Throughout 2026, a total of 220 migratory and vagrant bird species have been recorded passing through or stopping in Indonesia, approximately 27 species classified as threatened. This is a reminder that behind the intensity of human activity, migratory birds undertake extraordinary journeys of their own.
Donan Satria Yudha, a lecturer at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Biology UGM), explained that the large number of migratory birds stopping in the Indonesian archipelago is largely due to fatigue during their journeys, making rest essential.
“Migrating thousands of miles is physically exhausting, so strategically located stopover sites provide birds with opportunities to rest and restore their muscle strength,” he said on Wednesday (Jun. 3).
According to Donan, migratory birds that stop over must replenish their vital fat reserves, as long-distance flights quickly deplete their energy. Stopover sites allow birds to forage intensively and accumulate fat reserves such as triglycerides, needed to support the next stage of their journey.
Bird migration also depends heavily on tailwinds, or winds that blow in the same direction as the birds’ flight path. When birds encounter storms, strong headwinds, or extreme temperatures, they are forced to stop, land, and wait for safer conditions before attempting to fly again.
“These stopover sites provide space for birds to feed, build food reserves, and seek protection from predators and adverse weather before continuing their journey to their destination,” he explained.
To date, migratory bird conservation faces complex challenges. These species depend on vastly different ecosystems across multiple continents and countries throughout the year, and their survival is uniquely threatened by gaps in international policies, habitat destruction at critical stopover points, and increasingly complex anthropogenic hazards.
Donan explained that fragile international policies and geopolitical relations make migratory bird conservation particularly difficult. Migratory birds rely on international ‘flyways’ that stretch across numerous countries. If one country strictly protects a species while a neighboring country allows hunting or habitat destruction, conservation efforts are likely to fail.
“Developing countries often face economic pressures that conflict with conservation goals, making coordinated funding and cross-border law enforcement extremely difficult,” he said.
Donan further explained that migratory birds depend heavily on critical stopover areas such as wetlands, forests, savannas, and specific coastlines where they can rest and ‘refuel’ during their demanding journeys. The drainage or clearing of these vital stopover habitats for agriculture and urbanization can prevent birds from surviving the remainder of their migration.
In addition, climate change is shifting spring temperatures and flowering seasons, affecting bird reproduction. Birds may arrive at their breeding grounds after peak insect availability, reducing the food supply needed to raise their young and resulting in lower reproductive success.
Another challenge stems from shrinking oases, as arid barriers such as the Sahara Desert become hotter and more expansive due to climate change, drying up critical oases and increasing mortality risks during migration.
The challenges do not end there. Migration routes are often interrupted by tall buildings, communication towers, power transmission structures, and wind turbines, which can cause fatal collisions. Power lines are a leading cause of death for large-bodied migratory species that travel in groups. Artificial city lights can also disorient nocturnal migratory birds.
“Birds become trapped circling around these structures, causing them to expend the energy reserves they need for their journeys,” he said.
To address these challenges, Donan emphasized the need for stronger efforts to protect migratory birds in Indonesia. He noted that safeguarding critical stopover habitats along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAFP), enforcing anti-poaching laws, and promoting community-based ecotourism are among the approaches that can support migratory bird conservation in Indonesia.
“Coordinated efforts by policymakers and local communities are essential to ensure safe journeys for migratory bird species,” he said.
As an example of conservation efforts, Donan noted that migratory waterbirds depend heavily on Indonesia’s wetlands, mudflats, and mangrove forests for feeding and resting. Protecting these vital coastal ecosystems from destructive development and land-use changes must be a top priority. Strengthening law enforcement is equally important, as illegal hunting and wildlife trade threaten both migratory and native bird species.
“Stricter monitoring of local markets and digital platforms is crucial for dismantling illegal wildlife trade networks,” he said.
Supporting research can also contribute significantly to migratory bird conservation. Birdwatchers and local researchers play an important role in monitoring migration patterns.
“We can participate in initiatives such as the annual Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) or record our observations on community platforms such as eBird and Burungnesia to provide valuable scientific data,” he explained.
In closing, he stressed that these efforts must be supported by all stakeholders. Governments, organizations, local communities, and development industries all have critical roles to play in protecting migratory birds. Together, they must work to implement coordinated cross-border strategies to secure stopover habitats, reduce industrial hazards, and strictly enforce conservation laws.
Author: Fatihah Salwa Rasyid
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Magnific