At a Glance

UTAR Bird Sanctuary

Surrounded by 25 scenic lakes, UTAR Kampar Campus is an avifauna hotspot that attracts scores of nature lovers and bird watchers. Interestingly, one of the lakes located at the entrance of the Kampar Campus is a haven for a variety species of migrating birds. Fondly named as the UTAR Bird Sanctuary, one would find a heronry located on an islet in the middle of the lake. The heronry is a location where heron species breed in colony, which itself is an uncommon sight in the country, as special conditions are required to attract the herons to select the location as a heronry. The most important factor is that the birds must feel safe at the location.

A study has indicated that five species of herons are breeding in this heronry, which includes the Grey Heron and Purple Heron as well as other smaller species such as the. Black-crowned Night Heron, Little Egret and Cattle Egret. Besides these breeding birds, within the last five years, the campus is also surveyed to have an impressive count of more than 100 species of birds including large wild birds.

Many species may be very rare with accidental occurrence only, including a recent discovery of a rare migrant, the Himalayan Cuckoo. Some of the species that can be found in UTAR are uncommon in the country but are regularly found in some locations in UTAR, including the smallest wild duck in the country, the Cotton Pygmy Goose. Others include the elusive Pheasant-tailed Jacana, the shy and secretive Greater Painted snipe, as well as the near-threatened species, the Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Black-bellied Malkoha and Long-tailed Parakeet, which are sought after by birdwatchers across the nation.

An annual survey conducted since 2010 indicated that there was a peak of 57 active nests with 298 herons located on the Bird Sanctuary island for the five heron species, not including those that were nesting in the middle of the heronry that were not visible. According to a Waterbird Census conducted in January 2010, the UTAR Bird Sanctuary is likely the second largest active heronry in the state of Perak, after the nation's largest heronry that is located in the nearby Kinta Nature Park, Batu Gajah.

During peak migratory seasons, at least a few thousands of herons from various species would be seen flying across the skies with groups following one and another during the early mornings and late evenings. This is a scenic sight that is not seen in any other university campus in the nation, which makes UTAR unique when it comes to the natural environment of the campus.   

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UTAR Sustainability Committee (USC)

UTAR Sustainability Committee (USC) was established in 2023, reflecting the university's unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable development and responsible governance. UTAR is dedicated to not only imparting knowledge but also engaging proactively with its community to raise awareness and contribute to the global sustainability agenda. Through the efforts of the committee, UTAR is transforming the lives of its students and inspiring future generations to create a positive impact on both society and the environment. 

UTAR Green Campus Committee (UGCC)

UTAR Green Campus Committee (UGCC) aims to enhance its eco-effectiveness by fostering environmental awareness, promoting green initiatives, and embedding sustainability into its culture. The University is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, improving operational eco-efficiency, and encouraging responsible use of resources through education, awareness campaigns, and continuous green efforts. By using the campus as a living lab for sustainability, UTAR empowers students and staff to actively contribute to environmental stewardship, while tracking and analysing its green activities to ensure continuous improvement and meaningful societal impact. 

Sustainability @ UTAR

UTAR, established in 2002, is a not-for-profit private university with over 20,000 students across two campuses in Kampar, Perak and Bandar Sungai Long, Selangor. Guided by its 10-Year Strategic Plans, UTAR focuses on providing quality education, nurturing ethical and forward-thinking professionals, and contributing to society through research, community engagement, and partnerships.

Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the university actively promotes sustainability, lifelong learning, and responsible leadership to create a positive societal impact. UTAR’s Strategic Plans align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on ending poverty, protecting the planet, and promoting prosperity. Through education, research, and knowledge sharing, UTAR empowers students to become responsible citizens who uphold peace, respect diversity, adopt green practices, and contribute to economic and social well-being. The University also equips youths to navigate the rapidly changing global landscape and make informed decisions that benefit both local and global communities.