New Species
Three new species of the Hairy Fungus Beetle (Litargus) have been made known to science. Two are from Sulawesi while the third is found in Sabah and Sarawak. Munis Entomology & Zoology Mun. Ent. Zool. https://www.munisentzool.org/ 20 (1) ISSN 1306-3022 (January, 2025)
New Species
A new species of Huntsman spider has been described from Sabah and Sarawak. https://doi.org/10.46357/bcnaturais.v19i3.1041
Monsoon Season
The onset of the 2021-2022 monsoon began on 1 November and withdrew on 15 March. The season recorded 16 rain surges. A surge may last for a few days or up to three weeks. During the 2020-21 season, there were 12 surges. The highest surge occurred in Borneo at Kudat with 221 mm of rain on 6 February 2022. The heaviest rains occurred in Kuching during the sixth, seventh and eighth surges occurring in late January and most of February of the 2020-2021 season. Tropical Cyclone Rai and Tropical Cyclone Nyatoh also occurred during the 21-22 season which affected the surges. MALAYSIAN METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT Research Publication No. 1/2024
Stateless in Sabah
People of Filipino descent who live in Sabah are the subject of this essay. There are no legal pathways to citizenship in Malaysia, and there are practically unviable pathways to citizenship in the Philippines. The article follows three people in their quest for nationhood. DOI: 10.1080/01419870.2024.2441912
Jakun Genetics
A person from the Orang Asli sub-tribe Jakun in Peninsula Malaysia had her DNA analyzed. The Jakun are a proto-Malay group that inhabited the area for 4 thousand years, or 1975 B.C. Research informs they are from what is now Cambodia. The admixture suggests they migrated to North Borneo.DOI:10.1038/s41439-024-00308-6
Snake Frog (Caecilian)
This essay describes the Snake Frog that for the first time has been found in Brunei but is known in Sabah and Sarawak. Uniquely, it tells of the proto-bacteria which live on its skin. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2024.2442749
Murut Tribe
The Murut tribe is one of the tribes that live in North Borneo. This study unravels the historical factors of health and disease that have contributed to the decline of the Murut tribe in North Borneo throughout the period from 1921 to 1960. Researchers have found that disease is the main factor affecting the decline of the Murut population. https://jurcon.ums.edu.my/ojums/index.php/JBA/
Terubuk or Tropical Shads
Tropical shads, Tenualosa spp. Locally known as Terubok is one of the most economically vital fish species in Malaysia, especially in Sarawak. The importance of Tenualosa spp. to the Sarawak economy can be observed since some salted Terubok fish are claimed to be able to sell for between RM3,000.00 and RM4,000.00. Terbuk fish can claim between RM50-70 per fish. The Tropical shads catch has been in decline for the past 15 years owing to extensive exploitation and high commercial demand. Genetic analysis has shown all the shads came from similar origins and that this genetic information can be used to manage the species. http://doi.org/10.46754/jssm.2025.01.005
New Species
A new species of Mite has been found in the leaf litter on Sarawak. DOI: 10.1556/038.2024.00228
Iban Tattoo
The results of the study found that the traditional tattoo of the Iban community is influenced by the elements of nature in its creation. Written in Malay. https://jurcon.ums.edu.my/ojums/index.php/JBA/
Iban Animism
The rituals and traditional beliefs (Pengarap Lama Iban) are passed down from generation to generation The results of the research show that the Pengarap Lama Iban plays an important role in connecting the Iban community with the universe, ancestral spirits, ethics and even as a life marker and moral guide to preserve goodness in their lives. Written in Malay. ttps://jurcon.ums.edu.my/ojums/index.php/JBA/
Ganesha Statute at Limbang
In 1922, a significant artefact was accidentally uncovered at Bukit Mas, Limbang: a statue of Ganesha, the Hindu deity depicted with an elephant head and a human body. This essay describes the Brahmin and Hindu influences in Sarawak as well as some history of Limbang. https://jurcon.ums.edu.my/ojums/index.php/JBA
New Species
A new species of catfish (duri sona) has been made known in Sabah waters. DOI: 10.51200/bjomsa.v8i.4947
New Book
The Literature of Brunei: History Culture and Challenges is now available on Amazon for the utterly insane price of MR 855.00 or $190.00.
Brunei Malays
This article will attempt to explore and trace the issues, and challenges in promoting the change in the position of Brunei Malays to become a native Bumiputera entity so that they are no longer included in the other bumiputra category in the Sabah population census record. :10.6007/IJARBSS/v14-i12/24421
Sale of Borneo Primate Skulls on Bali
Indonesia, one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, is home to 67 primate species. The illegal trade in primates for meat, pets, and traditional medicine severely threatens at least half of these species. Among these, the trade in primate skulls, a niche yet concerning the market, is particularly prominent on the island of Bali, catering primarily to international tourists. This study conducted eight systematic assessments between 2013 and 2024, identifying four towns and one temple complex in southern Bali as key hubs for the primate skull trade. A total of 754 skulls were documented, including those of macaques (581), langurs (149), proboscis monkeys (9), and orangutans (3). Despite Bali’s status as a tourist destination, the skulls predominantly originated from Java and Indonesian Borneo, with minimal local sourcing. Skulls were observed in various forms: raw and cleaned or intricately carved to enhance aesthetic appeal and market value. Primate Conservation 2024 (38)
A Head House of the Bidayuh Serian
This article investigates the changes in the uses of two head houses (Balu) over time. The significance has decreased as many of its traditional uses have ceased to be practised. Despite this decline, the study reveals a strong cultural identity among the Bidayuh-Bukar community. They continue to incorporate the balu into their modern lifestyles and traditional ceremonies, such as the Gawai Dayak celebration. https://doi.org/10.61507/tsmj-2024-4DPD-03
BorneoHistory.net
