Bird Racing at Fraser's Hill International, Malaysia

Company Brief

Mumbai, May 26, 2011

Fraser's Hill in Raub, a district in Pahang, Malaysia, is holding its 23rd Annual Bird Racing Competition on 25th & 26th June, 2011. The objectives of the Fraser's Hill International Bird Race are to preserve nature and simultaneously promote Fraser's Hill as a bird sanctuary.

The bird race is not an event where birds actually race or are being raced against each other. It is a 'fun race' where teams of three bird-watchers each compete against one another in sighting, identifying and recording the most number of species (not birds) within the boundaries of Fraser's Hill.

Fraser's Hill is the preferred bird-watching destination in the region, since it is home to more than 250 species of wild birds. In November and December each year, the virtually untouched mountainous forests of Fraser's Hill receive many new species of birds that fly across from places as far as northern Siberia in Russia, and islands north of Japan and neighbouring land masses. The sighting of the Siberian thrush is a rare treat for ardent bird-watchers here.

In order not to disturb the birds, participants are strictly prohibited from using audio equipment. Participants are also not allowed to communicate with other competitors regarding the whereabouts of the birds, except members of their own team. Throughout the race, participants are repeatedly forewarned that the welfare of the birds must come first. Failure to comply with the rules results in the forfeiture of species that have been recorded in team logs, or even disqualification.

This year, the competition will be divided into three distinctive categories:

• The Advanced Category

• The Novice Category

• The Student Category

Prizes are usually in the form of bird books, binoculars, digital cameras, bush gear, field tents, etc. This year, there will be other attractive prizes up for grabs too. The rules will be slightly stricter, with the inclusion of checkpoints at various strategic spots, where participants will be required to register in order to maintain their eligibility.

Along with the Bird Race, exhibitions, seminars and workshops related to nature and birds will also be conducted, to instill awareness on preserving nature.

For further information, please contact:

Beehive Communications Pvt.Ltd.

Rinku Gala

Mobile: 919892023188

Email: rinku@beehivecommunications.com