Megamendung Forest in Bogor Identified as Key Stop on Migratory Raptor Route

BANDUNG — Wildlife organisation Raptor Indonesia has proposed banning the hunting of migratory birds of prey and protecting biodiversity in the Megamendung Forest area of Bogor Regency. A survey conducted from 16 to 18 October 2026 recorded 915 observations of three migratory raptor species.

The observations were made through Megamendung Bird Migration Watch 2026, organised by the Paseban Foundation together with Burung Indonesia and Raptor Indonesia (RAIN). The records comprised 828 Chinese sparrowhawks (Accipiter soloensis), 76 crested honey buzzards (Pernis ptilorhynchus) and 11 Japanese sparrowhawks (Accipiter gularis).

The figure of 915 represents observations made during the event, not the confirmed number of individual birds. The data cannot yet be used to draw conclusions about changes in migratory bird numbers.

Raptor Indonesia director Zaini Rachman said Megamendung was an important area along the migratory route of birds of prey. He said he hoped the survey would be held every year to build a clearer picture of where the birds travelled.

“I hope this will be held every year, so we can map where they are moving,” he said on Thursday (22 October 2026).

He said the findings would help researchers understand the area’s role as a stopover habitat. Regular monitoring is needed to map the birds’ movements and identify their protection needs.