All Creatures Great and Small # 74
New Species
A new species of leech has been made known to science. The flathead lobster leach was found in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. http://dx.doi.org/10.11594/jtls.15.01.12
Yellow Muntjac
Chapter 31 in the book, Deer of the World: Ecology, Conservation and Management, covers the biology and natural history, including the distribution and habitat of this deer living on Borneo. Available on Amazon for $139.00 or MR588.00. A ridiculous price!
New Species
Two new species of Rove Beetles have been described from Brunei and Mindano. Zoologičeskij žurnal vol.104 #6 doi: 10.31857/S0044513425060059
Trees
The jungle trees (Shoreae species), with all their diversity, are said to have originated when the Indian continent crashed into Asia. The trees then spread from India to Southeast Asia and diversified in the hot weather. I have a copy. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.15166
Bat Range Extended
The range of the bat Rhinolophus acuminatus has been extended into Sarawak and Brunei. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/arphapreprints.e162419
Sandakan and Jesselton (Kota Kinabalu)
This essay describes the various neighbourhoods within the two cities and how they interacted from 1900 to 1930. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0963926825000094
Ticks infesting Turtles
The purpose of this study is to record the attachment sites of ticks on the endangered Spiny Hill Turtle (Heosemys spinosa), and to investigate whether ticks prefer specific attachment sites based on life stages. Ticks were found externally on the turtle’s body, attached to the forelimbs (51%), hindlimbs (28%), head (8%), carapace (10%) and tail (2%). Herpetology Notes, Volume 18: 487–492
Ants
In this study, in Sabah, we investigated the ants (Acanthomyrmex concavus). The workers have two different shapes, with major workers having a larger head than minor workers. They feed on tiny seeds, with the larger-headed workers cracking the seeds open. The queen resembles the workers but lacks wings. They mate and reproduce like a normal queen. DOI: 10.20362/am.. 018001
Bird Species
The purpose of this research is to analyse the different bird species and their conservation status found in the border cities of Pontianak, Indonesia, and Kuching, Malaysia. The research results identified a total of 12 bird species from the two border cities. The conservation status of the 12 bird species found is that one species is classified as Vulnerable (VU), and 11 species are classified as Least Concern. The species diversity is 1.7, which means a low diversity. Diversity of Bird Species in The Border City of Pontianak, Indonesia, and Sarawak, Malaysia. Bioscientist: Jurnal Ilmiah Biologi, 13(2), 1360-1370
Shaman (Bomoh) in Kayong
Researchers state that the dukun (bohmoh) holds the public’s trust in his ability to help anyone in need. He acts as a liaison between the local government and the kampong. There are three social functions played by the dukun (bohmoh): he acts as a harmoniser between nature and human life. He acts as a social glue and gives a sense of security, and he acts as a provider of local medicine. https://majmuah.com/journal/index.php/kaib1/article/view/733
Temporary Burial in Nanga Bunut, Kapuas Hulu Regency, West Kalimatan
This research explores burial practices in Nanga Bunut, where the Bangka burial practice, or temporary burial, is used under specific conditions (such as in the event of flooding). The Bangka burial practice exemplifies the wisdom of the Nanga Bunut community in harmonising with natural conditions. It serves as a practical burial solution in regions where finding high ground for burial is challenging. https://majmuah.com/journal/index.php/kaib1/article/view/720
Brunei Fish
In an effort to shift from an oil and gas economy to other endeavours, this essay explores fish as an alternative. The article reviews the fishing from the saltwater, mixed salt and freshwater and freshwater ecosystems. It also explores aquaculture sponsored by the Brunei government. Simpur Journal of Agricultural Sciences (2025), Vol. 1(1): 72 -89
Journal of the Malaysia Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society
An article about Donald Stephens and his views about Sabah’s leaving the Federation, an obituary to Anthony J.S. Reid and finally a book review about class and race in post-war Singapore are available for reading in this latest issue of the Journal. The issue is available only through Project Muse.
Gelechia Moth
Two new species of moth have been made known to science from Borneo and Mindano. Zoologičeskij žurnal. – 2025. – Vol. 104. – N. 6. – P. 59-64.
Distribution of Araceae
Borneo has over 700 species of Araceae. Each Araceae species is influenced by distinct environmental conditions that support its growth. In a study by University Malaysia Sabah, temperature and relative humidity are the main factors that affect the growth of the plants. DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d260715
Ferns
Bornean lowland forests showcase distinct fern communities. Our research highlights that each forest type harbours a unique set of fern species. Mixed forests have 83 species, peat swamps have 33 and Heath forests have 34 species. The study, undertaken by Wageningen University in the Netherlands, underscores the intricate interplay between environmental factors and fern diversity. Biotropica, 2025; 57:e70060 https://doi.org/10.1111/btp.7006
Heath Forests (Kerangas)
Heath forest or Kerangas is a type of tropical rainforest found below 800 meters, characterised by acidic and nutrient-poor soils. This study documents the distribution and ecological significance of the largest extent of kerangas in Kalimantan. We identified three forest types—kerangas, low pole, and mixed swamp. 10.1017/s0266467425100084
Climbing Vine
A liana is a long-stemmed woody vine that climbs to the canopy using trees as support. Chilocarpus sarawakensis is a woody climber endemic to northern and central Sarawak, Borneo. The description of [Chilocarpus sarawakensis D. J. Middleton (Apocynaceae)] was previously based only on flowering specimens. A full description, including fruit and seeds based on newly collected materials, as well as photographs of living plants, is provided, and its IUCN conservation status has been re-assessed. doi: 10.18942/apg.202425
Ground Cuckoo
How do you tell the difference between a male and female Ground Cuckoo? The male has a slightly longer tail with a more extensive spread of purple on the back. The male also has thicker barring on the legs and flanks. Malaysian Bird Report Vol 2/2025
New Speci
A new species of Borneoa (Araceae) has been made known to the Western world from Sabah. https://doi.org/10.36253/jopt-17856