13 Sep, 2021
IS IT A BIRD? IS IT A SNAKE? IT’S AN ORIENTAL DARTER!
BIODIVERSITY
The Anhinga melanogaster, or Oriental darter, can be found in various parts of Asia, including on Juq Kehje Swen Island in East Kalimantan. Located around 10 kilometres from the edge of the Kehje Sewen Forest, Juq Kehje Swen is an 82.84-hectare, man-made forested island that was the result of a collaborative effort between the BOS Foundation and PT. Nusaraya Agro Sawit (NUSA). The island is used to accommodate orangutans who are undergoing the pre-release stage of rehabilitation.
The Oriental darter has a long, slender neck that pops out above the surface of the water, giving it a snake-like appearance when swimming. This bird preys primarily on fish, along with several types of frogs and newts to supplement its diet. It is not surprising that our monitoring team has spotted this bird on many occasions around Juq Kehje Swen Island, as its surrounding river makes it an ideal environment for foraging Oriental darters.
As a fish-eating bird, the Oriental darter has several adaptations that make it an excellent hunter and diver, like its webbed feet. Also, unique bends in the vertebrate in its neck, allow for the Oriental darter to suddenly and quickly shoot out its head. It uses this skill while foraging to spear and capture fish! It is this skill that gives the darter its name, as its head and neck shoot out like an arrow when hunting its prey.
Unlike other waterbirds such as ducks and geese, the Oriental darter’s feathers are not completely waterproof. This does make for easier diving, however, this also means these birds must bask in the sun to dry out. This is when our team members most often spot Oriental darters; when they are basking on tree branches, with wings outstretched to dry.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorises this wetland bird on its Red List as a ‘Near Threatened’ species. The main reasons for this include the conversion of forests, destruction of water areas, pollution, hunting of adults, and theft of eggs.
We hope that with the discovery of the Oriental darter in around Juq Kehje Swen, we can help protect this unique waterbird!
Text by: Monitoring team in Juq Kehje Swen, East Kalimantan