Mosquitos
The objective of this study was to document the different mosquitoes in the rice field and residential area of Kampung Rembus, Sarawak, Malaysia during the early stages of the rice planting season. In this study, eight species of mosquitoes were collected. The two most common mosquito species found in the rice fields and residential areas are Ae. albopictus and Cx. quiquefasciatus. The occurrence of different mosquito species in both residential areas and rice fields emphasizes the necessity for targeted mosquito control measures that are adapted to specific environmental conditions.doi.org/10.17576/serangga-2024-2903-19
Medicinal Plants
This review explores the medicinal plants used by local communities in Borneo, emphasizing their role in traditional medicine and their potential for modern pharmaceuticals By documenting local knowledge, we highlight key species with proven bioactive properties and examine the growing scientific evidence supporting their ability to treat conditions such as inflammation, infection, and chronic diseases. Health Sciences International Journal (HSIJ) Vol. 2, No.2, August 2024, pp. 154 – 168 ISSN
Sunda Stink Badger
Here, we present the characterization of the first complete mitogenome for the Sunda stink badger (Mydaus javanensis) from the island of Borneo. The mitogenome will be useful for evolutionary analysis and conservation of the species. EISSN-
2167-8359
Bat Flower
Bunga Kelelawar in Malay is a flowering plant from Borneo. In Europe, T. chantrieri is a high-value potted plant for its exotic dark-purple blooms. This study demonstrated that only seeds from overripe fruits can germinate. doi.org/10.24326/asphc.2022.2.7
Proboscis Monkey
Proboscis monkeys, (Nasalis larvatus) are indigenous to the island of Borneo and are considered one of its most emblematic species. Today the conservation status of this primate is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and listed under Appendix I of CITES, prohibiting all international commercial trade. In the Malaysian state of Sabah, the species is listed as totally protected and cannot be hunted. Continuing studies suggest that the number of proboscis monkeys has decreased in recent years. These studies have identified various factors contributing to this decline and its potential consequences. To carry out a thorough assessment of the conservation status of the species it is essential to have a good understanding of the animal’s ecology and habitat requirements and to use research-based approaches. One such is species distribution models (SDMs), which in recent decades have become widely used tools in ecology by relating species occurrences to environmental data to gain ecological insights. In this work, we specifically evaluated the effect of environmental parameters such as cloud cover to predict the potential distribution of the proboscis monkey in Sabah. DOI: 10.53452/TU2711
Moss
The three-day exploration resulted in a relatively high number of mosses with six new records for Mount Kinabalu and several rare species. Sabah Parks Nature Journal, Volume 13: 109-125, 2024
Worms, Millipedes and freshwater Molluscs
A preliminary checklist of these guys has been compiled. Sabah Parks Nature Journal, Volume 13: 22-30, 2024
Dung Beetles
These beetles play crucial roles in soil enhancement, seed dispersal, parasite control and the reduction of greenhouse gases. Their close association with mammal communities, relying on their dung for sustenance and breeding and their sensitivity to environmental change underscores their importance in maintaining ecosystem functioning and their use as bioindicators. These datasets represent our ongoing efforts to advance the knowledge of dung beetles in Sabah. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.12.e126697
Fungus
The fungus in logged soils is reduced because of changes in the organic soil where they live. doi.org/10.1007/s11104-024-06939-6
Jungle Cats
Using cameras placed by the Smithsonian Institution in Sabah, Borneo, we assessed the detection rates and 24-hour activity patterns of the native cat species. We show that Borneo bay cats and marbled cats exhibited different 24-hour activity patterns than Sunda cloud leopards, suggesting the smaller species use past experiences to avoid competition and predation. Sunda leopard cats exhibited broadly similar activity patterns to Sunda clouded leopard, potentially because the two species typically occupy different dietary and habitat niches. doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195377804.003.0009
Rabies in Sarawak
Sarawak accounts for 98% of the rabies cases in Malaysia from 2015 -2023. Dogs comprised 89.35 % of confirmed cases, while the average annual vaccination rate was only 16.66 %, far below the 59.05 % needed for herd immunity. Moreover, human rabies cases reported in Sarawak had an alarmingly high fatality rate of 90.28 %, highlighting the urgent need for improved public health measures and surveillance. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126371
Helmeted Hornbill
The critically endangered helmeted hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil) is under threat around its Southeast Asian range due to hunting and habitat loss. Our results suggest that a quarter of Borneo’s landmass is currently suitable for R. vigil. However, there is a steep decline in the predicted suitable habitat. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03206
Orangutan
Our results suggest that orangutan populations in Borneo could potentially recover from recent declines if the removal of orangutans by hunting, retaliatory killings, capture and translocation is reduced. DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13852
Tausug
The Tausug reside in Lupah Sug (Sulu) and in North Eastern Borneo, including parts of Indonesia and Malaysia. Maligay Pagtammat is a celebration that symbolizes children’s completion of Quranic studies. The ceremony involves extensive preparations, a procession, epic narratives, and a communal meal. As regards the size of Maligay Pagtammat, it normally measures about 5 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet in width with 4 to 5 feet in length. The purpose of Maligay is to accommodate varieties of native dishes, such as beef kurma (stew curry), beef piyassak (liver), chicken piyanggang (roasted), fried chicken, sweet and sour fish, coated crabs, deep-fried shrimps, squids, vegetables, eggs, pastries, jams, beverages, and white or yellow rice, all are laid inside the Maligay. doi.org/10.53899/spjrd.v29i2.462 I have a copy. Just ask!
Brunei Tourists
Brunei tourists to Sarawak spend over MR3.6 billion annually creating a serious leakage problem for Brunei. Cross Border Cash Drain by Dr Khalid Ahmed I have a copy.
Orangutan
The difference between Borneo and Sumatran Orangutan with regards to tooth ware show no significant differences despite Borneo orangutans (P. pygmaeus) spending more time feeding on low-quality foods, such as bark and tough vegetation than their Sumatran cousins. (P. abelii) DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.25031
Stunting
Stunting is a condition, during the first 1000 days of life, which affects growth, brain development, reduced intelligence and future productivity due to malnutrition. It is prevalent in South Kalimatan. Mahaga is an organization where people go door to door to educate people about proper nutrition. Borneo Community Development Journal (BCD Journal) Vol. 3 No. ; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35334/jpmb.v8i2.5848
Orangutan
This study provides tentative evidence towards wildfire smoke exacerbates nematode infections in wild orangutans. We suggest that smoke has the potential to increase physiological stress in orang-utans, causing an increase in energy expenditure and hence reducing their resilience against parasitic infection. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03214
Spain and Sulu Treaty of 1836
This essay focuses on the Sulu-Mindanao-Borneo region in the 1830s and zooms in on the Capitulaciones (Spanish) and the Kapiturasyun (Tausug) of a treaty concluded between the Spanish Crown and the Sultanate of Sulu of 1836/37. /doi.org/10.1163/25891774-bja10127
