Latest news with #UniSZA
New Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Science
- New Straits Times
UniSZA researcher discovers rare red-bellied eagle nest in Terengganu
KUALA NERUS: In a remarkable discovery, Anuar McAfee, a research fellow at the East Coast Environmental Research Institute of Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), successfully located a nest of the elusive red-bellied eagle (Lophotriorchis kienerii) in the forests of Terengganu last February. The nest, found atop a 57-metre-high tree, marks the first recorded sighting of its kind in Malaysia. Anuar, who is a member of the Terengganu branch of the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), said the discovery is highly significant for Malaysia's ornithological records, a branch of zoology dedicated to the study of birds. He said the presence of the red-bellied eagle is a clear indicator that the ecology of Terengganu's forests remains healthy and capable of sustaining wildlife species at the top of the food chain. "The red-bellied eagle is a predator listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list as a near-threatened species. "This species can be found in mature forests and highland forests in South Asia and Southeast Asia," he said in a statement today. Anuar said the discovery of the raptor's nest was also very significant because it was not only the first in Malaysia, but also rarely recorded globally. According to him, the data will be used for conservation biology research, biodiversity monitoring and forest ecosystem assessment. "This important discovery contributes to global conservation efforts, in line with the Convention on Biological Diversity, which promotes the conservation of biodiversity as the basis for sustainable development. "The conservation of the animal's habitat in Malaysia is important to ensure that the biodiversity we have is protected for future generations to see," he said
Free Malaysia Today
22-05-2025
- Science
- Free Malaysia Today
First confirmed nesting of elusive raptor recorded in Terengganu
An adult rufous-bellied eagle and its eaglet in Terengganu. (Anuar McAfee pic) PETALING JAYA : The first confirmed nesting in Malaysia of an elusive bird of prey was recorded in Terengganu earlier this year, a sight rarely documented even at the global level. The nest of the rufous-bellied eagle or Lophotriorchis kienerii, which typically inhabits mature hill and montane forests, was spotted by research fellow Anuar McAfee during a field trip in late February. Found primarily in Southeast Asia, the rufous-bellied eagle is considered 'near threatened' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. McAfee, of Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), said nesting records for the raptor were scarce even within its known range. An adult rufous-bellied eagle sighted in Terengganu. (Anuar McAfee pic) 'We know the species nests here, as the bird can be seen in our forests. Anuar McAfee. 'But no nest had been found before this. So that in itself is significant,' the author of 'Birds of Terengganu' told FMT. McAfee, a research fellow at UniSZA's East Coast Environmental Research Institute, said the discovery of the nest in Malaysia was especially valuable for conservation biology, biodiversity monitoring, and forest ecosystem assessment. He said it was also symbolically appropriate given the theme for this year's International Day for Biological Diversity, 'Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development'. 'The presence of this eagle signals that our forests remain ecologically healthy and capable of supporting apex wildlife,' he said. 'To witness and confirm the nesting of such a special raptor in Malaysia is truly of great significance.'
The Sun
17-05-2025
- The Sun
UniSZA bans recreational activities in water-based areas after student tragically drowns
PETALING JAYA: Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu has issued a notice, banning any recreational activities in water-based areas for its students. This comes after the incident involving its law faculty student, who was found drowned at Hutan Lipur Lata Payung picnic area yesterday. In a Facebook post, the university's sports and recreation center (PSR) announced that its students are prohibited from arranging recreational outings to places such as rivers and waterfalls. 'This takes effect immediately until further notice from UniSZA. 'This step has been taken for the safety and well-being of the UniSZA students,' it said. Yesterday, Abed Mifzal Azman, 22, a student from the campus, drowned after being swept away by strong currents while bathing in the river. His remains was found at 9.30pm by a search and rescue team with the help of villagers, about one kilometre from where he was first reported missing.
The Sun
17-05-2025
- The Sun
UniSZA bans water activities after student drowns
PETALING JAYA: Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu has issued a notice, banning any recreational activities in water-based areas for its students. This comes after the incident involving its law faculty student, who was found drowned at Hutan Lipur Lata Payung picnic area yesterday. In a Facebook post, the university's sports and recreation center (PSR) announced that its students are prohibited from arranging recreational outings to places such as rivers and waterfalls. 'This takes effect immediately until further notice from UniSZA. 'This step has been taken for the safety and well-being of the UniSZA students,' it said. ALSO READ: UniSZA student found drowned at Lata Payung Yesterday, Abed Mifzal Azman, 22, a student from the campus, drowned after being swept away by strong currents while bathing in the river. His remains was found at 9.30pm by a search and rescue team with the help of villagers, about one kilometre from where he was first reported missing. READ MORE: Joy of eight friends on public holiday jaunt turns tragic as one drowns
Free Malaysia Today
17-05-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
Body of UniSZA student found in Setiu picnic tragedy
Screenshots from a widely-shared video showing the raging waters where two UniSZA students drowned. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : A search and rescue team have found the body of a Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) student who was reported missing and feared drowned yesterday. The body of Abed Mifzal Azman, 22, from Johor, was found at 9.30pm, Berrnama reported. He was believed to have been swept away by a water surge while bathing with six friends in the Lata Payung Forest Eco Park picnic area in Bandar Permaisuri, Setiu in Terengganu yesterday. According to Setiu district police chief Zain Deris, the victim was found about 1km from where he was reported missing. He added that the body had been sent to the Setiu Hospital forensic unit for a post-mortem. 'The victim's six friends managed to escape, but the victim was swept away by the strong current,' he was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, Zain advised the public not to do any activities in the river or at recreational forest areas in Setiu for now, due to the uncertain weather conditions and risks of the water surge phenomenon Last Monday, Wan Ahmad Irfan Wan Abdullah Thani, 24, drowned at Lata Changkah. He and five others were taking a dip in the middle section of the waterfall's cascade when six of them started struggling against the currents. His body was later found at a depth of 4.5m.
