06Mar

Need to understand the importance of wetlands

Kota Kinabalu: Education and awareness campaigns are the key towards helping the public understand the importance of wetlands, says Sabah Environment Department Director Tunku Khalkausar Tunku Fatimah. "I believe that through education and public awareness campaigns, the message of the impedance of conserving the environment will reach the public. This event is an ideal way to create awareness and enable our younger generation to be more environmentally conscientious and to become stewards of the environment. "I note with great pleasure that the theme for this year's event is 'Wetlands for a sustainable urban future', which highlights the need for effective conservation of urban wetlands to facilitate an urbanisation that is sustainable and that makes cities liveable." She said this when launching the World Wetlands Day 2018 celebration at SWCS Likas, here, Saturday. Khalkausar said this year's theme was indeed very apt because Kota Kinabalu Wetland, located within 10km from the city centre, is the first urban Ramsar site (mangrove type) in Malaysia. She said the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society (SWCS) also deserved to be warmly congratulated for their admirable efforts at raising the bar, in terms of creating awareness and appreciation of wetlands, adding that their determination has also encouraged the Ministry to continuously support SWCS in many ways. "Unquestionably, wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems in the world. Many wetlands have been significantly destroyed in order to make way for development. As the demand for land increases, there is a tendency to encroach wetlands and convert them into dumping grounds, filling them up in order to build infrastructure on them, draining or burning them to turn them into plantations and many more. "The people have been asked to understand the importance of wetlands in the ecosystem as there are still many unable to understand how it contributes to the ecosystem circle. Urban wetlands make cities liveable in many important ways." She said wetlands also reduce flooding, replenish drinking water, filter waste, provide urban green spaces and as a source of livelihoods. "However, these benefits are not widely known and we need to educate people of all ages to understand how wetlands play an important part in our lives," she added. Meanwhile, SWCS President Datuk Zainie Abdul Aucasa said as the first NGO that manages a Ramsar site in Malaysia, they have been working diligently on conservation initiatives for more than a decade. "In the performance of these functions, I can truly say that these years have been very challenging for us. Conservation of the natural ecosystem in the urban area can be significantly different from conservation activities in the remote area due to the different set of challenges and opportunities. "We (SWCS) support the conservation of wetlands that goes hand in hand with the wise use of wetlands, without being subjected to issues of over-harvesting and over-stressing our wetlands resources. "It is sad when the level of people's awareness on the importance of wetlands is still low and it is something that needs to be made right. Wetlands are the heart of an ecosystem and if the heart no longer functions, then the ecosystem will be affected and many species will be affected, including humans." Zainie said he was very pleased with the attendance of students from more than eight secondary schools, SM Maktab Sabah, SM ST John Tuaran and SM All Saints, to name a few. "I am delighted to note that we have received more than 10 submissions from schools to participate in the Model Wetland Exhibition Competition and I heard from the judges that we have a hard time choosing the winners. "All of the model wetlands were truly great and the presentations of each group were indisputably remarkable. We are hoping that the initiatives undertaken during World Wetlands Day can greatly benefit the students and enable our younger generation to fully understand the importance of wetlands in the ecosystems. "We are so blessed to have the strong support of our committee members, ex-officious, partners, supporters and especially the staff who continue to contribute in many important ways. It is through these efforts that we continue to strive to achieve our mission to ensure protection and wise use of all wetlands in Sabah." Also present was Sabah Parks Board of Trustees Chairman Datuk Seri Tengku Dr. Zainal Adlin. - Neil Chan Source: Daily Express
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15Feb

Sunda pangolin now totally protected in Sabah

SANDAKAN: The Sunda pangolin has been upgraded to a totally protected species in Sabah, and joins the ranks of the Orangutan, Sun Bear and several other iconic species found in the state. Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said this meant that it was forbidden to hunt, consume or sell pangolins or their parts and offenders could face the maximum penalty as provided for in the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. “The document to upgrade the protection status of pangolins has been approved by the Sabah State Cabinet,” he said in a speech at the launch of a pangolin sculpture at the Sandakan Airport here today. The text of his speech was read out by Assistant Minister Datuk Kamarlin Ombi, who launched the sculpture built from recycled polycarbonate advertising boards and used bottles. Masidi said one of the biggest challenges in pangolin conservation was that very little was known about “this highly secretive and elusive creature”. He said that for millions of years, pangolins have evolved and adapted to enable them to remain undetected and were often found in low densities based on camera trapping studies. This made them rarely seen and particularly difficult to study, leading scientists to believe this species was in significant danger of extinction, he said. Despite the existence of wildlife laws in different countries, poaching and illegal trafficking of wildlife species still persisted, he said. “The general trend today indicates that elephants, rhinos and pangolins are the most poached species primarily for their ivory, horn and scales, respectively. “Certainly, the threat to pangolins has become very serious in the past five years. Pangolins are a very vulnerable species and are hunted,” he said. Masidi said pangolin scales and meat were in high demand in Asian markets for their supposedly miraculous healing properties. He stressed that local communities could play a positive role in helping to curb the illegal wildlife trade. On the pangolin sculpture at the airport, he said the collective effort of Future Alam Borneo, Danau Girang Field Centre and Malaysia Airports Berhad in showcasing the sculpture was important in raising awareness on wildlife in the state. He said it was timely for the NGOs to work with Malaysia Airports to combat wildlife crime and send a message that humans and wildlife must co-exist. He hoped that the NGOs would maintain the momentum in raising awareness on illegal wildlife trade and continue to assist enforcement efforts to curb illegal wildlife trade. The sculpture, at the entrance to the departure hall, was built by Japson Wong of JF Production. – Bernama. Source: Borneo Post Online
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23Jan

New book on Borneo stick insects launched

KOTA KINABALU: Documenting wildlife is just as important as protecting them and could contribute greatly to the effort of conserving various fauna, said Sabah Forestry Department Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Sam Mannan. According to Sam, it was imperative to document wildlife in the state or Borneo as a whole to serve as a point of reference. “There is magic in books and those who write books are magicians. Books are important – but I don’t believe in e-books. “It is great that in Sabah at least, a lot of the work has been documented. This is very practical and important because, as we move further into High Conservation Value (HCV) certification, this is a good resource material that will be useful for us today and in times to come.” He said this at the launch of ‘A Taxonomic Guide to the Stick Insects of Borneo, Volume II’ by Professor Dr Francis Seow-Choen. He said for the Sabah Forestry Department, the book will prove very useful for researchers in identifying, documenting and highlighting the endemic species in preparing HCV reports and forest management plans in sustainable forest management. Sam added that documenting species of fauna was important for their protection and management to ensure their survival for future generations. “Like many other insects, stick insects are truly fascinating. Such bizarre and captivating creatures in Borneo have drawn the attention of many nature lovers and tourists from around the world and this promotes nature tourism and contributes towards the state’s economy. “It also indicates the high rate of unexplored diversity of Bornean stick insects. All these specimens are vital as taxonomic and biodiversity references for both local and international researchers, as well as university students,” he disclosed. Sam also said that the Sabah Forestry Department will continue with certification, hopefully adding another two forests to the certified list of reserved forests this year, in meeting the target of certifying at least one reserved forest per year. The department will also be focusing on reducing impact logging and engagement with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), emphasising the importance of collaboration, he revealed. “Last time, we thought we could work on our own and make it. But it doesn’t work like that; we must get everybody who is interested in the particular subject on our team,” Sam said. Earlier, Natural History Publications (Borneo) managing director Datuk CL Chan commended Dr Francis’ efforts in seeing the book to fruition. This kind of documentation took painstaking study and mastery of a subject, he pointed out, in which the specialist then becomes uniquely aware of the diversity of form and the specialisations and common features of various groups that may be recognised. “It was most remarkable when Dr Francis crafted the first volume, which documented 15 new genera and 52 new species for the first time. The discovery and publication of so many novelties in a biological group, for a single territory, represented an iconic moment in science. “Now, in just a short period of 12 months, Dr Francis has made even more intensive collecting trips to Sabah, this time concentrating on the phasmid fauna of Mount Trus Madi. “The author has not only done science a great service in providing these results, but also allowed naturalists easy identification of the species portrayed as all the new taxa are described and illustrated with high-quality photographs,” he said. Chan also revealed that Natural History Publications (Borneo) has been appointed as the publisher of Dr Francis’ upcoming book ‘Stick Insects of Sumatra’, which he is well into completing at the manuscript stage. ‘A Taxonomic Guide to the Stick Insects of Borneo, Volume II’ continues to open new trails to a better understanding of Bornean stick insect fauna the author has concentrated his efforts on the stick insects of Mount Trus Madi, besides studying the drawers of the entomological collections of Kinabalu Park and the Forest Research Centre in Sepilok.

Volume II lists 373 Bornean species or subspecies from 92 genera, with descriptions of four new genera, one genus new to Borneo, 37 new species, four new name combinations, three new synonyms, two wrong synonyms and nine descriptions of the previously unknown sex of known species.

  Source: Borneo Post
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20Dec

Female Sumatran rhinoceros diagnosed with tumour in uterus

KOTA KINABALU: The country's last female Sumatran rhinoceros is facing a serious health problem. Sabah Wildlife department director Augustine Tuuga said the rhino, named Iman, is having tumour in her uterus. "Usually, this can be treated with medication and supplements. "But Iman is refusing to leave her mud wallow and she has hardly eaten, so the usual treatment has not been possible," he said in a statement, adding that she charges at anyone who goes near. Augustine said the bleeding from her uterus started three days ago. "It is believed that one of the larger tumours might have ruptured and is causing pain and bleeding. "Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA) veterinarians are constantly monitoring Iman along with the keepers. We are hoping for the best and will keep the public informed," he said. Iman was the last wild rhino found in Malaysia. She was captured in Danum Valley and transported to Tabin Wildlife in Lahad Datu in March 2014. Despite being diagnosed with severe fibroids in the uterus, she still produced eggs for the in-vitro fertilisation attempts. Iman and another male rhino Kertam are kept at Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Lahad Datu under the care of BORA. Augustine said Tabin has received nearly six meters of rainfall this year making Iman's paddock a quagmire and making things even more difficult. The country lost another female rhino, Puntung, about six months ago. Puntung was euthanised on June 4 after suffering three months from skin cancer.   Source: New Straits Times
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05Dec

Over 450 runners for Borneo Bird Run

SANDAKAN: More than 450 people yesterday took part in the second edition of the Borneo Bird Run that promoted bird conservation and bird watching. The 7km run around the Rainforest Discovery Centre here was flagged off by Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Sam Mannan. The participants came from Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Beluran and Kota Kinabalu. Borneo Birds Club chairman Gary Albert said the activity, which was supported by the Forestry Department and the Sabah Tourism Board, was also to promote a healthy lifestyle, besides the conservation aspect. The men’s open category was won by Saibee Mohd. In second and third place respectively were Addy Zonius and Azrul Bombo. Christina Donale won the women’s open category while On bte Paris was in second place and Vidia Lee was in third. In the men’s veteran category, first place was won by Alexander Lee, while Kirin Lumpakis and Ibra Sirah were in second and third respectively. Sahria Daraup won the women’s veteran category, followed by Thoen Sim Yee in second place, and Wong Kim Lan in third.   Source: New Sabah Times
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