000 (Wetlands
International 2006) is likely to need revision upwards once
full survey coverage of Sumatran coastal wetlands is
achieved.
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
Generally uncommon during southward migration and
winter in the north-east but a strong passage occurs during
northward migration, especially in March and April, with
flocks of up to 3800 recorded (Crossland in prep). A quite
different seasonal pattern has been observed in the south-east
with Black-tailed Godwit being one of the most abundant
species year-round. Single flocks of up to 25,000 recorded
during southward migration in South Sumatra Province
(Verheught et al. 1990). High numbers (thousands) have
been recorded in summer (July-August) and these are
presumed to be non-breeders and immatures (Silvius 1988).
The origins of these summering birds are as yet unknown but
may be other parts of Indonesia or possibly Australia.
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
Locally abundant in the north-east. Most abundant during
southward and northward migrations with substantial
numbers also present through winter (Crossland in prep.).
Also abundant and widespread in the south-east with highest
numbers during southward migration but very few during
northward migration (Silvius 1988, Verheught et al. 1990).
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
A widespread and common migrant in the north- and south-
east (Crossland in prep., Silvius 1988) with flocks of up to
400 recorded. Highest numbers observed during southward
migration with much lower numbers during northward
migration, especially in the south-east. Upwards of 3000
counted on the coastlines of Jambi and South Sumatra
Provinces during July-August 1985 indicating the
importance of the south-east Sumatra as an over-summering
area for non-breeders (Silvius 1988).
Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata
Contrary to MacKinnon & Phillipps (1993), who state that
this species is a regular visitor to the Greater Sundas but
never numerous, recent surveys have found it to be an
abundant and widespread migrant in Sumatra with flocks of
up to 2600 recorded in the north-east (Crossland in prep.)
and 7100 in the south-east (Verheught et al. 1990). Clearly,
Sumatra is a major migration terminus for this species.
Stilt 50 (2006): 90–95
Highest numbers in both the north-east and south-east
recorded during southward migration and winter with lower
numbers during northward migration (Silvius 1988,
Verheught 1990, Crossland in prep.). Upwards of 3000
recorded in summer (July-August) along the coastlines of
Jambi and South Sumatra Provinces in the south-east
(Silvius 1988), indicating that relatively large numbers may
stay through summer.
Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis
Generally an uncommon visitor (MacKinnon & Phillipps
1993, Strange 2001), but localised concentrations of 100 or
more have been found in the north-east (Crossland in prep.)
and up to 2600 in the south-east (Verheught et al. 1990).
Highest numbers observed in winter in the north-east and
during southward migration in the south-east.
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes
A rare vagrant to Sumatra, first recorded in 1983 (Ollington
& Parrish 1989, MacKinnon & Phillipps 1993).
Common Redshank Tringa totanus
An abundant and widespread migrant in both the north-east
(Crossland in prep.) and the south-east (Silvius 1988,
Verheught et al. 1990). Sumatra is a major wintering area for
this species with flocks of up to 10,000 recorded
(MacKinnon & Phillipps 1993). Highest numbers recorded
during winter and northern migration.
Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus
A scarce visitor to Sumatra, recorded in September 1988 at
Lebak Pampangan in South Sumatra Province and
occasionally from other localities in the south-east
(Verheught et al. 1993). Not yet recorded from the north-east
but, given the closer proximity to the southern limit of this
species' normal wintering range (the Thai- Malay Peninsula),
its occurrence is likely.
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
A locally common migrant to the north- and south-east with
flocks of up to 300 recorded. Highest numbers recorded in
winter in the north-east (Crossland in prep.) and during
southward migration in the south-east (Verheught et al.
1990).
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
A widespread but not numerous migrant on all coasts. Flocks
in the north-east and the south-east seldom exceed 50 birds
with highest numbers present during winter and during
northward migration (Silvius 1988, Crossland in prep.).
Nordmann's Greenshank Tringa guttifer
Not identified in Sumatra until 6 birds were found at Cemara
Beach (Jambi Province) in April 1986 (Silvius 1987).
Subsequently found to be a regular migrant in small numbers
to the north-east (MacKinnon & Phillipps 1993; Crossland in
prep.) and the south-east (Silvius 1988). Typically groups of
6 or less have been spotted but Verheught et al. (1990, 1993)
reported a flock of 21 from South Sumatra. This species is
probably more numerous than the limited records to date
93
Migratory waders in Sumatra
suggest. All congregations of Common Greenshank
anywhere in Sumatra should be carefully scrutinised for any
Nordmann’s Greenshank that might be among them.
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
Sumatra lies on the edge of this species' wintering range and
it occurs as an uncommon visitor in small numbers
(MacKinnon & Phillipps 1993, Verheught et al. 1993,
Holmes 1996).
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Said by Strange (2001) to be probably the most numerous
and widespread shorebird in Indonesia. Both MacKinnon &
Phillipps (1993) and Tilford & Compost (2000) state that
this species is common and widespread in the Greater
Sundas. Holmes & Nash (1990) list this as one of the three
most common waders seen inland in Sumatra and
Kalimantan, while Parrott & Andrew (1996) report it as
common in agricultural land surrounding Way Kambas
National Park in Lampung Province. The Wood Sandpiper is
not typically a species of intertidal mudflats so it has
received poor coverage in wader surveys conducted in north-
and south-east Sumatra to date. More surveys of rice field
and freshwater wetland habitats are required before the true
abundance of this species in Sumatra can be assessed.
Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus
An abundant and widespread migrant in the north- and
south-east with flocks of over 2000 recorded (Crossland in
prep., Silvius 1988, Verheught et al. 1990, MacKinnon &
Phillipps 1993). In the north-east high numbers observed on
southward and northward migrations with relatively low
numbers over winter. In the south-east highest numbers on
southward migration with much lower numbers recorded on
northward migration. These patterns suggests heavy passage
of Terek Sandpipers through Sumatra, probably involving
birds moving through to Java and eastern Indonesia or
possibly further still to Australia.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
A common and widespread migrant, found in a wide range
of estuarine, wetland and riverine habitats from the coast up
to 1500 m (Holmes & Nash 1990, MacKinnon & Phillipps
1993). Flocks of up to 40 have been observed in the north-
east (Crossland in prep.).
Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes
This species has not been observed in shorebird surveys in
the north-east (Crossland 2000, Crossland in prep.) or the
south-east (Silvius 1988, Verheught et al. 1993, Parrott &
Andrew 1996, Crossland & Sinambela 2005). However, it is
reported by both MacKinnon & Phillipps (1993) and Strange
(2001) as an uncommon to rare visitor to the Sundas,
including Sumatra.
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Widespread but nowhere numerous in the north-east
(Crossland in prep.). More numerous in the south-east where
highest numbers recorded on southward migration (Silvius
Stilt 50 (2006): 90–95
1988, Verheught et al. 1990). Scarce on west coast with first
record in May 1992 (Holmes 1996).
Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris
A locally common migrant in the north-east with flocks of
up to 400 recorded. Much less common in the south-east
where mainly seen on southward migration (Silvius 1988).
Red Knot Calidris canutus
Described by MacKinnon & Phillipps (1993) as a rare
passage migrant, this species is generally very scarce in
Sumatra except for a brief passage during northward
migration (Silvius 1988, Crossland in prep.). Flocks of up to
400, usually comprising birds in full breeding plumage, have
been observed mainly in late March to early April and
quickly pass through. With an absence of concentrations of
Red Knot wintering in western Indonesia, it is likely that
these birds have an Australian origin.
Sanderling Calidris alba
A rare visitor to the north-east (Holmes 1996) and the south-
east (Silvius 1987, 1988; Verheught et al. 1993). Likely to
be more common on the sandy coastlines of the west, but
shorebird surveys have yet to be undertaken in areas of
suitable habitat to confirm this.
Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis
A widespread but generally uncommon migrant to the north-
and the south-east with flocks exceeding 170 birds recorded
in Aceh Province (Crossland 2000), but seldom exceeding
50 birds elsewhere (Silvius 1988, Crossland in prep.).
Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta
A widespread but scarce visitor to Indonesia, including
Sumatra (Tilford & Compost 2000, Strange 2001). This
species does not usually frequent coastal mudflats so has not
been picked up on shorebird surveys in the north- and south-
east.
Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus
A locally common migrant in the north-east with flocks of
up to 100 observed (Crossland in prep.). A rare visitor in the
south-east, recorded mainly during northward migration
(Silvius 1988, Verheught et al. 1993).
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
An abundant and widespread migrant with flocks of over
1000 recorded in the north-east (Crossland in prep.). Less
abundant but still widespread and common in the south-east,
particularly during winter and northward migration (Silvius
1988, Verheught et al. 1990).
Ruff Philomachus pugnax
An uncommon migrant to Sumatra, where it occurs on
coastal and inland habitats (MacKinnon & Phillipps 1993).
Not recorded on coastal surveys in the north-east (Crossland
in prep.) or the south-east (Silvius 1988, Verheught et al.
1993).
94
Migratory waders in Sumatra
DISCUSSION
Wintering migrants, passage migrants and vagrants
Wader surveys completed to date in Sumatra have very
much been preliminary work with only about half of the east
coast and just a fraction of the west coast covered. Much
greater survey effort is required before a definitive
understanding of abundance and distribution of waders in
Sumatra can emerge.
This paper has provided a summary for 37 migratory
wader species recorded in Sumatra up until 2006.
Approximately a fifth of these use Sumatra (and presumably
neighbouring parts of the Indonesian archipelago) as a
migration terminus and don't migrate beyond the region in
any great numbers. Such species include Pintail Snipe,
Swinhoe’s Snipe, Little Ringed Plover, Asian Dowitcher,
Eurasian Curlew, Common Redshank and Nordmann's
Greenshank.
Another group (comprising over half the recorded
species) overwinter in Sumatra as well as in neighbouring
Indonesian islands and Australia. For most of these species,
influxes evident during one or both migration periods
suggest passage through Sumatra – presumably to Java and
neighbouring islands, and possibly onwards to Australia.
These species include: Pacific Golden Plover, Grey Plover,
Greater Sand Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Black-tailed
Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Eastern Curlew,
Marsh Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper,
Terek Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone,
Great Knot, Curlew Sandpiper, Sanderling, Red-necked Stint
and Broad-billed Sandpiper.
A third group comprises species which are seldom
recorded wintering in Sumatra, but which occur as passage
migrants, probably heading to (or from) eastern Indonesia or
Australia. This group includes Oriental Pratincole, Oriental
Plover, Red Knot and Grey-tailed Tattler.
A fourth group consists of species for which Sumatra lies
on the edge of their the south-east Asian range and they
consequently occur as stragglers in very low numbers. This
group includes: Kentish Plover, Common Snipe, Spotted
Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Long-toed Stint and Ruff.
Potential additions to this group which should be looked for
on Sumatran wetlands include Ringed Plover Charadrius
hiaticula, Long-billed Plover Charadrius placidus,
Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii, Spoon-billed
Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmaeus, Dunlin Calidris
alpina and Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus.
An estimate of total migratory wader numbers
The total shoreline length of Sumatra’s east coast and
adjacent islands exceeds 3500 km, much of which comprises
intertidal mudflats, mangroves and swampland. In addition,
there are thousands of hectares of aquaculture ponds and tens
of thousands of hectares of rice fields throughout the coastal
lowlands. Verheught et al. (1990) estimated that 500,000
migratory waders were dependent on the coastal mudflats of
South Sumatra Province. Extrapolations from this to cover
the entire east coast and adjacent islands, as well as pockets
of suitable wader habitat along the west coast, suggest that
Stilt 50 (2006): 90–95
upwards of one million migratory waders could overwinter
in or migrate through Sumatra during the course of a year.
However, the results of more recent survey work undertaken
by Wetlands International, Wildlife Conservation Society
and others require publication before a more satisfactory
population estimate can be made.
Eastern Sumatra supports wader populations comparable
or greater than those found on the west coast of Peninsular
Malaysia (Li et al. 2006). Together these coastlines on
opposite sides of the Strait of Malacca comprise one of the
most important areas for waders and other shorebirds in
Asia, comparable to areas like the Yellow Sea, the Gulf of
Thailand and the coast of Bangladesh.
Key sites
Numerous sites around the coastlines of Sumatra support
upwards of 1000 migratory waders. Surveyed sites known to
support 10,000 birds or more include Bagan Percut and
Pantai Sejara-Tanjung Tiram in North Sumatra Province;
Tanjung Datuk and Tanjung Bakung in Riau Province;
Tanjung Jabung in Jambi Province and the Banyuasin
Peninsula, Musi Delta and Lumpur Bay in South Sumatra.
Areas that still require survey coverage
In north-east Sumatra, the northern tip of Aceh and much of
the coastline of North Sumatra Province from Belawan south
to the Asahan Rivermouth have been surveyed at least once.
Sites that require initial inventorial surveys in Aceh include
the coastline from Sigli to Cape Tamiang, particularly
Langsa Bay and the mangrove shorelines around Cape
Jambuair, Peureuak Point and Cape Tamiang. In North
Sumatra Province, the intricate coastal area from Aru Bay to
Karanggaging is likely to support large wader populatons, as
is the Barumun-Bila-Kuala area in the southern part of the
province. The northern part of Riau Province, particularly
the enormous expanse of mudflats around Bagansiapiapi and
the Rokan river mouth are rumoured to hold tens of
thousands of waders.
In south-east Sumatra, the coastline from Tanjung Datuk
in Riau Province down to Way Kambas in Lampung has
been surveyed by a number of research teams, principally the
Indonesian Directorate General of Forest Protection and
Nature Conservation (PHPA) and Wetlands International. A
survey of waders on Batam Island in the Riau Archipelago
has been carried out but shoreline and estuary surveys on
nearby islands, such Bintan and Kundur are yet to take place.
Additional areas that require survey effort include the
northern and eastern shorelines of Rupat, Bengkalis and
Rangsang islands bordering the Strait of Malacca; the
Kampar river mouth area; the islands in the Lingga
Archipelago, especially Lingga and Singkep; and the
southern coastlines of Lampung Province.
Along the west coast, localised wader surveys have taken
place as part of the Asian Waterbird Census in West Sumatra
Province, but a comprehensive survey is needed covering
suitable wader habitats throughout the western coastlines of
95
View publication stats
Migratory waders in Sumatra
Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Bengkulu and
Lampung Provinces.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Many thanks to the small groups of dedicated researchers
and the growing band of Indonesian and visiting
birdwatchers who have braved the heat, soft mud, mangrove
roots, mosquitoes, snakes and the occasional crocodile to
track down the hitherto unknown haunts of Sumatra’s
waders and begin the process of appreciating and protecting
these magnificent migratory birds.
REFERENCES
Crossland, A.C. 2000. Notes on the waders wintering at three sites
at the north-western tip of Sumatra, Indonesia. Stilt 36: 4–6.
Crossland, A.C. & S.A Sinambela. 2005. An initial assessment of
the migratory wader community found on Batam Island, Riau
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