An occasional paper on current research aligned to Borneo
New Spider Species
A new species of spider has been made known to the western world. Aetius bicuspidatus sp. nov. (Araneae: Corinnidae) was found in the Lambir Hills National Park. It was based on the collection of male and female specimens. Acta Arachnologica, 69 (2): 105–108, December 20, 2020
Mosquitoes
Plasmodium knowlesiis the main cause of malaria in Sarawak. It is carried by the mosquito and when it bites, it is transferred, in this case, to the human. A group from the University Malaysia studied 2,169 mosquitoes collected over 36 days using hand landing catches. Almost all the viruses from the malaria carrying Leucosphyrus bit humans after 1800 hours. The Umbrosus group, also malaria carrying mosquitoes, bit between 0700-1100. : https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-127897/v1
Acne in Teenagers
A bacterium carried in the leaves, fruits and stems of the Kasturi plant (mangifera casturi) seems to have the effect of eradicating the bacteria that causes acne in humans during puberty. Acne, though a harmless problem, is suspected to cause low self esteem in teenagers. The research comes from the Faculty of Pharmacy in Jakarta. http//dx.doi.org/10.11594/jaab.01.02.03
A New Myrmecophiles
Myrmecophiles are insects that live in close association with ants. They clean up dead ants, dead larve and fungi growing in the nest. The host ants for this Borneo species are unknown but they seem to be associated with army ants. The new species was found in the north eastern extensions of Mount Kinabalu, North Sabah (Malaysia), North Borneo. The holotype was collected by canopy fogging. The name is Malayloeblius Tensus sp.nov. Acta Musei Moraviae Scientiae biologicae 105(2) 153-162 2020
Bamboo
Bamboo has many different uses from producing medications, toys and aircraft to name a few. Bamboo has the best tensile strength of any material. Bamboo has about 1290 different species making it extremely difficult to tell them apart. A group from the University Malaya Sabah has an application of molecular techniques for studying genetic diversity in bamboo, however, has still been limited to date. The present study aims to review different molecular tools currently used to assess genetic diversity and infer phylogenetic relationships in the bamboos. Borneo International Journal of Biotechnology (BIJB) Vol. 1 (December 2020), 19 – 33
Salt Licks
Natural salt licks located throughout the Borneo forest are used by hunters. The salt attracts mouse deer, muntjac, bearded pigs and other mammals which are then shot and killed for local and town sales. Researchers at UNIMAS have measured the sodium content outward from these licks to determine a possible no hunting zone surrounding these licks. As more and more hunters lie in wait near these saltlicks, the animal population is steadily decreasing to the point where they may become extinct in the near future. Of the nine salt licks study, Sungan Semait Hulu seems to the one most used by the hunters. Journal of Sustainability and Management, Volume 15 Number 8 December, 2020 http:doi.org/10.46754/jssm.220.005
Ecotourism
The Kelabit Highlands of Sarawak and the Kerayan Highlands of Kalimatan are an interconnected area where the people travel back and forth, intermarry and speak the same language. Their ancestors have created megaliths, erected stones, carved stones, large piles of stones, old longhouse sites and earthworks in various shapes especially crocodiles. These sites have a deep cultural and religious significance on both sides of the border. Trekkers have discovered these sites and both the Malaysian and Indonesian governments want to expand the area for ecotourism. Studies must be done in order to protect these valuable resources. Journal of Borneo Kalimatan vol. 6 no.2020
Lantern Flies
These flies are known for their striking coloration and head ornamentation. Little is known of their biology and plant associations. Researchers have found The Mata Kuching Tree seems to be the host tree for three species of the flies. Another three species of Lantern bugs seem to use the sap of six different plants. The Lantern Flies seem to stay around one tree and come back year after year. Borneo Journal of Resource Science and Technology (2020), 10(2): 172-178 https:doi.org/10.33736/bjrst.2717.2020 Plant Association of Lanternfli
El Nino, La Nina and Temperature in Kuching
This study shows as El Nino and La Nina arrives the temperature either increased or decreased by 0.5 degrees C. Temperatures ranged from 23 C in the morning to 32 C during the day. The temperatures were recorded from Kuching airport from 1989-2019. Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Volume 6, Issue 1, 2021 https://doi.org/10.47405/mjssh.v6i1 .602
Plastics in the Sarawak River
In a study of three different city sites, the Kuap river, the Marong river and the Sarawak river at the waterfront it was determined the Sarawak had the highest amount of dissolved plastics in the water. One mistake in the article is the Sarawak is influenced by tides. The plastics were the result of human activity. Borneo Journal of Resource Science and Technology (2020), 10(2): 116-125 DOI: https:doi.org/10.33736/bjrst.2475.2020
Perch Height and the Pied Tiller
The Pied Tiller(Lalage nigra) is a common garden bird found in and around Kuching. They prefer to roost on high trees to emit calls, according to the research. The preferred tree was the Weeping Fig Tree (Ficus benjimina). Of interest ( I thought it was interesting) is the vocal and behaviour analysis such as perch hop, perching and several other behaviours. Borneo Journal of Resource Science and Technology (2020), 10(2): 179-189 DOI: https:doi.org/10.33736/bjrst.2716.2
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