Kampung Ulu Kuang, Chemor Named After the World's Most Beautiful Bird

The peacock-pheasant (kuang) is one of the most beautiful bird species in the world. Many may have never seen this bird as it is becoming increasingly difficult to find today due to the threat of extinction facing the species.

What we want to share today concerns a village located in Chemor, Perak, known as Kampung Ulu Kuang. The location of Kampung Ulu Kuang is at the edge of the Tambun parliamentary constituency and sits on the border of the Sungai Siput area. The name Ulu Kuang was taken from the name of the world's most beautiful bird, the kuang. Once upon a time, there were many species of kuang living in the upper reaches of the river in the village area. Therefore, the name Ulu Kuang was derived from the combination of the bird's name, Kuang, and its location in the upper river area where the residents settled, to the point that the river itself was named Sungai Kuang. As you, the loyal readers of orangperak.com, are already aware, the kuang, which is classified as one of the most beautiful bird species in the world, is valued for its long tail and its incredibly attractive colors.

Because of its uniqueness, the kuang became a target for hunters and was used as a special delicacy. Some also caught and caged the birds to keep them as pets for bird enthusiasts.

The factors mentioned above are the reasons why the kuang is becoming extinct. Furthermore, their habitats have also been encroached upon by humans for development. This is the price of human development that animals in the forest have to pay, facing the threat of extinction.

The kuang, a warm-blooded animal, is very shy and is no longer seen in Kampung Ulu Kuang today. The population has dwindled since the onset of exploration and development, leading it to be categorized as a nationally endangered bird species.

Originally, Kampung Ulu Kuang was first explored in 1916 by residents led by Ngah Osman along with four other Malay youths. He was the first village head who served until 1925, ever since the village was opened. The five of them explored and opened the settlement in the area with the intention of panning for tin in the nearby river before the area became a focal point, including for outsiders, due to its natural resources.

Actually, you still have the opportunity to see this most beautiful bird in the world for yourself. If you are interested, you can visit the Taman Burung Kuang Ajil located in the Hulu Terengganu district. The bird park has the largest collection of kuang in Malaysia and has been listed in the Malaysia Book of Records. Sources and references:

• Sinar Harian