All Creatures Great and Small #67
Genetics Nicobar Islands
The Nicobar Islands are located north of Sumatra and separate the Bay of Bengal from the Andaman Sea. The genetic link between the Nicobar community and the Htin Mal people of Laos and Thailand has been established. The migration to the Nicobar Islands, about 5,000 years ago has been confirmed. European Journal of Human Genetics; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41431-024-01720-w
Grouper range extended
The present study extends the documented distribution range of E. flavocaeruleus, commonly known as the blue and yellow grouper eastwards from the Andaman Sea to the Borneo waters of Sabah, Malaysia. Five specimens of the blue-and-yellow grouper were collected from a local fish market. 10.11646/zootaxa.5550.1.14
New Species
The goal of this study is to review the taxonomic status of Johnius species of croaker in East Malaysia, Borneo Island, by using a literature review and other methods. Moreover, the new record of Johnius trewavasae in East Malaysia represented that the distribution of the subtropical genus Johnius extended to the southernmost part of the tropical region. 10.11646/zootaxa.5550.1.11
New Book
A new book about the history of Banjarmasin has recently been published. “Landscape Biography of Banjarmasin South Kalimantan, Indonesia: History and Cultural Values of a River City” “This landscape biography highlights how the current urban settings of Banjarmasin are intertwined with its historical past.” 10.33612/diss.1163348846
Bidayuh Language
This essay describes how two Bidayuh dialects, Bukar-Sadong and Biatah, shape culture. The essay is incomprehensible unless you are an advanced linguist. dx.doi.org/10.1353/ol.2024.a946246.
New Species
Two new species of predatory ants have been made known to science from Sabah. Another speci of raider ant has also been made known. OI: 10.20362/am.017004
World War 2
This paper explores the events that took place during the 2nd world War in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi at the peak of Sultan Jainal Abirin leadership and acting Governor Arolas Tulawi. The documentation of this war can be attested by the presence of intelligence reports covering as far as the island of Borneo. International Social Science Review Print ISSN: 2704-4203 | Online ISSN: 2719-0684 | Volume 10, 2024
Rainfall
Rainfall which caused erosion increased during the period 1989-2018 in Borneo. The result showed that the majority of rainfall stations exhibited an upward trend during the northeast monsoon, southwest monsoon and first intermonsoon. The findings of this paper highlight that East Malaysia is susceptible to landslides, especially during northeast monsoon. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00704-024-05307-9
Carnivorous Plants
Using various software packages, this study shows the location of Nepenhes species throughout Malaysia. Sabah is the most numerous location and is considered a hot spot. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30880/ekst.2024.04.02.074
Sea Weed
Seaweeds that are consumed locally are the subject of this study. https://doi.org/10.61507/tsmj-2024-TTH1-10
New Species
A new species of loach has been discovered in a drainage area of Barito Borneo. https://doi.org/10.26107/RBZ-2024-0035
More Rainfall
“In recent years, there has been a rising trend in the frequency and intensity of monsoonal extreme rainfall events in most parts of SEA, including the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Borneo, and Thailand, while other regions (e.g., Indonesia) have experienced a decrease in extreme events but an increased number of consecutive wet days.” https://doi.org/10.3390/w17010005
Algal Blooms
A dinoflagellate, Karenia mikimotoi, responsible for the massive death of fish and shellfish has been found in Sabah waters. There have been no devastating blooms in the Malaysian seas yet. DOI:
Sarawak and the Federation
This study summarizes Sarawak’s history and then discusses current issues such as the position of Sarawak within the Federation, a 40% increase in gas and oil revenues, the use of English in both schools and government and is on track to provide free higher education. Also included is the state takeover of both MAS Wings and the Bintululu port and the establishment of Sarawak’s immigration which includes the expatriate migration program. The study offers predictions for various scenarios for the future. Conflict and Peace Studies Journal Vol. 3 No. 2 July – December 2024
Proboscis Monkeys
An isolated population of Proboscis Monkeys has been found in the mangrove forest of the Sulaman Lake Forest Reserve in Sabah. Four adult males were spotted by the team with others confirmed through interviews with the local population. Tropical Life Sciences Research. Warning: This publication charges RM650 to publish an article.
Bajau Samah People
The Bajau Samah people live along the shores of Borneo and the Celebes. This paper explores the meeting of Islam and adat among these seafaring people. DOI: 10.31291/hn.v13i2.749
Kejaman People
The Kejaman community is a small indigenous group living in Sarawak. This study examined how social network influences the maintenance of the indigenous language of the Kejaman, a small indigenous group living in Sarawak, Malaysia.
Broom Rape
Tepus Meroyan is a cleanser used during confinement after giving birth. A new species has been found in Java. DOI: 10.55981/reinwardtia.2024.4848
Partridges and Pheasants
An article with many photos of the chicks and juvenile partridges of Borneo is available. In the same issue, two partridges endemic to Sabah and Bulwer’s pheasant are also explored. Malaysian Bird Report. Volume 4/2024, Dec 2024: pg. 24-32
BorneoHistory.net