Animal ecology expert Prof. I Wayan Suana from Mataram University said Sumbawa and Moyo Island lie on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF), a major migration route stretching from Siberia and East Asia to Australia and New Zealand.
Each year, millions of birds travel along this flyway to escape harsh winters, and NTB offers crucial resting and feeding grounds along their journey.
The province’s varied ecosystems — including mangroves, coastlines, savannas, and tropical rainforests — provide essential habitats that support the birds' long-distance migration.
Beyond brief stopovers, some migratory birds extend their stay in NTB due to favorable conditions and abundant food supplies.
Small islands surrounding NTB also serve as natural checkpoints during migration, enhancing the province’s ecological value.
One notable site is the Bagek Kembar Mangrove Ecotourism area in Sekotong, West Lombok, which attracts shorebirds like sandpipers and whimbrels. At low tide, its wide bay transforms into a natural feeding ground.
Birds of prey, including raptors, also pass through and rest in the hilly terrain of Mentigi in northern Lombok.
This north–south migration pattern reflects the birds’ response to seasonal changes, with northern species heading south during winter and southern birds moving north when temperatures drop in their native habitats.
Prof. Suana noted that food scarcity during winter drives birds to migrate for survival.
He emphasized that tropical regions like NTB are vital for maintaining global biodiversity, especially as climate change increasingly disrupts bird migration routes.
Natural habitats in NTB, he added, serve as a refuge for migratory species adapting to environmental extremes.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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