Kalinga
The ancient empire of Kalinga, now known as Odisha, dates to about 500 BC. The Southeast Asia portion includes Borneo, Malaya, Java and Sri Lanka. This research delves into examining the historical maritime connections between the Indian state of Odisha and Southeast Asian countries and the evidence of Kalinga’s cultural impact in those territories. An interesting read on Indian History and Southeast Asia: https://doi.org/10.22271/27069109.2024.v6.i2b.302
Border Disputes
A study of the border disputes between Indonesia and Malaysia with special emphasis on the maritime border. Doi: 10.17981/juridcuc.20.1.2024.03 I also have a copy
New Book
Translating Chinese in Malaysia: The Rise of a New Cultural and Linguistic Enclave is available for the ridiculous price of MR603.00. Still, if you know someone who can afford it…..
Sufism
People melded Sufi mysticism with local adat (customs) and pre-Islamic beliefs where people had a spirit union with plants or animals. Although Imams did not call their beliefs Sufism per se, many of these beliefs were incorporated within their Islamic doctrine. One could attain superhuman strength, have incredible speed and become invulnerable according to the pronouncements of the Silat Masters. Sufism became a dominant force along with Islam in Southeast Asia adding to the power of the Sultans. A very difficult read.DOI: 10.1111/johs.12474
Orangutan and Proboscis monkeys
The conclusions of this study state that orangutans have a less complex relationship with each other than previously thought. Proboscis monkeys seem to have spent little time with each other except for mating. An interesting read. DOI: 10.1111/johs.12474
Hose Flying Squirrel
The Hose’s pygmy flying squirrel is lacking information. Measurement records are limited to four species. The sighting of this species is extremely rare in Borneo, particularly in Sabah. A male P. hosei, was captured in the Rawog River Conservation Area, marking only the second record in Sabah and the fifth in Borneo. This individual’s Head-to-Body (HB) dimensions are approximately 70.71 mm, with a tail length of 77.83 mm and hind legs measuring 19.46 mm. Biodiversitas vol25 no9 (2024)
New Book
“An Introduction to the History of Southeast Asian Architecture” is available for students and the general reader for only MR 51.00, which can be purchased from Google Play.
Negroids
The first wave of negroids left Africa about 65-50 thousand years and migrated through north India, S. Thailand, North Borneo and onwards to Australia and New Guinea. A second wave of Austronesians travelled about 45 thousand years ago to Siberia and then split into three different paths. One arrived in Burma, another in the Vietnam Laos area and the third in the Philippines about 4 thousand years ago. This is termed the “Two Layer Model of AMH Movements.” I have a copy of these detailed migrations. Just ask!
New Book
The Long Millennium: Affluence, Architecture and Dark Matter by Mark Jarzombek(Routledge) has a chapter entitled The Central Role of Borneo. The book costs MR168.00 or US$40.00
New Wasps
Six new wasps or Lebah Madu Kelulut Centistidea Rohwer (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Miracinae) from Borneo have been made known to science. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2024.2397550
Sunda Shelf Trees
Pollen taken from cores from the mouths of old drowned rivers indicates the same types of forests now in Borneo. The cores also indicate many different species now than previously. I have a copy. Just ask.
Glass Eels
A Field Guide for Glass Eel Species Identification is available from me, Sarawaktom@gmail.com.
Climbing a Hill
The number and different kinds of species of plants at the bottom of a hill are low, increase to a high point at the middle of the hill and then become low again as one proceeds to the top of the hill. This research was undertaken at Teramuo Hill in Kampung Stass in Bau District, Sarawak. : 10.13057/biodiv/d250954
Slako
The Slako are a sub-group of the Bidayu. They are mainly concentrated in Lundu. Their organization includes the Binua who coordinates all cultural programs, the kampongk who is in charge of all religious activities, the bidant who is in charge of women, the orangk Bia’ntwho takes charge of all medical problems and the pengarah uma who takes care of all agricultural items. The Tuha Laut is the head of the village and is in charge of dealing with government officials and the Tukangk Tampa is in charge of iron-making such agricultural implements, tools and machettes. DOI:10.6007/IJARBSS/v13-i15/18920
Humpback Whale
A population of Humpback whales have been sighted off of Miri for the first time. http://umt-ir.umt.edu.my:8080/handle/123456789/15269
Giant Mudskipper
The objective of this study was to compare the water quality, abundance and behaviour of the giant mudskipper Periophthalmodon schlosseri between the mudflats and a mangrove forest along the Gigis River in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. There was a higher number of mudskippers in the Mangrove forest possibly due to better water quality.doi.org/10.1134/S0032945224700619
Borneo Peacock Pheasant
The Bornean Peacock-Pheasant (Kuang-Cermin Borneo) Polyplectron schleiermacheri is uncommonly seen and is probably the rarest and least known of all peacock-pheasants. Since 2021 the Bornean Peacock-Pheasant has been seen frequently at a bird hide at Telupid Forest Reserve, Kampung Bestari, Telupid, Sandakan, Sabah. Chicks and juveniles have been documented. Malaysian Bird Report Volume 3/2024, Sept 2024
New Maps
New maps of the drowned river systems of the Sunda Shelf during the Paleolithic are available. Really neat series of maps to look at! https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jop.2024.10.001
Cobras
Two new species of cobra have been made known to science by our own Indraneil Das of the University Malaysia Sarawak.
Coral Reefs
The Kota Kinabalu coral reefs are well-recognized as a tourism hotspot established to conserve marine life. However, rapid urbanization, high coastal development and excessive tourism activities have led to increased sedimentation, pollution, and habitat destruction. The findings indicate that Kota Kinabalu reefs data suggested they were in ‘fair’ condition. This study concludes that extensive coastal developments and uncontrolled human activities may have negatively influenced the variations in coral conditions, diversity and abundance. doi.org/10.1007/s42974-024-00218-1
Spillover of Avian Flu to humans
Recent deforestation in coastal habitats in Malaysian Borneo may increase the proximity between humans and migratory birds. We hypothesise that higher rates of human-animal contact, caused by this habitat destruction, will increase the likelihood of potential avian flu in humans. doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-53058-y
Borneo viewpoints from the Hungarians
The perspectives of Borneo from three Hungarian travellers in the late 1800’s are discussed. | DOI: 10.17510/wacana.v25i1.1715.
Tree Guide
A Guide to Macaranga (Euphorbiaceae) of Lambir Hills National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia is available. Contr. Biol. Lab. Kyoto Univ., Vol. 32, pp. 50–81
Rafflesia
This study assessed soil properties across Rafflesia habitats on Sumatera, Borneo, and Java islands, revealing similarities in pH, carbon, nitrogen, and cation exchange capacity (CEC), while the soil texture varied. DOI 10.22146/jtbb.89231
Italian Travellers in Borneo
Discusses Italians and the Malay world. | DOI: 10.17510/wacana.v25i2.1679.
New Indonesian Capital
From the East-West Center in Hawaii comes a report where they more closely examine the climate dimensions of the project, exploring the extent of its climate mitigation impacts, while also homing in on its potential for adaptation and resilience. Our findings suggest that under the project’s current course, emissions are likely to increase significantly, worsening vulnerabilities in Jakarta and creating new ones in East Kalimantan. An Analysis from the East-West Center Vol. 27, No. 169 October 2024
Green Sea Turtles
Our study unveiled the intricacies of green turtle migration in the South China Sea, especially immature individuals. The results highlighted the involvement of diverse sources and contribution to multiple rookeries with the Xisha Islands being most important. These findings further underscored the importance of the South China Sea as a crucial area for green turtle conservation. : 10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2024.0009
Volcanic Eruption of Ruang
This report details the movement of the ash cloud from the eruption on 17 April 2024 and how it passed over north Borneo. Some really neat pictures and graphs. I have a copy. Just ask.
New Book
Seeking the Koko’ta’ay published by Brill is an outstanding work about the negroids who came to Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, it is for sale at the unheard-of price of MR700 or $160. USD. I wrote to a few of the people who wrote essays in the book which I was interested in and three answered. Contact me for copies.