Nursery pupils, parents bask in PNR’s beauty
MIRI: Piasau Nature Reserve ( PNR) – famous for the iconic Oriental-pied Hornbills Jimmy and Juliet – continues to attract visitors especially during the school holiday period.
The latest group of visitors was from Sri Kenyalang Nursery, where about 30 children, family members and teachers – led by nursery operator Rafeah Jeraee – made the trip to appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of PNR.
Musa Musbah, who accompanied his grandson on the tour, took on the role of honorary park ranger to enlighten the visitors on the nature reserve.
The deputy chairman of Piasau Camp Miri Nature Park Society ( PCMNPS) has done extensive study on the wildlife in PNR, particularly the totally protected Oriental-pied Hornbill found at the reserve.
“Besides activities like ‘ Walk in the Park’, viewing the wildlife and the nesting area for Jimmy and Juliet, the visitors had a good time touring the nature reserve that still maintains its ecological and aesthetic values.
“Indeed, it was a refreshing trip especially for the children, although they are too young to fully understand the importance of the nature reserve – its green and fresh air right in the heart of Miri City,” Musa told The Borneo Post yesterday.
He added that although the visitors missed out on seeing Jimmy and his partner Juliet, they thoroughly enjoyed their trip and the facilities at PNR.
There are presently 28 hornbills making PNR their home while another six are frequently spotted.
PNR was gazetted in December 2013 and although its facilities are not fully operational, members of the public are encouraged to tour the nature reserve and take part in organised activities like ‘Hornbill Walk’, which was initiated by PCMNPS and is still being carried out.
PCMNPS treasurer and Hornbill Walk coordinator Councillor Karambir Singh said this month’s walk will be held next Saturday ( Dec 15) at 4.30pm, with free admission.
“This month will be the 62nd walk and we encourage members of the public to take part. Rain or shine, it is on as we want to encourage greater appreciation of nature.
“Besides, the Hornbill Walk is an ideal platform for the people to interact and enhance close understanding and cooperation, including helping the authorities in developing PNR,” he said.
Members of the public wishing to enquire about and contribute towards this effort can come personally to the PNR office during office hours, or call 085644487.
Among the rich biological attributes of the 229- acre PNR are 107 flora and 75 fauna species, including 17 fauna species protected under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance.
The fauna species comprise 45 types of birds (including hornbills), mammals (three), amphibians ( five), reptiles (12) and butterflies (10).