Frogs

 We examined body size, condition, abundance, and different species of frogs in primary forest, secondary forest, and agriculture in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo to determine whether individual-, population show similar sensitivities to land-use type. We found that observed the number of species of frogs and estimated population size are lower in agriculture than in primary or secondary forest. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02678

Snakes

A chapter in the book Islands and Snakes Part two is about Borneo by our own Indraneil Das of the University of Malaysia Sarawak.  Doi:10.1093/oso/9780197641521.001.001

Punan

A recent study places the Punan Batu, Tubu and Aput in Borneo at about 5,500 BCE. Our results support long-term inhabitation of Borneo by some Punan ancestors, and reveal unexpected complexity in the origins and dispersal of Austronesian expansion related ancestry. https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.101972

Rainfall

Rainfall was heavier over Borneo before the pre-industrial time. This was caused by increased sea surface temperature and other causes. doi.org/10.1007/s00382-023-06948-8

Crocodile Attacks

This study investigates the status and trend of crocodile attacks on humans in Malaysian Borneo (i.e., Sabah and Sarawak) where rivers and estuaries are inhabited by protected crocodile populations. Results show that between 2001 and 2020, a total of 205 attacks were reported, which equals an average of nearly 11 cases per year. Doi: https://10.51200/jtbc.v20i.4368

Endangered Orchid

Seeds of the Elephant Ear orchid were rapidly frozen. The seeds survived the process and germinated. This will help in the conservation of the species. Doi: https://10.51200/jtbc.v20i.4651

White Mouse Deer

A pure white mouse deer was observed on four occasions in Brunei. It was not an albino, as evidenced by its eyes. doi.org/10.1515/mammalia-2023-0080

Darwin Stole Name of Theory?

The Mathew Effect in Science describes how renowned scientists are sometimes credited more than those who are lesser known but more deserving. Patrick Mathew uniquely coined the theory of natural selection, which Darwin copied.
10.1007/978-3-031-43292-7_14

Fungus on Crops

Fungus is a major problem in crop cultivation. Bacteria like to attack fungus. Rhizo bacteria and Phyllo bacteria, according to this study, seem to halt the fungus. (ICIKSA) 2023ISBN : 978-623-161-062-1

Madden Julian Oscillation

The Madden Julian Oscillation is a huge storm that moves from west to east from the Indian Ocean, over Malaya, Borneo and Indonesia and into New Guinea. However, according to satellite data, the recent oscillation seemed to bypass Borneo. 10.1029/2023GL105189

Endangered Plant

A mangrove species, Camptostemon philippinensis, has been listed as endangered. The plant is found in Kalimantan and Sulawesi. doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.140887.1

Miri River

A recent study has shown that pollution in the Miri river was dominated by iron and zinc ions. The ions were also observed to be seasonal. doi.org/10.1016/j.kjs.2023.10.004

Primates

Primates in Sarawak will remain susceptible to habitat loss, hunting, illegal trade and more severe threats. Though the ongoing conservation efforts in Sarawak already include reforestation effort as well as establishing protected areas, but protecting primate habitat is still a top priority to ensure the long-term survival of primates in Sarawak.  DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10023073

Brunei Monarchy Emergence

The need to have a leader probably stemmed from someone who was strong and influential. With the coming of the Buddhist-Hindu influences, in an attempt to legitimize their rule, became the incarnation of God or the best human being under the Hindu-Buddhist beliefs and culture. The Indic influences made the people more susceptible to accepting the rulers as incarnations of God and accepting the concepts of Daulat and Tulah where it is accepted that the king is divine. To raise the dignity of the King as the Caliph of God in comparison to the ordinary people as the governed. E-ISSN: 2987-2707 I have a copy. Just ask.

Vietnam Seizes Critically Endangered Species

Two earless monitor lizards, native to Sarawak, (Lanthanotus borneensis) were seized by the Cao Bang Environmental police on 26 February. This was the first time Vietnam has taken such action. The lizards died while being transferred to a conservation centre. doi.org/10.17161/randa.v30i1.20089

Flora of Borneo

A checklist of all genera of ferns and fern allies, plants that have cones, and flowering plants that are found in Borneo is presented. The native, introduced, and endemic status for all plants are is given. This checklist comprises 271 families: 39 families (ferns and fern allies), 5 families (gymnosperms), and 227 families (angiosperms) of 1877 genera and 12590 species. doi: 10.36253/ jopt-15282 

Nusantara

The purpose of this study is to evaluate some of the smart technologies used in road development for the IKN. Among the smart technologies discussed are submerged tunnel technology, electric charging lanes, Building Information System on road design, and a connected charging parking system to street lighting. I have a copy.

Bacteria and Rodents

Rodents, the water supply and gut bacteria were studied. The gut bacteria from the rodents held organisms which cause diseases and were deposited into the water supply. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3466612/v1

Ticks and Cattle

Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are highly prevalent in cattle raised in the tropics. The study aims to identify and determine the prevalence of tick infestation in Bintulu, Sarawak. Ticks can spread diseases among cattle and cause three different fevers in humans. Serangga 2023, 28(1): 14-24

Black Pepper

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is one of the most important commodities in Southeast Asia. Like other plants, black pepper plants are exposed to various diseases and growth issues. State-of-the-art tests can serve as a benchmark for these diseases. 10.1109/IICAIET59451.2023.10291604

Palm Sugar

This research aims to determine the financial feasibility of home industry palm sugar. The results of the research show that the home industry palm sugar business is financially feasible to operate. J-PEN Borneo: Journal of Agricultural Sciences Volume VI Number 2, October 2023 Pages: 40-49

Fireflies

One of my favourite insects! Mainly in the mangrove forest, here is a checklist and other information about this wonderful beetle. Serangga 2023, 28(2): 40-56.

Coral Bleaching

High (44%) coral bleaching was observed in two reefs in Sabah. Reef (Sakar) with crashing waves and mixed up water tend to have less coral bleaching than those in still waters.(Blue Lagoon)The deeper one goes in the Blue Lagoon reef, the less coral bleaching.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2023.103268

Trees

Eucalyptus pellita is currently the predominant tree species deployed for tree plantation establishment in many parts of Borneo, particularly in the state of Sabah, Malaysia. End splitting is a disease of trees caused by the environment and genetics. Application of plastic S hooks reduced end splitting.https://doi.org/10.26525/jtfs2023.35.4.440