Rare bird species thriving around Kyetmauktaung Dam

Several bird species that are not found elsewhere in Asia have been identified as local species at Myanmar’s Kyetmauktaung Dam, making them a symbol of biodiversity conservation. These nine bird species are proudly thriving in the region.
Kyaukpadaung Township in Mandalay Region is home to the Kyetmauktaung Dam, which was built to close Taungzin Creek and Kyaukpon Creek, flowing south to Popa Mountain. The Kyetmauktaung and Popa Mountain forest reserves were initially established to protect the dam. In 1993, the Mount Popa National Geopark was opened and later expanded.
The forest birds that visit the Mount Popa National Geopark and the waterfowl that frequent Kyetmauktaung Dam contribute to the region’s biodiversity. Birdwatchers, including those from Inlay Lake, come to observe the nine local bird species. The Mount Popa National Geopark’s Environment Wildlife Conservation Department has identified and recorded these nine species, which have not yet been found in other parts of Asia or ASEAN countries.
The Kyetmauktaung Dam and the Mount Popa National Geopark host 30 fully protected bird species, 49 commonly protected species, and 18 seasonally protected species. In total, 2,568 individuals from 98 species — comprising 16 species of waterfowl and 82 species of forest birds – are conserved and protected. Each year, wintering birds and endangered waterfowl also visit the area.
Notably, the region is home to forest birds that are not yet found in Asia or ASEAN countries, such as the white-throated babbler, hooded Troepic, Burmese bushlark, Joderns’s minivet, Burmese prinia, Burmese collared dove, white-browed bluebird, Burmese tit, and Irrawaddy bulbul. These species are a point of pride for the region and the conservation of biodiversity ecosystems.
Bird species living in the Kyetmauktaung Dam are listed and recorded annually. In the 2023-2024 financial year, 98 bird species were documented, including nine species unique to the region. Efforts are ongoing to preserve and protect these rare wintering birds. — Nyein Thu(MNA)/TKO

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