Sometime before June 1992, I had heard about a brief study by a doctoral student, Reed Wadley, on the impact of roads in the area of Danau Sentarum Wildlife Reserve. My husband, 10-year old son, and I were headed up the Kapuas River to work in that area of West Kalimantan, Indonesia, and I had a clear plan to be on the lookout for Reed. After hours and hours of travel in an over-burdened speedboat, zooming around the Danau Sentarum Wildlife Reserve, in search of the perfect spot for a field center, our group of conservation folks arrived at the edge of the village of Lanjak, on the northern edge of the Reserve. In the process of reporting to the local camat (sub-district head), we encountered Reed--who was also excited to run into us.
He and I immediately hit it off and began discussing our respective plans for ethnographic (and other) research in the area, and how we might collaborate--as we sat side by side on the camat's couch. My most vivid memory of that meeting was when, for …
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
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January 1, 2008... In This Issue We begin this issue with a memorial section dedicated to two extraordinarily gifted scholars, Reed Wadley and Robert Barrett. Both died, tragically, at the peak of their intellectual powers. Of the two, Reed was the youngest. I first met Reed in 1994 at the BRC meetings...
Reed L. Wadley: 1962-2008.(MEMORIALS)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Reed Wadley, Associate Professor at the University of Missouri (Columbia) died June 28 after a courageous two-year long battle with Ewing's sarcoma. Dr. Wadley's cremated remains were divided between his family in Idaho and his Iban family in Borneo. He is survived...
In honor of Reed Lee Wadley.(MEMORIALS)
January 1, 2008... Sometime before June 1992, I had heard about a brief study by a doctoral student, Reed Wadley, on the impact of roads in the area of Danau Sentarum Wildlife Reserve. My husband, 10-year old son, and I were headed up the Kapuas River to work in that area of West Kalimantan, Indonesia, and I...
Remembering Reed Wadley--"... and you will.".(In memoriam)
January 1, 2008... In my mind today, I can hear those three short words just as I did during my Ph.D. qualifying exam. The goal that day was for a committee to identify my weaknesses--a necessary, but unpleasant rite of passage--and we had been at it for several hours. A professor posed a question to me,...
Robert John Barrett: 1949-2007.(In memoriam)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A Passionate Love: The Contributions of the Late Professor Robert John Barrett Professor Robert John Barrett died suddenly, after a long and difficult illness, on January 12th, 2007. At the time of his death, at the age of 57, he was Head of the Discipline of...
Reed L. Wadley: 1962-2008.(MEMORIALS)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Reed Wadley, Associate Professor at the University of Missouri (Columbia) died June 28 after a courageous two-year long battle with Ewing's sarcoma. Dr. Wadley's cremated remains were divided between his family in Idaho and his Iban family in Borneo. He is survived...
In honor of Reed Lee Wadley.(MEMORIALS)
January 1, 2008... Sometime before June 1992, I had heard about a brief study by a doctoral student, Reed Wadley, on the impact of roads in the area of Danau Sentarum Wildlife Reserve. My husband, 10-year old son, and I were headed up the Kapuas River to work in that area of West Kalimantan, Indonesia, and I...
Remembering Reed Wadley--"... and you will.".(In memoriam)
January 1, 2008... In my mind today, I can hear those three short words just as I did during my Ph.D. qualifying exam. The goal that day was for a committee to identify my weaknesses--a necessary, but unpleasant rite of passage--and we had been at it for several hours. A professor posed a question to me,...
Robert John Barrett: 1949-2007.(In memoriam)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A Passionate Love: The Contributions of the Late Professor Robert John Barrett Professor Robert John Barrett died suddenly, after a long and difficult illness, on January 12th, 2007. At the time of his death, at the age of 57, he was Head of the Discipline of...
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propinsi (or provinsi; province), east-central Borneo, Indonesia. It is bounded by the East Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah to the northwest and the north, by the Celebes Sea to the northeast and the Makassar Strait to the southeast, and by the Indonesian provinces of South Kalimantan (Kalimantan Selatan) to the south, Central Kalimantan (Kalimantan Tengah) to the southwest, and West Kalimantan (Kalimantan Barat) to the west. East Kalimantan also embraces a number of islands in the Celebes Sea, including Sebatik (southern half), Bunyu, Tarakan, Panjang, Derawan, and Bilangbilangan, among others. The
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Alqadrie, Syarif Ibrahim, 1999, Konflik etnis di Ambon dan Sambas: suatu tinjauan sosiologis. Antropologi Indonesia, Vol 23 (no. 58): 36-57.
Were the ethnic conflicts in Sambas and Ambon the result of the same set of factors? The author of this article thinks that they were, blaming the ambivalent and unfair treatment meted out by the police and the armed forces, and the subsequent absence of proper and just law enforcement. Feeling pushed into a corner with no way out, the local people, the Malays and Dayaks in Sambas and the Muslim and Christian
Were the ethnic conflicts in Sambas and Ambon the result of the same set of factors? The author of this article thinks that they were, blaming the ambivalent and unfair treatment meted out by the police and the armed forces, and the subsequent absence of proper and just law enforcement. Feeling pushed into a corner with no way out, the local people, the Malays and Dayaks in Sambas and the Muslim and Christian
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Some have said the images appear to be altered with photo-editing software while others have suggested that the snake-like image is really a log or a wake left behind by a speedboat.
People who have studied the aerial photograph dismiss the latter allegations, saying that a log could not take that clear winding shape and that boats do not leave a twisting wake.
Villagers believe the legendary beast, the Nabau, had a dragon’s head, seven nostrils and could change its shape.
A 100-foot-long serpent may sound unbelievable, but just last month fossils found in Colombia revealed an ancient giant snake that stretched about 45 feet long and weighed more than 2,500 pounds.
People who have studied the aerial photograph dismiss the latter allegations, saying that a log could not take that clear winding shape and that boats do not leave a twisting wake.
Villagers believe the legendary beast, the Nabau, had a dragon’s head, seven nostrils and could change its shape.
A 100-foot-long serpent may sound unbelievable, but just last month fossils found in Colombia revealed an ancient giant snake that stretched about 45 feet long and weighed more than 2,500 pounds.
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illagers in Borneo who have long believed that a legendary 100-foot-long snake called the Nabau trolls the Baleh River say recent photographs show that the beast has returned, The Daily Mail reports.
One of the photos showing a serpent-like figure was taken from a helicopter by a member of a disaster team monitoring flood regions, while a second was taken from a remote village. Critics, however, have called both photographs into question, Livescience.com reports.
One of the photos showing a serpent-like figure was taken from a helicopter by a member of a disaster team monitoring flood regions, while a second was taken from a remote village. Critics, however, have called both photographs into question, Livescience.com reports.
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Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:
Journal of Southeast Asian Studies
Article: Borneo. Jewel in a Jade Rainbow, Letters and ...
Journal of Southeast Asian Studies ; March 1, 2000 ; Sather, Clifford; 700+ words ... Borneo. Jewel in a Jade Rainbow, Letters and Legends from North Borneo Sabah. By DAVID ... book. Jewel in a Jade Rainbow is not a work ... of Jewel in a Jade Rainbow is a collection ... bring a wife to North Borneo on a first appointment ...
The Geographical Journal
Article: Borneo: Jewel in a Jade Rainbow.(Review)(Brief ...
The Geographical Journal ; September 1, 2000 ; GOUDIE, A.S.; 616 words ... Borneo: Jewel in a Jade Rainbow. By DAVID and SUE FIELDING. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia: Koisaan ... 10 4 David Fielding, an Oxford trained geographer, went to North Borneo in 1960 as an officer in the Colonial Office, and was accompanied ...
See all results. Or, try our Advanced Search.
Journal of Southeast Asian Studies
Article: Borneo. Jewel in a Jade Rainbow, Letters and ...
Journal of Southeast Asian Studies ; March 1, 2000 ; Sather, Clifford; 700+ words ... Borneo. Jewel in a Jade Rainbow, Letters and Legends from North Borneo Sabah. By DAVID ... book. Jewel in a Jade Rainbow is not a work ... of Jewel in a Jade Rainbow is a collection ... bring a wife to North Borneo on a first appointment ...
The Geographical Journal
Article: Borneo: Jewel in a Jade Rainbow.(Review)(Brief ...
The Geographical Journal ; September 1, 2000 ; GOUDIE, A.S.; 616 words ... Borneo: Jewel in a Jade Rainbow. By DAVID and SUE FIELDING. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia: Koisaan ... 10 4 David Fielding, an Oxford trained geographer, went to North Borneo in 1960 as an officer in the Colonial Office, and was accompanied ...
See all results. Or, try our Advanced Search.
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From the perspective of the present, it seems remarkable, but, in 1960, newly appointed officers were allowed a full month's travel time in which to reach Sabah. Sensibly, the Fieldings made the long steamship trip from Southampton their honeymoon. Arriving in Jesselton (by way of Singapore) aboard the S.S. "Kunak", they are packed off almost at once to Tambunan, in the Interior Residency. Tambuan and the Fieldings prove to be a …
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At the heart of Jewel in a Jade Rainbow is a collection of personal letters sent home by a young cadet District Officer and his wife during three years in Sabah, from July 1960 through August 1963. The officer, David Fielding, served in the British military in Malaya during the Emergency. After returning to England, he read geography at Oxford and upon graduating in 1959, he applied for a post with the Colonial Office. His application was successful, but first, before being posted, he was sent for a year to study law and languages at Cambridge. One has the sense that this year was largely a waste of time. In any event, at the end of it, with a letter of confirmation in hand, he proposed and married Sue, a registered nurse at Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford. It was a "rash act", as he tells us in the preface, for, in those days it required the permission of the Governor to marry and bring a wife to North Borneo on a first appointment. As students of colonial history will know, anti-marriage rules were virtually un iversal in colonial Southeast Asia down to the 1920s. Clearly, in North Borneo, they lingered on even longer. Luckily, the Governor was sympathetic.
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David and Sue Fielding. Borneo. Jewel in a Jade Rainbow, Letters and Legends from North Borneo Sabah. Koisaan Cultural Development Institute, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 1998, xiv + 444, photos and maps.
Historian friends tell me that it is nearly impossible to find a publisher for a colonial memoir. What a pity, especially if the memoir is as engagingly told as this delightful book. Jewel in a Jade Rainbow is not a work of analytical reflection, but an illustrated chronicle of people, places, and daily events conveyed with all the immediacy of letters written to parents and friends at home, diary entries, snapshots, district tour reports, shipboard menus, official circulars, and picnic and sporting day programs. It covers a highly eventful period--sadly neglected by academic historians--the final years of British colonial rule in Sabah
Historian friends tell me that it is nearly impossible to find a publisher for a colonial memoir. What a pity, especially if the memoir is as engagingly told as this delightful book. Jewel in a Jade Rainbow is not a work of analytical reflection, but an illustrated chronicle of people, places, and daily events conveyed with all the immediacy of letters written to parents and friends at home, diary entries, snapshots, district tour reports, shipboard menus, official circulars, and picnic and sporting day programs. It covers a highly eventful period--sadly neglected by academic historians--the final years of British colonial rule in Sabah
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BORNEO DAYAK CULTURAL FESTIVAL IN SIBU ON JULY 8 AND 9.
BERNAMA The Malaysian National News Agency
| June 16, 2009 | COPYRIGHT 1999 Bernama - Malaysian National Agency. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)Copyright
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from BERNAMA, The Malaysian National News Agency SIBU, June 16 (Bernama) -- A "Gawai Kelingkang Tuah" (ritual to seek/celebrate good fortune) of the Ibans, a rarely seen traditional Gawai celebration, will be shown to the public on July 4 at the Town Square here.
The mock Gawai is among the highlights of the annual Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF), a Sibu signature tourism event, held from July 3 to 10.
The organising chairman of the Dayak segment of BCF, Tengku anak Geruna, said it would start at 9am at the Dayak pavilion and would continue again in the evening.
He said during the celebration, the public could enjoy watching a number of age-old Iban …
BERNAMA The Malaysian National News Agency
| June 16, 2009 | COPYRIGHT 1999 Bernama - Malaysian National Agency. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)Copyright
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from BERNAMA, The Malaysian National News Agency SIBU, June 16 (Bernama) -- A "Gawai Kelingkang Tuah" (ritual to seek/celebrate good fortune) of the Ibans, a rarely seen traditional Gawai celebration, will be shown to the public on July 4 at the Town Square here.
The mock Gawai is among the highlights of the annual Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF), a Sibu signature tourism event, held from July 3 to 10.
The organising chairman of the Dayak segment of BCF, Tengku anak Geruna, said it would start at 9am at the Dayak pavilion and would continue again in the evening.
He said during the celebration, the public could enjoy watching a number of age-old Iban …
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Index of articles > Culture and Society > Anthropology, Archeology, and Folklore publications > Borneo Research Bulletin articles > January 2006 articles
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Borneo. Dayak et Punan, peuples de la foret tropicale humide. (Kalimantan, Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei).(ANNOUNCEMENT)
Borneo Research Bulletin
| January 01, 2006 | COPYRIGHT 2008 Borneo Research Council, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)Copyright
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November 25th 2006 to March 11th 2007
Musee de Laon 32, rue Georges Ermant 02000 Laon, France
Tel.: 03 23 20 19 87
fax: 03 23 20 24 97
e-mail: musee@ville-laon.fr
Director : Mrs. Caroline Jorrand
http://perso.orange.fr/jpjcg/musee/
SYNOPSIS
Through five thematic sections the natural environment and the cultural life of the inhabitants of the interior of Borneo are described, especially in terms of interactions.
The exhibition presents first various aspects of the natural history of the island of Borneo, flora and fauna, and the geographic exploration of the island during the XIXth and XXth …
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Related articles from newspapers, magazines, journals, and more
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Related articles from newspapers, magazines, journals, and more
International Travel News
Slaughter in Borneo.(Dayak headhunters kill immigrant settlers)(Brief Article)
Magazine article from: International Travel News April 1, 2001 700+ words In south-central Borneo in late February '01, gangs of Dayak headhunters armed with spears, machetes and blowguns...building for decades in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part 'of Borneo, with' 'the Dayaks resenting the Muslim Madurese settlers...
Asian Folklore Studies
Sellato, Bernard. Innermost Borneo: Studies in Dayak Cultures.(Book Review)
Magazine article from: Asian Folklore Studies Sather, Clifford December 1, 2003 700+ words ...SELLATO, BERNARD. Innermost Borneo: Studies in Dayak Cultures. Paris: SevenOrients...introduction to Innermost Borneo, he first came to the island...authority on the smaller Dayak groups of the central Borneo interior, including not...
Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute
Innermost Borneo: studies in Dayak cultures.(Social Anthropology)(Book Review)
Magazine article from: Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute Strickland, Simon September 1, 2004 700+ words SELLATO, BERNARD. Innermost Borneo: studies in Dayak cultures. 221 pp., maps, illus...studies of the nomadic tribes of Borneo have contributed greatly to the...reviews early written sources on Borneo with particular reference to Nieuwenhuis...
Borneo Bulletin
Borneo: Gawai Dayak goes west for integration.
Newspaper article from: Borneo Bulletin June 13, 2000 700+ words KUCHING - Sarawak's very own Gawai Dayak celebration has been officially introduced to Peninsular...taken for granted by Sarawakians, especially by the Dayak community themselves. "The Dayak community must strive to maintain and safeguard their...
Borneo Bulletin
Borneo: CM Taib calls on Dayak leaders (167).
Newspaper article from: Borneo Bulletin June 16, 1999 700+ words ...Gawai Dayak visits to several Dayak leaders and friends in Kuching...in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak festival being celebrated by the Dayak communities. Among those they...Hassan. JPM Copyright 1999: Borneo Bulletin. All Rights Reserved...
Borneo Research Bulletin
Gonner, Christian 2002. A Forest Tribe of Borneo: Resource Use among the Dayak...
Magazine article from: Borneo Research Bulletin Sillander, Kenneth January 1, 2004 700+ words ...Christian 2002. A Forest Tribe of Borneo: Resource Use among the Dayak Benuaq. New Delhi: D.K...appendices. A Forest Tribe of Borneo is the third volume in a series...resource use in a particular Benuaq Dayak community on the Ohong tributary...
Technology Review (Cambridge, Mass.)
The real global village.(Dayak village in Borneo)
Magazine article from: Technology Review (Cambridge, Mass.) Zachary, G. Paschal July 1, 1999 700+ words Borneo - lightning flashes...Night falls on this Dayak village, perched on...the rainforests of Borneo, the bush of northern...Many river villages in Borneo can be reached only...away. It is against Dayak tradition to sell wood...
Geographical
Headhunter heaven: Mark Eveleigh, author of Fever Trees of Borneo, returns to...
Magazine article from: Geographical Eveleigh, Mark August 1, 2008 700+ words ...into the very heart of Indonesian Borneo. But it isn't just the remoteness...kept the village off the map. To Dayak communities all over Borneo, the Mandai is avoided as it...3,000), says: 'The other Dayak people have always feared us because...
BERNAMA The Malaysian National News Agency
BORNEO DAYAK CULTURAL FESTIVAL IN SIBU ON JULY 8 AND 9.
News wire article from: BERNAMA The Malaysian National News Agency June 16, 2009 700+ words ...the highlights of the annual Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF...The organising chairman of the Dayak segment of BCF, Tengku anak...it would start at 9am at the Dayak pavilion and would continue...kuntau' martial art. "The Dayak Culture Foundation (DCF) from...
Borneo Research Bulletin
Bernard Sellato, Innermost Borneo: Studies in Dayak Cultures.(Book Review)
Magazine article from: Borneo Research Bulletin Sather, Clifford January 1, 2003 700+ words ...Bernard Sellato, Innermost Borneo: Studies in Dayak Cultures. Singapore and...introduction to Innermost Borneo, he first came to the island...authority on the smaller Dayak groups of the central Borneo interior, includi
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Borneo. Dayak et Punan, peuples de la foret tropicale humide. (Kalimantan, Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei).(ANNOUNCEMENT)
Borneo Research Bulletin
| January 01, 2006 | COPYRIGHT 2008 Borneo Research Council, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)Copyright
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November 25th 2006 to March 11th 2007
Musee de Laon 32, rue Georges Ermant 02000 Laon, France
Tel.: 03 23 20 19 87
fax: 03 23 20 24 97
e-mail: musee@ville-laon.fr
Director : Mrs. Caroline Jorrand
http://perso.orange.fr/jpjcg/musee/
SYNOPSIS
Through five thematic sections the natural environment and the cultural life of the inhabitants of the interior of Borneo are described, especially in terms of interactions.
The exhibition presents first various aspects of the natural history of the island of Borneo, flora and fauna, and the geographic exploration of the island during the XIXth and XXth …
View articles courtesy of your local library
Related articles from newspapers, magazines, journals, and more
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Related articles from newspapers, magazines, journals, and more
International Travel News
Slaughter in Borneo.(Dayak headhunters kill immigrant settlers)(Brief Article)
Magazine article from: International Travel News April 1, 2001 700+ words In south-central Borneo in late February '01, gangs of Dayak headhunters armed with spears, machetes and blowguns...building for decades in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part 'of Borneo, with' 'the Dayaks resenting the Muslim Madurese settlers...
Asian Folklore Studies
Sellato, Bernard. Innermost Borneo: Studies in Dayak Cultures.(Book Review)
Magazine article from: Asian Folklore Studies Sather, Clifford December 1, 2003 700+ words ...SELLATO, BERNARD. Innermost Borneo: Studies in Dayak Cultures. Paris: SevenOrients...introduction to Innermost Borneo, he first came to the island...authority on the smaller Dayak groups of the central Borneo interior, including not...
Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute
Innermost Borneo: studies in Dayak cultures.(Social Anthropology)(Book Review)
Magazine article from: Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute Strickland, Simon September 1, 2004 700+ words SELLATO, BERNARD. Innermost Borneo: studies in Dayak cultures. 221 pp., maps, illus...studies of the nomadic tribes of Borneo have contributed greatly to the...reviews early written sources on Borneo with particular reference to Nieuwenhuis...
Borneo Bulletin
Borneo: Gawai Dayak goes west for integration.
Newspaper article from: Borneo Bulletin June 13, 2000 700+ words KUCHING - Sarawak's very own Gawai Dayak celebration has been officially introduced to Peninsular...taken for granted by Sarawakians, especially by the Dayak community themselves. "The Dayak community must strive to maintain and safeguard their...
Borneo Bulletin
Borneo: CM Taib calls on Dayak leaders (167).
Newspaper article from: Borneo Bulletin June 16, 1999 700+ words ...Gawai Dayak visits to several Dayak leaders and friends in Kuching...in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak festival being celebrated by the Dayak communities. Among those they...Hassan. JPM Copyright 1999: Borneo Bulletin. All Rights Reserved...
Borneo Research Bulletin
Gonner, Christian 2002. A Forest Tribe of Borneo: Resource Use among the Dayak...
Magazine article from: Borneo Research Bulletin Sillander, Kenneth January 1, 2004 700+ words ...Christian 2002. A Forest Tribe of Borneo: Resource Use among the Dayak Benuaq. New Delhi: D.K...appendices. A Forest Tribe of Borneo is the third volume in a series...resource use in a particular Benuaq Dayak community on the Ohong tributary...
Technology Review (Cambridge, Mass.)
The real global village.(Dayak village in Borneo)
Magazine article from: Technology Review (Cambridge, Mass.) Zachary, G. Paschal July 1, 1999 700+ words Borneo - lightning flashes...Night falls on this Dayak village, perched on...the rainforests of Borneo, the bush of northern...Many river villages in Borneo can be reached only...away. It is against Dayak tradition to sell wood...
Geographical
Headhunter heaven: Mark Eveleigh, author of Fever Trees of Borneo, returns to...
Magazine article from: Geographical Eveleigh, Mark August 1, 2008 700+ words ...into the very heart of Indonesian Borneo. But it isn't just the remoteness...kept the village off the map. To Dayak communities all over Borneo, the Mandai is avoided as it...3,000), says: 'The other Dayak people have always feared us because...
BERNAMA The Malaysian National News Agency
BORNEO DAYAK CULTURAL FESTIVAL IN SIBU ON JULY 8 AND 9.
News wire article from: BERNAMA The Malaysian National News Agency June 16, 2009 700+ words ...the highlights of the annual Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF...The organising chairman of the Dayak segment of BCF, Tengku anak...it would start at 9am at the Dayak pavilion and would continue...kuntau' martial art. "The Dayak Culture Foundation (DCF) from...
Borneo Research Bulletin
Bernard Sellato, Innermost Borneo: Studies in Dayak Cultures.(Book Review)
Magazine article from: Borneo Research Bulletin Sather, Clifford January 1, 2003 700+ words ...Bernard Sellato, Innermost Borneo: Studies in Dayak Cultures. Singapore and...introduction to Innermost Borneo, he first came to the island...authority on the smaller Dayak groups of the central Borneo interior, includi
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SELLATO, BERNARD. Innermost Borneo: studies in Dayak cultures. 221 pp., maps, illus., bibliogrs. Singapore: Univ. Press, 2002. [euro]42.00 (paper)
Bernard Sellato's authoritative studies of the nomadic tribes of Borneo have contributed greatly to the understanding of this ethnographically and historically complex field. This modest volume brings together various published and unpublished papers which help to place Bornean nomadic societies in a clearer light.
Following a brief introduction, Sellato reviews early written sources on Borneo with particular reference to Nieuwenhuis's expeditions, and introduces the more general reader to the ethnography of the Upper Kapuas and the Upper Mahakam river systems. Researchers will …
Bernard Sellato's authoritative studies of the nomadic tribes of Borneo have contributed greatly to the understanding of this ethnographically and historically complex field. This modest volume brings together various published and unpublished papers which help to place Bornean nomadic societies in a clearer light.
Following a brief introduction, Sellato reviews early written sources on Borneo with particular reference to Nieuwenhuis's expeditions, and introduces the more general reader to the ethnography of the Upper Kapuas and the Upper Mahakam river systems. Researchers will …
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At the heart of Jewel in a Jade Rainbow is a collection of personal letters sent home by a young cadet District Officer and his wife during three years in Sabah, from July 1960 through August 1963. The officer, David Fielding, served in the British military in Malaya during the Emergency. After returning to England, he read geography at Oxford and upon graduating in 1959, he applied for a post with the Colonial Office. His application was successful, but first, before being posted, he was sent for a year to study law and languages at Cambridge. One has the sense that this year was largely a waste of time. In any event, at the end of it, with a letter of confirmation in hand, he proposed and married Sue, a registered nurse at Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford. It was a "rash act", as he tells us in the preface, for, in those days it required the permission of the Governor to marry and bring a wife to North Borneo on a first appointment. As students of colonial history will know, anti-marriage rules were virtually u niversal in colonial Southeast Asia down to the 1920s. Clearly, in North Borneo, they lingered on even longer. Luckily, the Governor was sympathetic.
From the perspective of the present, it seems remarkable, but, in 1960, newly appointed officers were allowed a full month's travel time in which to reach Sabah. Sensibly, the Fieldings made the long steamship trip from Southampton their honeymoon. Arriving in Jesselton (by way of Singapore) aboard the S.S. "Kunak", they are packed off almost at once to Tambuan, in the Interior Residency. Tambuan and the Fieldings prove to be a
From the perspective of the present, it seems remarkable, but, in 1960, newly appointed officers were allowed a full month's travel time in which to reach Sabah. Sensibly, the Fieldings made the long steamship trip from Southampton their honeymoon. Arriving in Jesselton (by way of Singapore) aboard the S.S. "Kunak", they are packed off almost at once to Tambuan, in the Interior Residency. Tambuan and the Fieldings prove to be a
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Borneo. Jewel in a Jade Rainbow, Letters and Legends from North Borneo Sabah. By DAVID and SUE FIELDING. Kota Kinabalu: Koisaan Cultural Development Institute, 1998. Pp. xiv, 444. Photos, Maps.
Historian friends tell me that it is nearly impossible to find a publisher for a colonial memoir. What a pity, especially if the memoir is as engagingly told as this delightful book. Jewel in a Jade Rainbow is not a work of analytical reflection, but an illustrated chronicle of people, places, and daily events conveyed with all the immediacy of letters written to parents and friends at home, diary entries, snapshots, district tour reports, shipboard menus, official circulars, and picnic and sporting day programs. It covers a highly eventful period -- sadly neglected by academic historians -- the final years of British colonial rule in Sabah.
Historian friends tell me that it is nearly impossible to find a publisher for a colonial memoir. What a pity, especially if the memoir is as engagingly told as this delightful book. Jewel in a Jade Rainbow is not a work of analytical reflection, but an illustrated chronicle of people, places, and daily events conveyed with all the immediacy of letters written to parents and friends at home, diary entries, snapshots, district tour reports, shipboard menus, official circulars, and picnic and sporting day programs. It covers a highly eventful period -- sadly neglected by academic historians -- the final years of British colonial rule in Sabah.
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Author: LA
Intro:
I truly wish that the authorities would take action to stop people from smoking, at least, INSIDE A RESTAURANT. Your enforcement can help the innocent ones like us live a bit healthier
Intro:
I truly wish that the authorities would take action to stop people from smoking, at least, INSIDE A RESTAURANT. Your enforcement can help the innocent ones like us live a bit healthier
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Author: Ayu Susilawati Mohd. Yusop
Intro:
A National Food Status study done by the Ministry of Health in Brunei in 1997 showed 18 per cent of adults smoked and a large number of them were men aged between 20 to 29 years.
The same study also revealed that 12 per cent of those who smoked were youth aged between 11 and 19 years.
Disclosing this, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dato Haji Ahmad bin Matnor, speaking at the Stop Smoking Counselling Workshop organised by the Diploma Registrar in Basic Health Care at the Health Examinations Centre in Berakas yesterday, underlined the importance of parental guidance to today's youth.
He said that although the country is still facing an economic downturn, the health of the public notwithstanding the type of diseases is still given priority and attention.
Intro:
A National Food Status study done by the Ministry of Health in Brunei in 1997 showed 18 per cent of adults smoked and a large number of them were men aged between 20 to 29 years.
The same study also revealed that 12 per cent of those who smoked were youth aged between 11 and 19 years.
Disclosing this, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dato Haji Ahmad bin Matnor, speaking at the Stop Smoking Counselling Workshop organised by the Diploma Registrar in Basic Health Care at the Health Examinations Centre in Berakas yesterday, underlined the importance of parental guidance to today's youth.
He said that although the country is still facing an economic downturn, the health of the public notwithstanding the type of diseases is still given priority and attention.
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Author: Azaraimy HH
Intro:
The centuries-old habit of puffing of tobacco will not just go away in smoke even after labelling it as 'haram', while the old and young in the Sultanate smoke for pleasure or style.
There is no indication whatsoever that the Sultanate is winning its nationwide anti-smoking rally launched more than a year ago to smoke out the habit especially among teenagers...
To sway an effective anti-smoking rally, various form of regulations or ordinance were enacted. Restaurants were told to segregate smoking section and shops were asked not to sell cigarettes to the underage.
However, smoking is still a mainstream of life among many in the Sultanate. This includes teenagers, who can be seen puffing off merrily in many popular hangout.
Intro:
The centuries-old habit of puffing of tobacco will not just go away in smoke even after labelling it as 'haram', while the old and young in the Sultanate smoke for pleasure or style.
There is no indication whatsoever that the Sultanate is winning its nationwide anti-smoking rally launched more than a year ago to smoke out the habit especially among teenagers...
To sway an effective anti-smoking rally, various form of regulations or ordinance were enacted. Restaurants were told to segregate smoking section and shops were asked not to sell cigarettes to the underage.
However, smoking is still a mainstream of life among many in the Sultanate. This includes teenagers, who can be seen puffing off merrily in many popular hangout.
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Author: Huraizah Ahmad
Intro:
The start of a two-day workshop on how to help smokers quit commenced yesterday at the Medical Health Screening Centre, Ministry of Health (MoH) in Jalan Berakas.
The 'Smoking Cessation Counselling' workshop, organised by the Ministry of Health, was aimed at equipping participants with the right information and skills to provide counselling to those who would like to stop smoking.
The workshop was attended by various professions including doctors and nurses from medical centres of various districts in Brunei, pharmacists, health counsellors, and so on
Intro:
The start of a two-day workshop on how to help smokers quit commenced yesterday at the Medical Health Screening Centre, Ministry of Health (MoH) in Jalan Berakas.
The 'Smoking Cessation Counselling' workshop, organised by the Ministry of Health, was aimed at equipping participants with the right information and skills to provide counselling to those who would like to stop smoking.
The workshop was attended by various professions including doctors and nurses from medical centres of various districts in Brunei, pharmacists, health counsellors, and so on
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Author: Mary Francis
Intro:
Whoever contravenes at certain places or the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004 will be dealt with accordingly.
“Regardless of age, those who got caught smoking in school or gazetted non-smoking areas will be fined,” warned a senior environmental health officer here, Simon Emang.
He said the authority would not hesitate to act against those flouting the regulation, whether or not they had a lighted cigarette in their hand.
Even if a cigarette stick was found in their trouser pockets or school bags, the offenders would be compounded for violating the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004.
“Do not take age for granted because children will not be exempted from the penalty irrespective of where they get caught,” said Simon in an interview with the Borneo Post recently.
Last year, according to him, 16 minors (under 18 years old) were caught puffing away near their schools. All were boy
Intro:
Whoever contravenes at certain places or the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004 will be dealt with accordingly.
“Regardless of age, those who got caught smoking in school or gazetted non-smoking areas will be fined,” warned a senior environmental health officer here, Simon Emang.
He said the authority would not hesitate to act against those flouting the regulation, whether or not they had a lighted cigarette in their hand.
Even if a cigarette stick was found in their trouser pockets or school bags, the offenders would be compounded for violating the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004.
“Do not take age for granted because children will not be exempted from the penalty irrespective of where they get caught,” said Simon in an interview with the Borneo Post recently.
Last year, according to him, 16 minors (under 18 years old) were caught puffing away near their schools. All were boy
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THE FUTURE OF BORNEO
Projections of future forest cover by the World Bank and United Nations Environment Programme are discouraging. These projections do not have to become reality. The "Heart of Borneo" is a major step towards a future where Borneo retains forest cover and biological diversity, but more needs to be done to ensure the long-term ecological health of the island's forests and inhabitants
Projections of future forest cover by the World Bank and United Nations Environment Programme are discouraging. These projections do not have to become reality. The "Heart of Borneo" is a major step towards a future where Borneo retains forest cover and biological diversity, but more needs to be done to ensure the long-term ecological health of the island's forests and inhabitants
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Malaysia, which shares most of the balance of Borneo, should be taking the lead on these efforts. With a strong economy, coupled with national wealth and a strong central government, Malaysia has few excuses not to reign in deforestation and promote sustainable use within its borders. Outside its territory, Malaysia should take initiative in prosecuting firms found guilty of igniting fires for land-clearing purposes in Kalimantan. It's time that these parties be held accountable for their actions — no more light sentences or petty fines.
Education
Efforts in two further areas are key to improving livelihoods in Borneo — especially Kalimantan: education and healthcare. Basic education can go a long way in a place where many aren't in school at the age of 13. Curriculums should include some fundamental information on the environment with emphasis on the importance of ecosystem services afforded by intact forests. Education is also important among the general population. Understanding the full cost of environmental degradation combined with learning new cultivation techniques and economic opportunities provided by certain crops could be hugely beneficial to rural populations.
Healthcare
In remote parts of Kalimantan the state of healthcare is appalling. Without adequate assurance of good health, people can't be productive, plan for the long-term, or even feed their families. One innovative organization working to address health issues in Kalimantan is Health In Harmony. Working in conjunction with the local government and communities, this program is developing medical facilities to provide high-quality, low-cost health care to poor communities; medical and environmental training programs for local people to help promote self-sufficiency and sustainability; and environmentally friendly community development programs.
Education
Efforts in two further areas are key to improving livelihoods in Borneo — especially Kalimantan: education and healthcare. Basic education can go a long way in a place where many aren't in school at the age of 13. Curriculums should include some fundamental information on the environment with emphasis on the importance of ecosystem services afforded by intact forests. Education is also important among the general population. Understanding the full cost of environmental degradation combined with learning new cultivation techniques and economic opportunities provided by certain crops could be hugely beneficial to rural populations.
Healthcare
In remote parts of Kalimantan the state of healthcare is appalling. Without adequate assurance of good health, people can't be productive, plan for the long-term, or even feed their families. One innovative organization working to address health issues in Kalimantan is Health In Harmony. Working in conjunction with the local government and communities, this program is developing medical facilities to provide high-quality, low-cost health care to poor communities; medical and environmental training programs for local people to help promote self-sufficiency and sustainability; and environmentally friendly community development programs.
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Beyond setting aside areas for protection, it is crucial that forest be restored. The use of native tree species should be encouraged though financial incentives and education programs. While this effort can be costly, especially in heavily degraded areas, research into improving reforestation techniques could make it less so, especially with the help of outside governments, NGOs and private foundations. Further, there is a strong possibility that under future climate agreements, reforestation could pay direct economic dividends as well stimulating the local economy and spurring village-level entrepreneurship opportunities.
It is important to recognize that the burden of protecting and reforesting Indonesia should not be solely on Indonesia. Much of the logging that so denuded Kalimantan's landscape was the result of Western demand in an environment where a weak and corrupt government meant the vast majority if Indonesians had little control over national resources. Indonesia is now a democracy — most Indonesians had little to do with this plunder and cannot be held responsible for the actions of the past kleptocracy. Indonesia, where more than 80 million of 246 million inhabitants live on less than a $1 per day, is still wrestling with devising ways to provide basic services to the masses, including health care, education, and basic infrastructure, both financial and physical.
It is important to recognize that the burden of protecting and reforesting Indonesia should not be solely on Indonesia. Much of the logging that so denuded Kalimantan's landscape was the result of Western demand in an environment where a weak and corrupt government meant the vast majority if Indonesians had little control over national resources. Indonesia is now a democracy — most Indonesians had little to do with this plunder and cannot be held responsible for the actions of the past kleptocracy. Indonesia, where more than 80 million of 246 million inhabitants live on less than a $1 per day, is still wrestling with devising ways to provide basic services to the masses, including health care, education, and basic infrastructure, both financial and physical.
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he causes of deforestation in Borneo are not complex; the solutions are. After large-scale deforestation in the lowlands and the importation of millions of people through poorly-executed transmigration programs, there are few economic options in most of Borneo. Having lost jobs in the forestry sector, many villages are faced with having to decide whether to give up the remaining forest for oil palm or continue with subsistence living. Oil palm plantations certainly offer economic potential, especially when they are planted on already deforested and degraded lands, but it makes little sense to establish them on increasingly scare areas of natural forest. Social safeguards are also required to ensure labor abuse and sharecropping schemes are avoided. The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is one initiative working on equitable and sustainable palm oil production
Click to enlarge
Conservation is also an urgent priority in Borneo, especially in biologically diverse regions that have so far escaped the ravages of intensive logging and fires. The recent "Heart of Borneo" initiative is a shining example of what's possible. However, it is absolutely critical that once protected areas are established, they are maintained. The history of "protected areas" in Kalimantan — where large percentages of supposedly protected area was logged and distributed for development — is disheartening, but now is the time to move beyond this and plan for a future where conserved areas are actually protected and sustainable use of buffer zones is maximized.
Click to enlarge
Conservation is also an urgent priority in Borneo, especially in biologically diverse regions that have so far escaped the ravages of intensive logging and fires. The recent "Heart of Borneo" initiative is a shining example of what's possible. However, it is absolutely critical that once protected areas are established, they are maintained. The history of "protected areas" in Kalimantan — where large percentages of supposedly protected area was logged and distributed for development — is disheartening, but now is the time to move beyond this and plan for a future where conserved areas are actually protected and sustainable use of buffer zones is maximized.
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WWF says there are four big threats to Borneo's forests: land conversion, illegal logging, poor forest management, and forest fires. It adds that large-scale industrial projects (roads, and hydroelectric projects like the Bakun dam) and hunting are also threats, but to a lesser degree. A further issue is the climate of corruption, which permeates virtually all levels of government in Kalimantan. Forestry decisions are now made at the district level, where officials are said to be sometimes easily swayed by money. A strategically gifted motorbike can often win influence at the village level.
A fundamental problem is that development in Borneo is driven by extractive industries — at present there are few economic alternatives. These industries are rarely sustainable, especially when little is invested in long-term management of resources.
A fundamental problem is that development in Borneo is driven by extractive industries — at present there are few economic alternatives. These industries are rarely sustainable, especially when little is invested in long-term management of resources.
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hese figures suggest that 586,000 hectares — or 16 percent of Sabah's total forest area — are under some form of protection. In 1997 Sabah introduced a "Sustainable Forest Management License Agreement" system that requires the use of reduced impact logging techniques, though whether this is used in practice is open to debate. Forests on the remaining 2.4 million hectares can be harvested with a timber cutting license.
Sarawak
According to the state government, about two-thirds of Sarawak's 8.22 million hectares are covered with natural forest. The government says it seeks to protect about 8 percent of the state's natural forests with the rest of the land, in equal parts, devoted to commercial forest and agriculture.
Kalimantan
Almost all forests in Kalimantan are owned by the state. In recent years centralization means that forests once controlled by the national government are now controlled at the district level. On paper, forests have been mapped and allocated for various uses, but reality bears little resemblance to the actual situation, according to WWF, which notes "the actual size and state of Indonesia's remaining forests are difficult to establish from official statistics
Sarawak
According to the state government, about two-thirds of Sarawak's 8.22 million hectares are covered with natural forest. The government says it seeks to protect about 8 percent of the state's natural forests with the rest of the land, in equal parts, devoted to commercial forest and agriculture.
Kalimantan
Almost all forests in Kalimantan are owned by the state. In recent years centralization means that forests once controlled by the national government are now controlled at the district level. On paper, forests have been mapped and allocated for various uses, but reality bears little resemblance to the actual situation, according to WWF, which notes "the actual size and state of Indonesia's remaining forests are difficult to establish from official statistics
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On paper, 9 percent of Kalimantan, 8 percent of Sarawak, and 14 percent of Sabah are under some form of protection according to WWF, with the caveat that some areas designated as protected aren't really safe from deforestation. For example, in Kalimantan only 82 percent of "protected forest" is actually forested. Further, between 1985 and 2001, Kalimantan's protected lowland forests declined by about 56 percent, according to Lisa Curran.
WWF reports cites Kutai National Park as a case in point. Kutai was established in 1936 as a 306,000 hectare preserve but as timber concessions and oil exploration rights have been granted over the years, the park has since been reduced to an official area of 198,629 hectares. In the 1980s and 1990s illegal logging left much of the forest in a degraded state. The fires of 1997-1998 burned 92 percent of the park area.
Gunung Palung National Park in West Kalimantan is another example. From 1998-2002 70 percent of the lowland buffer zone was deforested and today less than 9 percent of the buffer zone is lowland forest. Within the park, 38 percent of the lowland forest has been cleared by loggers.
Sabah
Of Sabah's 7.37 million hectares of land, 60 percent are forested (2005) according to the State Environmental Conservation Department. 3.6 million hectares of this forested area (known as the Permanent Forest Estate) can be broken down as follows:
WWF reports cites Kutai National Park as a case in point. Kutai was established in 1936 as a 306,000 hectare preserve but as timber concessions and oil exploration rights have been granted over the years, the park has since been reduced to an official area of 198,629 hectares. In the 1980s and 1990s illegal logging left much of the forest in a degraded state. The fires of 1997-1998 burned 92 percent of the park area.
Gunung Palung National Park in West Kalimantan is another example. From 1998-2002 70 percent of the lowland buffer zone was deforested and today less than 9 percent of the buffer zone is lowland forest. Within the park, 38 percent of the lowland forest has been cleared by loggers.
Sabah
Of Sabah's 7.37 million hectares of land, 60 percent are forested (2005) according to the State Environmental Conservation Department. 3.6 million hectares of this forested area (known as the Permanent Forest Estate) can be broken down as follows:
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POACHING
Young orangutan in Borneo. Photo by Rhett Butler
Poaching is a growing problem in Borneo as a result of reduced forest cover and increased demand for protein which extends as far as China for some wildlife products (especially clouded leopard and sun bear). The Jakarta Post estimates that the illicit trade of protected animals was worth $1.3 billion in 2003.
The orangutan is at particular risk due to its value in the pet industry and entertainment market. WWF notes that most captive orangutans are young apes that have been captured after their mother has been killed. The environmental group estimates that for each infant orangutan, between one and six orangutans are killed. In total, WWF says that 1,000 orangutans may be killed or captured per year. Cracking down is difficult because of the high value of the animals and the low income of villagers. Orangutans are also crop pests that are known to feed on palm fruit.
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Young orangutan in Borneo. Photo by Rhett Butler
Poaching is a growing problem in Borneo as a result of reduced forest cover and increased demand for protein which extends as far as China for some wildlife products (especially clouded leopard and sun bear). The Jakarta Post estimates that the illicit trade of protected animals was worth $1.3 billion in 2003.
The orangutan is at particular risk due to its value in the pet industry and entertainment market. WWF notes that most captive orangutans are young apes that have been captured after their mother has been killed. The environmental group estimates that for each infant orangutan, between one and six orangutans are killed. In total, WWF says that 1,000 orangutans may be killed or captured per year. Cracking down is difficult because of the high value of the animals and the low income of villagers. Orangutans are also crop pests that are known to feed on palm fruit.
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Large, uncontrolled forest fires now occur on nearly an annual basis in Borneo. Increasingly, the frequency and intensity of fires is causing political tensions in the region. Neighboring countries, especially Malaysia and Singapore blame Indonesia for failing to control the fires. In turn, Indonesia accuses Malaysian firms of starting many of the fire for land-clearing purposes.
As of February 2007 Indonesia has still not signed the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, an environmental agreement signed by seven other southeast Asian nations that pledges to bring haze pollution under control in the region.
As of February 2007 Indonesia has still not signed the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, an environmental agreement signed by seven other southeast Asian nations that pledges to bring haze pollution under control in the region.
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oday fires are set annually for land clearing in agricultural areas and degraded forests. When conditions are dry, these fires can easily spread to adjacent forest land and burn out of control. As WWF explains, Borneo's forests are not well-adapted to forest fire.
While fires play an important role in forest ecosystems in many areas of the world, tropical rainforests have by and large been spared, prior the rise of widespread unsustainable management practices. Normally, tropical rainforests will not burn, due to dampness. The dense canopy usually keeps everything underneath it humid, even in times of drought. In addition, biological material decomposes very quickly in the damp climate. As a result, that very little flammable material covers the ground. The trees in wet tropical climate zones are not adapted to forest fires. They have a thin bark, compared to the much thicker, fire resistant, bark of trees in monsoon or more temperate climates.
While fires play an important role in forest ecosystems in many areas of the world, tropical rainforests have by and large been spared, prior the rise of widespread unsustainable management practices. Normally, tropical rainforests will not burn, due to dampness. The dense canopy usually keeps everything underneath it humid, even in times of drought. In addition, biological material decomposes very quickly in the damp climate. As a result, that very little flammable material covers the ground. The trees in wet tropical climate zones are not adapted to forest fires. They have a thin bark, compared to the much thicker, fire resistant, bark of trees in monsoon or more temperate climates.
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FIRES
Forest fires are generally rare in Borneo, but as touched upon above, Borneo today is almost as famous for its forest fires as its tropical rainforests. Most fires in Borneo are set for land-clearing purposes. While the Indonesian government has historically blamed small-scale swidden agriculturalists for fires, WWF notes that satellite mapping has revealed that commercial development for large-scale land conversion — especially oil palm plantations — was the largest single cause of the 1997-98 fires.
The 1997-1998 fires were some of the largest ever known. These burned some 9.7 million hectares of forest and non-forest land and caused estimated economic damage of more than 9 billion dollars and released 0.8-2.5 gigatons of carbon into the atmosphere. In Kalimantan, more than 6.5 million hectares burned and the smoke over the island "covered an area measuring 2,000 by 4,000 kilometers," according to WWF.
Forest fires are generally rare in Borneo, but as touched upon above, Borneo today is almost as famous for its forest fires as its tropical rainforests. Most fires in Borneo are set for land-clearing purposes. While the Indonesian government has historically blamed small-scale swidden agriculturalists for fires, WWF notes that satellite mapping has revealed that commercial development for large-scale land conversion — especially oil palm plantations — was the largest single cause of the 1997-98 fires.
The 1997-1998 fires were some of the largest ever known. These burned some 9.7 million hectares of forest and non-forest land and caused estimated economic damage of more than 9 billion dollars and released 0.8-2.5 gigatons of carbon into the atmosphere. In Kalimantan, more than 6.5 million hectares burned and the smoke over the island "covered an area measuring 2,000 by 4,000 kilometers," according to WWF.
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Palm oil is derived from the plant's fruit, which grow in clusters that may weigh 40-50 kilograms. A hundred kilograms of oil seeds typically produce 20 kilograms of oil, while a single hectare of oil palm may yield 5,000 kilograms of crude oil, or nearly 6,000 liters of crude oil that can be used in biodiesel production. At $400 per metric ton, or about $54 per barrel, palm oil is competitive with conventional oil. In the future, palm oil prices are expected to fall further as more oil palm comes under cultivation. Indonesia aims to have 8-10 million hectares under cultivation by 2010.
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Today almost half of Malaysia's cultivated land consists of oil palm. In Sabah and Sarawak, most (i.e. more than 70 percent) oil palm plantations are government owned, and small landowners control only a tiny fraction of the overall crop: 6 percent in Sabah, 3 percent in Sarawak. In Indonesia, the distribution is much different. Small holders control roughly 30 percent of oil palm plantations, while state-owned estates account for 20 percent. The balance, around 50 percent, is owned by large investors, who have the highest yields. The biggest importers of Malaysian palm oil are China, Indian, Pakistan, the Netherlands, and Egypt, while the largest consumers of Indonesian palm oil are India (3 times more than the next larger user), China, Netherlands, Malaysia, and Pakistan
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In Kalimantan, oil palm has expanded even faster: from 13,140 hectares in 1984 to nearly one million hectares at the end of 2003. While much of this new land brought under cultivation is less than ideal for oil palm, the crop's low maintenance, combined with growing demand and lack of other viable economic options in the region, make it a low-risk investment for large estate owners. Studies underway in Western Kalimantan by Lisa Curran, suggest an annual internal rate of return of 26% over a 25 year period for oil palm plantations larger than 10,000 hectares, though small holdings are considerably less lucrative. Large plantations owners are aided by subsidies that include crude processing facilities and roads.
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OIL PALM
At the same time that loggable timber became increasingly scarce, interest in oil palm plantations began to spread in Borneo. Though it was first planted in Indonesia in 1848, it wasn't until the mid-1990s that oil palm cultivation really started to accelerate. In Malaysia, today the world's largest producer of palm oil, oil palm plantations grew from 60,000 hectares in 1960 to more than 3 million hectares in 2001. In 2004, 30% of these of these were located in Sabah, which has ideal growing conditions for the plant, and 13% were in Sarawak. However, because virtually all suitable land is used in Peninsular Malaysia, expansion is expected mostly to occur in Malaysian Borneo and, to a greater extent, Kalimantan. Oil palm cultivation has increased from 186,744 hectares in Sabah and Sarawak in 1984 to 1,673,721 hectares at the close of 2003.
At the same time that loggable timber became increasingly scarce, interest in oil palm plantations began to spread in Borneo. Though it was first planted in Indonesia in 1848, it wasn't until the mid-1990s that oil palm cultivation really started to accelerate. In Malaysia, today the world's largest producer of palm oil, oil palm plantations grew from 60,000 hectares in 1960 to more than 3 million hectares in 2001. In 2004, 30% of these of these were located in Sabah, which has ideal growing conditions for the plant, and 13% were in Sarawak. However, because virtually all suitable land is used in Peninsular Malaysia, expansion is expected mostly to occur in Malaysian Borneo and, to a greater extent, Kalimantan. Oil palm cultivation has increased from 186,744 hectares in Sabah and Sarawak in 1984 to 1,673,721 hectares at the close of 2003.
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LOGGING & TRANSMIGRATION
Logging in Borneo in the 1980s and 1990s was some of the most intensive the world has ever seen, with 60-240 cubic meters of wood being harvested per hectare versus 23 cubic meters per hectare in the Amazon. According to Curran, more timber exported was from Borneo during that time than from Latin America and Africa combined. In Kalimantan, some 80% of lowlands went to timber concessions, including virtually all its mangrove forests.
By the late 1980s it became clear that Indonesia and Malaysia would soon face a timber crisis due to over-logging. Demand from timber mills was far-outstripping log production in both Malaysia and Indonesia. According to WWF, the Indonesian government responded to resource depletion by establishing a system with three types of industrial timber plantations: Hutan Tanaman Industri (HTI) pertukangan for hardwoods, HTI kayu energy for fuelwood and charcoal, and HTI kayu serat for pulp and paper. Supplying the rapidly expanding pulp and paper industry was the most profitable, so fast-growing plantations were established on previously logged areas as well as virgin forest areas. Plantation owners benefited from downstream timber subsidies including roads, saw mills, and low interest loans granted out of the national reforestation fund. Further, lack of oversight meant that logged forests were rarely replanted — a costly endeavor on heavily degraded lands — leading to additional pressure on remote forests. The State of the Forest* reports that of 3.3 million hectares allocated to HTIs, only 829,000 hectares — or 25 percent — had been replanted by 2000 (* published by Global Forest Watch, Global Forest Watch Indonesia, and World Resources Institute in 2002). The majority of land-clearing for timber plantations in Kalimantan was done by large landholders. Between 1985 and 1997 large landholders cleared nearly 1.7 million hectares of forest for tree crops, while small landholders cleared some 467,000 hectares. In total, tree plantations accounted for 2.1 million hectares (25 percent) of the 8.5 million hectares of forest that were cleared during the period.
Logging in Borneo in the 1980s and 1990s was some of the most intensive the world has ever seen, with 60-240 cubic meters of wood being harvested per hectare versus 23 cubic meters per hectare in the Amazon. According to Curran, more timber exported was from Borneo during that time than from Latin America and Africa combined. In Kalimantan, some 80% of lowlands went to timber concessions, including virtually all its mangrove forests.
By the late 1980s it became clear that Indonesia and Malaysia would soon face a timber crisis due to over-logging. Demand from timber mills was far-outstripping log production in both Malaysia and Indonesia. According to WWF, the Indonesian government responded to resource depletion by establishing a system with three types of industrial timber plantations: Hutan Tanaman Industri (HTI) pertukangan for hardwoods, HTI kayu energy for fuelwood and charcoal, and HTI kayu serat for pulp and paper. Supplying the rapidly expanding pulp and paper industry was the most profitable, so fast-growing plantations were established on previously logged areas as well as virgin forest areas. Plantation owners benefited from downstream timber subsidies including roads, saw mills, and low interest loans granted out of the national reforestation fund. Further, lack of oversight meant that logged forests were rarely replanted — a costly endeavor on heavily degraded lands — leading to additional pressure on remote forests. The State of the Forest* reports that of 3.3 million hectares allocated to HTIs, only 829,000 hectares — or 25 percent — had been replanted by 2000 (* published by Global Forest Watch, Global Forest Watch Indonesia, and World Resources Institute in 2002). The majority of land-clearing for timber plantations in Kalimantan was done by large landholders. Between 1985 and 1997 large landholders cleared nearly 1.7 million hectares of forest for tree crops, while small landholders cleared some 467,000 hectares. In total, tree plantations accounted for 2.1 million hectares (25 percent) of the 8.5 million hectares of forest that were cleared during the period.
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Deforestation in Borneo was historically low due to infertile soils (relative to surrounding islands), unfavorable climate, and the presence of disease. Deforestation began in earnest during the mid-twentieth century with the establishment of rubber plantations, though these had a limited impact. Industrial logging rose in the 1970s as Malaysia depleted its peninsular forests, and former Indonesian strongman President Suharto distributed large tracts of forest to cement political relationships with army generals. Logging expanded significantly in the 1980s, with logging roads providing access to remote lands for settlers and developers. At the same time, the Indonesian government's transmigration program was in full swing, sending more than 18,000 people per year during the decade to settle in Kalimantan. These transmigrants, mostly young landless poor from the crowded central islands of Java and Bali, were resettled at government expense on lands that were often inadequate for traditional farming. Unable to support themselves with subsistence agriculture, many of these people went to work for logging companies
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Further, the introduction of fires in a region that had no prior fire regime, has exacerbated drought stress and caused a radical transformation in forest ecology. Today el Niño years are no longer a time of plenty. As Curran said during a visit to California, "el Niño has become the great destroyer instead of the great provider." Land use change has broken the once tightly linked ecosystem.
The impact extends well beyond Borneo with annual fires driving widespread pollution (often called "haze") that can spread as far as Australia, China, and India. The fires release massive amounts of carbon dioxide, especially when Borneo's peat forests burn. With 518 tons of carbon per hectare - one of the highest levels of biomass on the planet — these ecosystems can contribute up to 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere in some years, making Indonesia the third largest greenhouse gas polluter, despite having only the world's 22nd largest economy. Some scientists worry that fires and climate change could be a positive feedback loop that only worsens conditions, producing ever drier climate, more frequent fires, and higher carbon emissions.
The impact extends well beyond Borneo with annual fires driving widespread pollution (often called "haze") that can spread as far as Australia, China, and India. The fires release massive amounts of carbon dioxide, especially when Borneo's peat forests burn. With 518 tons of carbon per hectare - one of the highest levels of biomass on the planet — these ecosystems can contribute up to 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere in some years, making Indonesia the third largest greenhouse gas polluter, despite having only the world's 22nd largest economy. Some scientists worry that fires and climate change could be a positive feedback loop that only worsens conditions, producing ever drier climate, more frequent fires, and higher carbon emissions.
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The mass blooming and subsequent fruiting — which has been known to synchronize over an area of 150 million hectares (370 million acres) and involve 1870 species — is a boon to seed predators, including wild boar, the keystone seed predator in the ecosystem. Seeds and wild boar are so prevalent during these intervals that local populations have long viewed el Niño events as times of plenty, collecting Illipe nuts for export and gorging on pork. The relationship has lasted for as long as humans have inhabited Borneo and is ingrained in the cultures of people ranging from the tribes of the forested interior to coastal traders.
In recent years however, the system seems to be breaking down due to land-use change. Dr. Curran, awarded the MacAuthur genius award in 2006 for her work in this area, says that intensive logging has taken a heavy toll on this reproductive cycle. Curran found that seed production fell from 175 pounds per acre in 1991 to 16.5 pounds per acre in 1998, even though it was a one of the strongest El Niño years on record. It appears that logging has reduced the local density and biomass of mature trees below some critical threshold that limits masting.
In recent years however, the system seems to be breaking down due to land-use change. Dr. Curran, awarded the MacAuthur genius award in 2006 for her work in this area, says that intensive logging has taken a heavy toll on this reproductive cycle. Curran found that seed production fell from 175 pounds per acre in 1991 to 16.5 pounds per acre in 1998, even though it was a one of the strongest El Niño years on record. It appears that logging has reduced the local density and biomass of mature trees below some critical threshold that limits masting.
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Dipterocarp Forests
Lowland Dipterocarp forests are the most biodiverse and most threatened forests in Borneo (68% of lowlands have been cleared in Kalimantan, 56% in Malaysia). These giant trees, often exceeding 45 meters in height, are the most valuable source of timber in Borneo and have been heavily logged over the past three decades. Langner and Siegert (2005) estimated that just under 30 million hectares of lowland Dipterocarp forest remained in Borneo in 2002.
The prevalence of Dipterocarps gives Borneo's forests an unusual dynamic that is tightly linked with the ocean-atmosphere phenomenon called the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (also known as ENSO or "El Niño"). According to Lisa Curran, a biologist who has spent more than 20 years in Borneo and is now a leading expert on the natural history of the island, Dipterocarp reproduction is inextricably tied to the arrival of El Niño, with 80-93% of species synchronizing their flowering to the onset of the dry weather conditions, which traditionally occur on a roughly 4 year basis. During a "Dipterocarp year" in Kalimantan, the canopy bursts into color as countless emergent Dipterocarp trees — each of which may have 4 million flowers — bloom during a six-week period, a strategy that intermittently starves and swamps seed predators so that at least some seeds survive to germination.
Lowland Dipterocarp forests are the most biodiverse and most threatened forests in Borneo (68% of lowlands have been cleared in Kalimantan, 56% in Malaysia). These giant trees, often exceeding 45 meters in height, are the most valuable source of timber in Borneo and have been heavily logged over the past three decades. Langner and Siegert (2005) estimated that just under 30 million hectares of lowland Dipterocarp forest remained in Borneo in 2002.
The prevalence of Dipterocarps gives Borneo's forests an unusual dynamic that is tightly linked with the ocean-atmosphere phenomenon called the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (also known as ENSO or "El Niño"). According to Lisa Curran, a biologist who has spent more than 20 years in Borneo and is now a leading expert on the natural history of the island, Dipterocarp reproduction is inextricably tied to the arrival of El Niño, with 80-93% of species synchronizing their flowering to the onset of the dry weather conditions, which traditionally occur on a roughly 4 year basis. During a "Dipterocarp year" in Kalimantan, the canopy bursts into color as countless emergent Dipterocarp trees — each of which may have 4 million flowers — bloom during a six-week period, a strategy that intermittently starves and swamps seed predators so that at least some seeds survive to germination.
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Montane Forests
Montane forests are generally found at an elevation from 900 meters to 3300 meters in Borneo. Trees in these forests are typically shorter than those of lowland forest, resulting in a less-developed forest canopy. Langner and Siegert (2005) estimate that in 2002 about 70 percent (1.6 million ha) of Borneo's original montane forests (2.27 million hectares) remained.
Heath Forests
Heath or kerangas forest are found on well-drained, sandy soils that are extremely nutrient-poor ("kerangas" is the indigenous Iban word for "land that will not grow rice"). These forests are characterized by certain tree species tolerant of the poor, acidic soil conditions and are considerably "stunted" in comparison with typical rainforests. Heath forests are also less biodiverse the other tropical plant communities. MacKinnon et al. (1997) estimate that Borneo was once covered with by 6,688,200 hectares of heath forests. Today this area is so diminished the World Bank estimates that almost no heath forests will remain in Borneo by 2010
Montane forests are generally found at an elevation from 900 meters to 3300 meters in Borneo. Trees in these forests are typically shorter than those of lowland forest, resulting in a less-developed forest canopy. Langner and Siegert (2005) estimate that in 2002 about 70 percent (1.6 million ha) of Borneo's original montane forests (2.27 million hectares) remained.
Heath Forests
Heath or kerangas forest are found on well-drained, sandy soils that are extremely nutrient-poor ("kerangas" is the indigenous Iban word for "land that will not grow rice"). These forests are characterized by certain tree species tolerant of the poor, acidic soil conditions and are considerably "stunted" in comparison with typical rainforests. Heath forests are also less biodiverse the other tropical plant communities. MacKinnon et al. (1997) estimate that Borneo was once covered with by 6,688,200 hectares of heath forests. Today this area is so diminished the World Bank estimates that almost no heath forests will remain in Borneo by 2010
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Mangroves
Mangroves are found in estuaries and coastal regions. WWF estimates that mangroves cover some 1.2 million hectares in Borneo, a small fraction — perhaps less than 20 percent — of their original extent. In Kalimantan large areas of mangroves were cleared by loggers and for agriculture.
Peat Swamp Forests
Peat swamp forests are the dominant form of remaining lowland forest in Borneo today. These swamp forests appear in places where dead vegetation becomes waterlogged and, too wet to decompose, accumulates as peat. These tropical peat lands, formed over hundreds of years, are giant stores of carbon. Draining and/or burning these lands, releases tremendous amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These drained areas also become highly susceptible to combustion. Under the dry el Niño conditions of 1997-98, thousands of fires raged in the peat swamps of Indonesia. Fires in peat swamps are extraordinarily difficult to extinguish because they can burn for months virtually undetected in the deeper layers of peat. In 2002 peat forests covered about ten million hectares in Borneo according to Langner and Siegert (2005)
Mangroves are found in estuaries and coastal regions. WWF estimates that mangroves cover some 1.2 million hectares in Borneo, a small fraction — perhaps less than 20 percent — of their original extent. In Kalimantan large areas of mangroves were cleared by loggers and for agriculture.
Peat Swamp Forests
Peat swamp forests are the dominant form of remaining lowland forest in Borneo today. These swamp forests appear in places where dead vegetation becomes waterlogged and, too wet to decompose, accumulates as peat. These tropical peat lands, formed over hundreds of years, are giant stores of carbon. Draining and/or burning these lands, releases tremendous amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These drained areas also become highly susceptible to combustion. Under the dry el Niño conditions of 1997-98, thousands of fires raged in the peat swamps of Indonesia. Fires in peat swamps are extraordinarily difficult to extinguish because they can burn for months virtually undetected in the deeper layers of peat. In 2002 peat forests covered about ten million hectares in Borneo according to Langner and Siegert (2005)
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FACTS ON BORNEO
Land Areas: 743,330 square kilometers (287,000 square miles, 74.33 million hectares, or 183.68 million acres)
Human Population: 17.7 million, of which 17% or 2.2 million is indigenous Dayak
Countries:
# Malaysia (states of Sabah and Sarawak) (26.7%)
# Brunei (Sultanate) (0.6%)
# Indonesia (Kalimantan - West, Central, South, and East) (72.6%)
Biodiversity: 15,000 plant species, more than 1400 amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles, unknown insects
Percent Forest Cover: Around 50%
Deforestation Rate: 3.9 percent (2000-2005)
Causes of Deforestation: Logging, oil palm cultivation, other agriculture, fires
Major Conservation Initiatives: Heart of Borneo
OVERVIEW: BORNEO
Borneo, the third largest island in the world, was once covered with dense rainforests. With swampy coastal areas fringed with mangrove forests and a mountainous interior, much of the terrain was virtually impassable and unexplored. Headhunters ruled the remote parts of the island until a century ago.
In the 1980s and 1990s Borneo underwent a remarkable transition. Its forests were leveled at a rate unparalleled in human history. Borneo's rainforests went to industrialized countries like Japan and the United States in the form of garden furniture, paper pulp and chopsticks. Initially most of the timber was taken from the Malaysian part of the island in the northern states of Sabah and Sarawak. Later forests in the southern part of Borneo, an area belonging to Indonesia and known as Kalimantan, became the primary source for tropical timber. Today the forests of Borneo are but a shadow of those of legend and those that remain are highly threatened by the emerging biofuels market, specifically, oil palm.
Oil palm is the most productive oil seed in the world. A single hectare of oil palm may yield 5,000 kilograms of crude oil, or nearly 6,000 liters of crude, making the crop remarkably profitable when grown in large plantations — one study that looked at 10,000 hectare-plantations suggests an internal rate of return of 26 percent annually. As such, vast swathes of land are being converted for oil palm plantations. Oil palm cultivation has expanded in Indonesia from 600,000 hectares in 1985 to more than 6 million hectares by early 2007, and is expected to reach 10 million hectares by 2010.
Despite this outlook, there has recently been some positive conservation news out of Borneo. In February 2007, the governments of Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia agreed to protect roughly 220,000 square kilometers (85,000 square miles) of tropical forest in the so-called "Heart of Borneo". Environmental group WWF was particularly active in the establishment of the protected area.
Click to enlarge
PHOTOS from BORNEO
Borneo slide show: click image to play.
Larger version of the slide show | More Photos from Borneo
BORNEO'S GEOGRAPHY
Borneo is the third largest island in the world, covering an area of 743,330 square kilometers (287,000 square miles), or a little more than the twice the size of Germany. Politically, the island is divided between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Indonesian Borneo is known as Kalimantan, while Malaysian Borneo is known as East Malaysia. The name Borneo itself is a Western reference first used by the Dutch during their colonial rule of the island.
Geographically the island is divided by central highlands that run diagonally from Sabah state (Malaysia) in northeastern Borneo to southwestern Borneo, roughly forming the border between West and Central Kalimantan (Indonesia). The range is not volcanic — the whole of Borneo has only a single extinct volcano — but does feature the highest mountain in Southeast Asia: Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, which reaches 4,095 meters (13,435 feet).
BORNEO'S FORESTS
Borneo's forests are some of the most biodiverse on the planet. According to WWF, the island is estimated have at least 222 species of mammals (44 of which are endemic), 420 resident birds (37 endemic), 100 amphibians, 394 fish (19 endemic), and 15,000 plants (6,000 endemic) — more than 400 of which have been discovered since 1994. Surveys have found more than 700 species of trees in a 10 hectare plot — a number equal to the total number of trees in Canada and the United States combined.
Land Areas: 743,330 square kilometers (287,000 square miles, 74.33 million hectares, or 183.68 million acres)
Human Population: 17.7 million, of which 17% or 2.2 million is indigenous Dayak
Countries:
# Malaysia (states of Sabah and Sarawak) (26.7%)
# Brunei (Sultanate) (0.6%)
# Indonesia (Kalimantan - West, Central, South, and East) (72.6%)
Biodiversity: 15,000 plant species, more than 1400 amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles, unknown insects
Percent Forest Cover: Around 50%
Deforestation Rate: 3.9 percent (2000-2005)
Causes of Deforestation: Logging, oil palm cultivation, other agriculture, fires
Major Conservation Initiatives: Heart of Borneo
OVERVIEW: BORNEO
Borneo, the third largest island in the world, was once covered with dense rainforests. With swampy coastal areas fringed with mangrove forests and a mountainous interior, much of the terrain was virtually impassable and unexplored. Headhunters ruled the remote parts of the island until a century ago.
In the 1980s and 1990s Borneo underwent a remarkable transition. Its forests were leveled at a rate unparalleled in human history. Borneo's rainforests went to industrialized countries like Japan and the United States in the form of garden furniture, paper pulp and chopsticks. Initially most of the timber was taken from the Malaysian part of the island in the northern states of Sabah and Sarawak. Later forests in the southern part of Borneo, an area belonging to Indonesia and known as Kalimantan, became the primary source for tropical timber. Today the forests of Borneo are but a shadow of those of legend and those that remain are highly threatened by the emerging biofuels market, specifically, oil palm.
Oil palm is the most productive oil seed in the world. A single hectare of oil palm may yield 5,000 kilograms of crude oil, or nearly 6,000 liters of crude, making the crop remarkably profitable when grown in large plantations — one study that looked at 10,000 hectare-plantations suggests an internal rate of return of 26 percent annually. As such, vast swathes of land are being converted for oil palm plantations. Oil palm cultivation has expanded in Indonesia from 600,000 hectares in 1985 to more than 6 million hectares by early 2007, and is expected to reach 10 million hectares by 2010.
Despite this outlook, there has recently been some positive conservation news out of Borneo. In February 2007, the governments of Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia agreed to protect roughly 220,000 square kilometers (85,000 square miles) of tropical forest in the so-called "Heart of Borneo". Environmental group WWF was particularly active in the establishment of the protected area.
Click to enlarge
PHOTOS from BORNEO
Borneo slide show: click image to play.
Larger version of the slide show | More Photos from Borneo
BORNEO'S GEOGRAPHY
Borneo is the third largest island in the world, covering an area of 743,330 square kilometers (287,000 square miles), or a little more than the twice the size of Germany. Politically, the island is divided between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Indonesian Borneo is known as Kalimantan, while Malaysian Borneo is known as East Malaysia. The name Borneo itself is a Western reference first used by the Dutch during their colonial rule of the island.
Geographically the island is divided by central highlands that run diagonally from Sabah state (Malaysia) in northeastern Borneo to southwestern Borneo, roughly forming the border between West and Central Kalimantan (Indonesia). The range is not volcanic — the whole of Borneo has only a single extinct volcano — but does feature the highest mountain in Southeast Asia: Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, which reaches 4,095 meters (13,435 feet).
BORNEO'S FORESTS
Borneo's forests are some of the most biodiverse on the planet. According to WWF, the island is estimated have at least 222 species of mammals (44 of which are endemic), 420 resident birds (37 endemic), 100 amphibians, 394 fish (19 endemic), and 15,000 plants (6,000 endemic) — more than 400 of which have been discovered since 1994. Surveys have found more than 700 species of trees in a 10 hectare plot — a number equal to the total number of trees in Canada and the United States combined.
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FACTS ON BORNEO
Land Areas: 743,330 square kilometers (287,000 square miles, 74.33 million hectares, or 183.68 million acres)
Human Population: 17.7 million, of which 17% or 2.2 million is indigenous Dayak
Countries:
# Malaysia (states of Sabah and Sarawak) (26.7%)
# Brunei (Sultanate) (0.6%)
# Indonesia (Kalimantan - West, Central, South, and East) (72.6%)
Biodiversity: 15,000 plant species, more than 1400 amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles, unknown insects
Percent Forest Cover: Around 50%
Deforestation Rate: 3.9 percent (2000-2005)
Causes of Deforestation: Logging, oil palm cultivation, other agriculture, fires
Major Conservation Initiatives: Heart of Borneo
OVERVIEW: BORNEO
Borneo, the third largest island in the world, was once covered with dense rainforests. With swampy coastal areas fringed with mangrove forests and a mountainous interior, much of the terrain was virtually impassable and unexplored. Headhunters ruled the remote parts of the island until a century ago.
In the 1980s and 1990s Borneo underwent a remarkable transition. Its forests were leveled at a rate unparalleled in human history. Borneo's rainforests went to industrialized countries like Japan and the United States in the form of garden furniture, paper pulp and chopsticks. Initially most of the timber was taken from the Malaysian part of the island in the northern states of Sabah and Sarawak. Later forests in the southern part of Borneo, an area belonging to Indonesia and known as Kalimantan, became the primary source for tropical timber. Today the forests of Borneo are but a shadow of those of legend and those that remain are highly threatened by the emerging biofuels market, specifically, oil palm.
Oil palm is the most productive oil seed in the world. A single hectare of oil palm may yield 5,000 kilograms of crude oil, or nearly 6,000 liters of crude, making the crop remarkably profitable when grown in large plantations — one study that looked at 10,000 hectare-plantations suggests an internal rate of return of 26 percent annually. As such, vast swathes of land are being converted for oil palm plantations. Oil palm cultivation has expanded in Indonesia from 600,000 hectares in 1985 to more than 6 million hectares by early 2007, and is expected to reach 10 million hectares by 2010.
Despite this outlook, there has recently been some positive conservation news out of Borneo. In February 2007, the governments of Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia agreed to protect roughly 220,000 square kilometers (85,000 square miles) of tropical forest in the so-called "Heart of Borneo". Environmental group WWF was particularly active in the establishment of the protected area.
Click to enlarge
PHOTOS from BORNEO
Borneo slide show: click image to play.
Larger version of the slide show | More Photos from Borneo
BORNEO'S GEOGRAPHY
Borneo is the third largest island in the world, covering an area of 743,330 square kilometers (287,000 square miles), or a little more than the twice the size of Germany. Politically, the island is divided between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Indonesian Borneo is known as Kalimantan, while Malaysian Borneo is known as East Malaysia. The name Borneo itself is a Western reference first used by the Dutch during their colonial rule of the island.
Geographically the island is divided by central highlands that run diagonally from Sabah state (Malaysia) in northeastern Borneo to southwestern Borneo, roughly forming the border between West and Central Kalimantan (Indonesia). The range is not volcanic — the whole of Borneo has only a single extinct volcano — but does feature the highest mountain in Southeast Asia: Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, which reaches 4,095 meters (13,435 feet).
Land Areas: 743,330 square kilometers (287,000 square miles, 74.33 million hectares, or 183.68 million acres)
Human Population: 17.7 million, of which 17% or 2.2 million is indigenous Dayak
Countries:
# Malaysia (states of Sabah and Sarawak) (26.7%)
# Brunei (Sultanate) (0.6%)
# Indonesia (Kalimantan - West, Central, South, and East) (72.6%)
Biodiversity: 15,000 plant species, more than 1400 amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles, unknown insects
Percent Forest Cover: Around 50%
Deforestation Rate: 3.9 percent (2000-2005)
Causes of Deforestation: Logging, oil palm cultivation, other agriculture, fires
Major Conservation Initiatives: Heart of Borneo
OVERVIEW: BORNEO
Borneo, the third largest island in the world, was once covered with dense rainforests. With swampy coastal areas fringed with mangrove forests and a mountainous interior, much of the terrain was virtually impassable and unexplored. Headhunters ruled the remote parts of the island until a century ago.
In the 1980s and 1990s Borneo underwent a remarkable transition. Its forests were leveled at a rate unparalleled in human history. Borneo's rainforests went to industrialized countries like Japan and the United States in the form of garden furniture, paper pulp and chopsticks. Initially most of the timber was taken from the Malaysian part of the island in the northern states of Sabah and Sarawak. Later forests in the southern part of Borneo, an area belonging to Indonesia and known as Kalimantan, became the primary source for tropical timber. Today the forests of Borneo are but a shadow of those of legend and those that remain are highly threatened by the emerging biofuels market, specifically, oil palm.
Oil palm is the most productive oil seed in the world. A single hectare of oil palm may yield 5,000 kilograms of crude oil, or nearly 6,000 liters of crude, making the crop remarkably profitable when grown in large plantations — one study that looked at 10,000 hectare-plantations suggests an internal rate of return of 26 percent annually. As such, vast swathes of land are being converted for oil palm plantations. Oil palm cultivation has expanded in Indonesia from 600,000 hectares in 1985 to more than 6 million hectares by early 2007, and is expected to reach 10 million hectares by 2010.
Despite this outlook, there has recently been some positive conservation news out of Borneo. In February 2007, the governments of Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia agreed to protect roughly 220,000 square kilometers (85,000 square miles) of tropical forest in the so-called "Heart of Borneo". Environmental group WWF was particularly active in the establishment of the protected area.
Click to enlarge
PHOTOS from BORNEO
Borneo slide show: click image to play.
Larger version of the slide show | More Photos from Borneo
BORNEO'S GEOGRAPHY
Borneo is the third largest island in the world, covering an area of 743,330 square kilometers (287,000 square miles), or a little more than the twice the size of Germany. Politically, the island is divided between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Indonesian Borneo is known as Kalimantan, while Malaysian Borneo is known as East Malaysia. The name Borneo itself is a Western reference first used by the Dutch during their colonial rule of the island.
Geographically the island is divided by central highlands that run diagonally from Sabah state (Malaysia) in northeastern Borneo to southwestern Borneo, roughly forming the border between West and Central Kalimantan (Indonesia). The range is not volcanic — the whole of Borneo has only a single extinct volcano — but does feature the highest mountain in Southeast Asia: Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, which reaches 4,095 meters (13,435 feet).
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Oil palm is the most productive oil seed in the world. A single hectare of oil palm may yield 5,000 kilograms of crude oil, or nearly 6,000 liters of crude, making the crop remarkably profitable when grown in large plantations — one study that looked at 10,000 hectare-plantations suggests an internal rate of return of 26 percent annually. As such, vast swathes of land are being converted for oil palm plantations. Oil palm cultivation has expanded in Indonesia from 600,000 hectares in 1985 to more than 6 million hectares by early 2007, and is expected to reach 10 million hectares by 2010.
Despite this outlook, there has recently been some positive conservation news out of Borneo. In February 2007, the governments of Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia agreed to protect roughly 220,000 square kilometers (85,000 square miles) of tropical forest in the so-called "Heart of Borneo". Environmental group WWF was particularly active in the establishment of the protected area
Despite this outlook, there has recently been some positive conservation news out of Borneo. In February 2007, the governments of Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia agreed to protect roughly 220,000 square kilometers (85,000 square miles) of tropical forest in the so-called "Heart of Borneo". Environmental group WWF was particularly active in the establishment of the protected area
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Borneo, the third largest island in the world, was once covered with dense rainforests. With swampy coastal areas fringed with mangrove forests and a mountainous interior, much of the terrain was virtually impassable and unexplored. Headhunters ruled the remote parts of the island until a century ago.
In the 1980s and 1990s Borneo underwent a remarkable transition. Its forests were leveled at a rate unparalleled in human history. Borneo's rainforests went to industrialized countries like Japan and the United States in the form of garden furniture, paper pulp and chopsticks. Initially most of the timber was taken from the Malaysian part of the island in the northern states of Sabah and Sarawak. Later forests in the southern part of Borneo, an area belonging to Indonesia and known as Kalimantan, became the primary source for tropical timber. Today the forests of Borneo are but a shadow of those of legend and those that remain are highly threatened by the emerging biofuels market, specifically, oil palm
In the 1980s and 1990s Borneo underwent a remarkable transition. Its forests were leveled at a rate unparalleled in human history. Borneo's rainforests went to industrialized countries like Japan and the United States in the form of garden furniture, paper pulp and chopsticks. Initially most of the timber was taken from the Malaysian part of the island in the northern states of Sabah and Sarawak. Later forests in the southern part of Borneo, an area belonging to Indonesia and known as Kalimantan, became the primary source for tropical timber. Today the forests of Borneo are but a shadow of those of legend and those that remain are highly threatened by the emerging biofuels market, specifically, oil palm
holiday baking recipes
Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo!
Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo
Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo
holiday punch recipes
On our Splendours of Borneo tour, we take you to the Sarawak and Sabah regions. Kota Kinabulu is Sabah's capital, in the shade of famous Mount Kinabulu. Kinabalu National Park boasts the richest variety of plants in the world. The Sarawak capital of Kuching is a charming river city, retaining many of its Victorian buildings and Chinese shophouses. Sarawak's national parks are utterly stunning. Bako features mangrove swamps, rainforest, monkeys, carnivorous plants(!), amazing rock formations and a beautiful beach. Naturally, you can meet the islands famous orang-utans in both Sarawak and Sabah, as well as greenback turtles on our Secrets of Sabah tour.
holidays
Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo.
holiday inn express
Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo
holiday cookies
Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre
holiday inn
It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo!
holiday recipes
Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo! Wherever you venture in Malaysia – there really is nowhere like Sabah and Sarawak in borneo. It could truly be the land that time forgot! Add to that the kingdom of Brunei and you have a destination to fascinate. Visit the majestic Mount Kinabalu or the lush green rainforests of Sandakan home to the wild men of borneo (the orang-utan) at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A must for any visit to borneo!
Friday, April 16, 2010
endangered orangutans
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (also known as the IUCN Red List or Red Data List), founded in 1948, is the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of plant and animal species. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) is the world's main authority on the conservation status of species. A series of Regional Red Lists are produced by countries or organizations, which assess the risk of extinction to species within a political management unit.
The IUCN Red List is set upon precise criteria to evaluate the extinction risk of thousands of species and subspecies. These criteria are relevant to all species and all regions of the world. The aim is to convey the urgency of conservation issues to the public and policy makers, as well as help the international community to try to reduce species extinction.
Major species assessors include BirdLife International, the Institute of Zoology (the research division of the Zoological Society of London), the World Conservation Monitoring Centre, and many Specialist Groups within the IUCN's Species Survival Commission (SSC). Collectively, assessments by these organizations and groups account for nearly half the species on the Red List.
IUCN Red List is widely considered to be the most objective and authoritative system for classifying species in terms of the risk of extinction.[1]
The IUCN aims to have the category of every species re-evaluated every 5 years if possible, or at least every ten years. This is done in a peer reviewed manner through IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Specialist Groups, which are Red List Authorities responsible for a species, group of species or specific geographic area, or in the case of BirdLife International, an entire class (Aves
The IUCN Red List is set upon precise criteria to evaluate the extinction risk of thousands of species and subspecies. These criteria are relevant to all species and all regions of the world. The aim is to convey the urgency of conservation issues to the public and policy makers, as well as help the international community to try to reduce species extinction.
Major species assessors include BirdLife International, the Institute of Zoology (the research division of the Zoological Society of London), the World Conservation Monitoring Centre, and many Specialist Groups within the IUCN's Species Survival Commission (SSC). Collectively, assessments by these organizations and groups account for nearly half the species on the Red List.
IUCN Red List is widely considered to be the most objective and authoritative system for classifying species in terms of the risk of extinction.[1]
The IUCN aims to have the category of every species re-evaluated every 5 years if possible, or at least every ten years. This is done in a peer reviewed manner through IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Specialist Groups, which are Red List Authorities responsible for a species, group of species or specific geographic area, or in the case of BirdLife International, an entire class (Aves
interesting facts about orangutan
Mawas is a forest conservation, reforestation and research area in Kalteng, Central Kalimantan. The Mawas project is now in its development phase.[21]
The main aim of the Mawas project is to protect some of the fast-disappearing peat lands through collaboration with the Central and Local Governments and the local communities. The Mawas area is home to one of the last tracts of forest supporting wild orangutans. An estimated 3,000 wild orangutans are found in this area. Mawas is also important for its biodiversity and the geological conditions of Mawas make it a storage house of giga-tonnes of sequestered carbon. Over a period of 8,000 years, decaying plant matter from the swamp forests has built up 13 - 15 metre high domes of peat.
In September 2003, the provincial parliament in Central Kalimantan approved a new land use plan that designates 500,000 ha in the Mawas area to be managed by BOS for conservation. BOS is currently working in an area of about 280,000 ha within the ex-Mega Rice Project.
BOS has initiated a forest conservation project with the objectives of:
* conserving peat swamp forest area including reforesting degraded areas;
* preserving the bio-diversity of the area;
* providing global greenhouse gas (GHG) benefits;
* providing access to programs such as health and education; and
* improving incomes and building capacity and economic prosperity in local communities
* assisting communities in learning technical skills including aquaculture, rice cultivation, agro-forestry and farm development
* assisting local independence and self-sustaining livelihoods.
* providing education to children on the environment and conservation, by visiting schools
* providing community awareness programs as well as co-operative conservation programs.
The area is important for research activities, with BOS operating the Tuanan Research Station in Kapaus. The Station has been implemented through extensive consultation with all local people and institutions and the use of local labour. Its purpose is to provide a year-round base to scientists tracking and observing the wild orangutan population. BOS is involved in patrolling and monitoring the area for illegal activities via air and land and supporting law enforcement by providing guidance and legal awareness programs to the community and government
The main aim of the Mawas project is to protect some of the fast-disappearing peat lands through collaboration with the Central and Local Governments and the local communities. The Mawas area is home to one of the last tracts of forest supporting wild orangutans. An estimated 3,000 wild orangutans are found in this area. Mawas is also important for its biodiversity and the geological conditions of Mawas make it a storage house of giga-tonnes of sequestered carbon. Over a period of 8,000 years, decaying plant matter from the swamp forests has built up 13 - 15 metre high domes of peat.
In September 2003, the provincial parliament in Central Kalimantan approved a new land use plan that designates 500,000 ha in the Mawas area to be managed by BOS for conservation. BOS is currently working in an area of about 280,000 ha within the ex-Mega Rice Project.
BOS has initiated a forest conservation project with the objectives of:
* conserving peat swamp forest area including reforesting degraded areas;
* preserving the bio-diversity of the area;
* providing global greenhouse gas (GHG) benefits;
* providing access to programs such as health and education; and
* improving incomes and building capacity and economic prosperity in local communities
* assisting communities in learning technical skills including aquaculture, rice cultivation, agro-forestry and farm development
* assisting local independence and self-sustaining livelihoods.
* providing education to children on the environment and conservation, by visiting schools
* providing community awareness programs as well as co-operative conservation programs.
The area is important for research activities, with BOS operating the Tuanan Research Station in Kapaus. The Station has been implemented through extensive consultation with all local people and institutions and the use of local labour. Its purpose is to provide a year-round base to scientists tracking and observing the wild orangutan population. BOS is involved in patrolling and monitoring the area for illegal activities via air and land and supporting law enforcement by providing guidance and legal awareness programs to the community and government
where do orangutans live
Samboja Lestari
Samboja Lestari 1°2′44″S 116°59′15″E / 1.04556°S 116.9875°E / -1.04556; 116.9875 is a reforestation project on nearly 2000 ha of burnt land in Kaltim. In 2001, BOS started purchasing land near Wanariset. The area it acquired had been deforested by mechanical logging, drought and severe fires and was covered in alang-alang grass (Imperata cylindrica). The aim was to restore the rainforest and provide a safe haven for rehabilitated orangutans while at the same time providing a source of income for local people. The name Samboja Lestari roughly translates as the "everlasting conservation of Samboja".[15] Reforestation and rehabilitation is the core of the project, with hundreds of indigenous species planted. By the middle of 2006 more than 740 different tree species had been planted.[16]
The Orangutan Reintroduction Project at Wanariset was moved to Samboja Lestari. "Forest Schools" were established, areas that provide natural, educational playgrounds for the orangutans in which to learn forest skills. Here the orangutans roam freely but under supervision and are returned to sleeping cages for the night. "Orangutan islands" were created where the orangutans and other wildlife that cannot return to the wild are nevertheless able to live in almost completely natural conditions.
At his 2009 TED talk Smits claimed there had been a substantial increase in cloud cover and 30% more rainfall due to the reforestation at Samboja Lestari.[17]
To finance the nature reserve, BOS created a system of "land-purchasing", a "Create Rainforest" initiative where sybolically adopt square metres of rainforest.[18] Donors are able to view and follow the progress of their "purchase" in the project area with Google Earth satellite images from 2002 and 2007 with additional information overlaid.[19]
The Samboja Lodge[20]
The SarVision Satellite Natural Resources Monitoring Centre.
Samboja Lestari 1°2′44″S 116°59′15″E / 1.04556°S 116.9875°E / -1.04556; 116.9875 is a reforestation project on nearly 2000 ha of burnt land in Kaltim. In 2001, BOS started purchasing land near Wanariset. The area it acquired had been deforested by mechanical logging, drought and severe fires and was covered in alang-alang grass (Imperata cylindrica). The aim was to restore the rainforest and provide a safe haven for rehabilitated orangutans while at the same time providing a source of income for local people. The name Samboja Lestari roughly translates as the "everlasting conservation of Samboja".[15] Reforestation and rehabilitation is the core of the project, with hundreds of indigenous species planted. By the middle of 2006 more than 740 different tree species had been planted.[16]
The Orangutan Reintroduction Project at Wanariset was moved to Samboja Lestari. "Forest Schools" were established, areas that provide natural, educational playgrounds for the orangutans in which to learn forest skills. Here the orangutans roam freely but under supervision and are returned to sleeping cages for the night. "Orangutan islands" were created where the orangutans and other wildlife that cannot return to the wild are nevertheless able to live in almost completely natural conditions.
At his 2009 TED talk Smits claimed there had been a substantial increase in cloud cover and 30% more rainfall due to the reforestation at Samboja Lestari.[17]
To finance the nature reserve, BOS created a system of "land-purchasing", a "Create Rainforest" initiative where sybolically adopt square metres of rainforest.[18] Donors are able to view and follow the progress of their "purchase" in the project area with Google Earth satellite images from 2002 and 2007 with additional information overlaid.[19]
The Samboja Lodge[20]
The SarVision Satellite Natural Resources Monitoring Centre.
what do orangutans eat
Wanariset
Wanariset began as a tropical forest research station in Kaltim near Balikpapan in the Indonesian Province of East Kalimantan and was developed as an orangutan rescue and rehabilitation centre.
[edit] Nyaru Menteng
Nyaru Menteng 2°6′34″S 113°49′14″E / 2.10944°S 113.82056°E / -2.10944; 113.82056 is an orangutan rescue and rehabilitation centre in Kalteng. Lone Drøscher Nielsen sought the advice of Dr Smits about the possibility of creating a new project in Central Kalimantan to deal with the swelling numbers of orphaned orangutans. Dr Smits agreed to help, and with the financial backing of the Gibbon Foundation and BOS Indonesia, Drøscher Nielsen founded Nyaru Menteng, near the city of Palangka Raya, in 1998.[10] She was able to build the facility under an agreement with the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry, and Nyaru Menteng officially opened its doors to the first dozen orangutans in 1999.
The sanctuary was designed to hold up to 100 orphaned orangutans while they go through rehabilitation. In addition to quarantine cages, medical clinic, and nursery, the sanctuary had a large area of forest in which orangutans could learn the skills needed to live in the wild.[11] Nyaru Menteng quickly became the largest primate rescue project in the world, with nearly 700 orphaned and displaced orangutans in its care at the present. [12][13]
Many of these orangutans are only weeks old when they arrive, and all of them are psychologically traumatized.[14] The sanctuary not only saves the mostly orphaned baby orangutans from the local farmers and illegal pet-traders, but has developed a process for their gradual re-introduction to the remaining Borneo rainforest.
Wanariset began as a tropical forest research station in Kaltim near Balikpapan in the Indonesian Province of East Kalimantan and was developed as an orangutan rescue and rehabilitation centre.
[edit] Nyaru Menteng
Nyaru Menteng 2°6′34″S 113°49′14″E / 2.10944°S 113.82056°E / -2.10944; 113.82056 is an orangutan rescue and rehabilitation centre in Kalteng. Lone Drøscher Nielsen sought the advice of Dr Smits about the possibility of creating a new project in Central Kalimantan to deal with the swelling numbers of orphaned orangutans. Dr Smits agreed to help, and with the financial backing of the Gibbon Foundation and BOS Indonesia, Drøscher Nielsen founded Nyaru Menteng, near the city of Palangka Raya, in 1998.[10] She was able to build the facility under an agreement with the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry, and Nyaru Menteng officially opened its doors to the first dozen orangutans in 1999.
The sanctuary was designed to hold up to 100 orphaned orangutans while they go through rehabilitation. In addition to quarantine cages, medical clinic, and nursery, the sanctuary had a large area of forest in which orangutans could learn the skills needed to live in the wild.[11] Nyaru Menteng quickly became the largest primate rescue project in the world, with nearly 700 orphaned and displaced orangutans in its care at the present. [12][13]
Many of these orangutans are only weeks old when they arrive, and all of them are psychologically traumatized.[14] The sanctuary not only saves the mostly orphaned baby orangutans from the local farmers and illegal pet-traders, but has developed a process for their gradual re-introduction to the remaining Borneo rainforest.
national geographic orangutan and hound dog
The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation was founded by Dr Willie Smits in 1991 with the support of researchers of the Tropenbos Kalimantan Program and the school children of Balikpapan, Indonesia, initially as the "Balikpapan Orangutan Society". Dr Smits, an ecologist and adviser to the Minister of Forestry in Indonesia, found a sick baby orangutan in the market in Balikpapan. He managed to care for the sick orangutan and was then given another. It formalised its existence as the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation in 1994. Since then its has received increasing recognition in Indonesia and globally, with sister organizations in 11 other countries. [2][3][4]
[edit] Orangutans endangered
The Bornean orangutans is endangered[5] according to the IUCN Red List of mammals, and is listed on Appendix I of CITES. The total number of Bornean orangutans is estimated to be less than 14 percent of what it was in the recent past (from around 10,000 years ago until the middle of the twentieth century) and this sharp decline has occurred mostly over the past few decades due to human activities and development.[5] Their habitat is so much reduced that they are now only to be found in pockets of remaining rainforest.[5] The largest remaining population is found in the forest around the Sabangau River, but this environment too is at risk.[6] According to the IUCN, it is expected that in 10 to 30 years orangutans will be extinct if there is no serious effort to overcome the threats that they are facing.[7][8]
This view is also supported by the United Nations Environment Programme, which states in its report that due to illegal logging, fire and the extensive development of oil palm plantations (see Environmental impact of palm oil), orangutans are endangered, and if the current trend continues, they will become extinct
[edit] Orangutans endangered
The Bornean orangutans is endangered[5] according to the IUCN Red List of mammals, and is listed on Appendix I of CITES. The total number of Bornean orangutans is estimated to be less than 14 percent of what it was in the recent past (from around 10,000 years ago until the middle of the twentieth century) and this sharp decline has occurred mostly over the past few decades due to human activities and development.[5] Their habitat is so much reduced that they are now only to be found in pockets of remaining rainforest.[5] The largest remaining population is found in the forest around the Sabangau River, but this environment too is at risk.[6] According to the IUCN, it is expected that in 10 to 30 years orangutans will be extinct if there is no serious effort to overcome the threats that they are facing.[7][8]
This view is also supported by the United Nations Environment Programme, which states in its report that due to illegal logging, fire and the extensive development of oil palm plantations (see Environmental impact of palm oil), orangutans are endangered, and if the current trend continues, they will become extinct
baby orangutan
Orangutan habitat destruction due to logging, mining and forest fires, as well as fragmentation by roads, has been increasing rapidly in the last decade.[31][32][34] A major factor in that period of time has been the conversion of vast areas of tropical forest to oil palm plantations in response to international demand (the palm oil is used for cooking, cosmetics, mechanics, and more recently as source of biodiesel).[31][32][35] Some UN scientists believe that these plantations could lead to irreparable damage to orangutan habitat by the year 2012.[36][37] Some of this activity is illegal, occurring in national parks that are officially off limits to loggers, miners and plantation development.[31][32] There is also a major problem with hunting[31][32] and illegal pet trade.[31][32] In early 2004 about 100 individuals of Bornean origin were confiscated in Thailand and 50 of them were returned to Kalimantan in 2006. Several hundred Bornean orangutan orphans who were confiscated by local authorities have been entrusted to different orphanages in both Malaysia and Indonesia. They are in the process of being rehabilitated into the wild.[32]
Major conservation centres in Indonesia include those at Tanjung Puting National Park and Sebangau National Park in Central Kalimantan, Kutai in East Kalimantan, Gunung Palung National Park in West Kalimantan, and Bukit Lawang in the Gunung Leuser National Park on the border of Aceh and North Sumatra. The Borneo Orangutan Survival Fondation operates a number of projects , including The Samboja Lestari Forest Rehabilitation Program. In Malaysia, conservation areas include Semenggoh Wildlife Centre in Sarawak and Matang Wildlife Centre also in Sarawak, and the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary near Sandakan in Sabah.
Major conservation centres in Indonesia include those at Tanjung Puting National Park and Sebangau National Park in Central Kalimantan, Kutai in East Kalimantan, Gunung Palung National Park in West Kalimantan, and Bukit Lawang in the Gunung Leuser National Park on the border of Aceh and North Sumatra. The Borneo Orangutan Survival Fondation operates a number of projects , including The Samboja Lestari Forest Rehabilitation Program. In Malaysia, conservation areas include Semenggoh Wildlife Centre in Sarawak and Matang Wildlife Centre also in Sarawak, and the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary near Sandakan in Sabah.
orangutan stuffed toy
The Sumatran species is critically endangered[31] and the Bornean species of orangutans is endangered[32] according to the IUCN Red List of mammals, and both are listed on Appendix I of CITES. The total number of Bornean orangutans is estimated to be less than 14 percent of what it was in the recent past (from around 10,000 years ago until the middle of the twentieth century) and this sharp decline has occurred mostly over the past few decades due to human activities and development.[32] Species distribution is now highly patchy throughout Borneo: it is apparently absent or uncommon in the south-east of the island, as well as in the forests between the Rejang River in central Sarawak and the Padas River in western Sabah (including the Sultanate of Brunei).[32] The largest remaining population is found in the forest around the Sabangau River, but this environment is at risk.[33] A similar development have been observed for the Sumatran orangutans.[31]
Sumatran Orangutan at the orangutan rehabilitation center in Bukit Lawang
The most recent estimate for the Sumatran Orangutan is around 7,300 individuals in the wild[31] while the Bornean Orangutan population is estimated at between 45,000 and 69,000.[32] These estimates were obtained between 2000 and 2003. However, thousands of orangutans don't reach adulthood due to human disruption. Orangutans are killed for food while others are killed because of disruption in people's property. Mother orangutans are killed so their infants can be sold as pets. Many of the infants die without the help of their mother.[3] Since recent trends are steeply down in most places due to logging and burning, it is forecast that the current numbers are below these figures
Sumatran Orangutan at the orangutan rehabilitation center in Bukit Lawang
The most recent estimate for the Sumatran Orangutan is around 7,300 individuals in the wild[31] while the Bornean Orangutan population is estimated at between 45,000 and 69,000.[32] These estimates were obtained between 2000 and 2003. However, thousands of orangutans don't reach adulthood due to human disruption. Orangutans are killed for food while others are killed because of disruption in people's property. Mother orangutans are killed so their infants can be sold as pets. Many of the infants die without the help of their mother.[3] Since recent trends are steeply down in most places due to logging and burning, it is forecast that the current numbers are below these figures
sumatran orangutan
* Genus Pongo [1]
o Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)
+ Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus - northwest populations
+ Pongo pygmaeus morio - east populations
+ Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii - southwest populations
o Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii)
Pongo pygmaeus
The populations on the two islands were classified as subspecies until recently, when they were elevated to full specific level, and the three distinct populations on Borneo were elevated to subspecies. The population currently listed as P. p. wurmbii may be closer to the Sumatran Orangutan than the Bornean Orangutan. If confirmed, abelii would be a subspecies of P. wurmbii (Tiedeman, 1808).[30] Regardless, the type locality of pygmaeus has not been established beyond doubts, and may be from the population currently listed as wurmbii (in which case wurmbii would be a junior synonym of pygmaeus, while one of the names currently considered a junior synonym of pygmaeus would take precedence for the northwest Bornean taxon).[30] To further confuse, the name morio, as well as various junior synonyms that have been suggested,[1] have been considered likely to all be junior synonyms of the population listed as pygmaeus in the above, thus leaving the east Bornean populations unnamed.[30]
In addition, a fossil species, P. hooijeri, is known from Vietnam, and multiple fossil subspecies have been described from several parts of southeastern Asia. It is unclear if these belong to P. pygmaeus or P. abeli or, in fact, represent distinct species.
o Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)
+ Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus - northwest populations
+ Pongo pygmaeus morio - east populations
+ Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii - southwest populations
o Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii)
Pongo pygmaeus
The populations on the two islands were classified as subspecies until recently, when they were elevated to full specific level, and the three distinct populations on Borneo were elevated to subspecies. The population currently listed as P. p. wurmbii may be closer to the Sumatran Orangutan than the Bornean Orangutan. If confirmed, abelii would be a subspecies of P. wurmbii (Tiedeman, 1808).[30] Regardless, the type locality of pygmaeus has not been established beyond doubts, and may be from the population currently listed as wurmbii (in which case wurmbii would be a junior synonym of pygmaeus, while one of the names currently considered a junior synonym of pygmaeus would take precedence for the northwest Bornean taxon).[30] To further confuse, the name morio, as well as various junior synonyms that have been suggested,[1] have been considered likely to all be junior synonyms of the population listed as pygmaeus in the above, thus leaving the east Bornean populations unnamed.[30]
In addition, a fossil species, P. hooijeri, is known from Vietnam, and multiple fossil subspecies have been described from several parts of southeastern Asia. It is unclear if these belong to P. pygmaeus or P. abeli or, in fact, represent distinct species.
the orangutan and the hound video
Zoo Atlanta has a touch screen computer where their two Sumatran Orangutans play games. Scientists hope that the data they collect from this will help researchers learn about socializing patterns, such as whether they mimic others or learn behavior from trial and error, and hope the data can point to new conservation strategies.[26]
A 2008 study of two orangutans at the Leipzig Zoo showed that orangutans are the first non-human species documented to use 'calculated reciprocity' which involves weighing the costs and benefits of gift exchanges and keeping track of these over time.[27]
Although orangutans are generally passive, aggression toward other orangutans is very common; they are solitary animals and can be fiercely territorial. Immature males will try to mate with any female, and may succeed in forcibly copulating with her if she is also immature and not strong enough to fend him off. Mature females easily fend off their immature suitors, preferring to mate with a mature male.
Orangutans do not swim. At least one population at a conservation refuge on Kaja island in Borneo have been photographed wading in deep water.[28]
Orangutans, along with Chimpanzees, gorillas, and other apes, have even shown laughter-like vocalizations in response to physical contact, such as wrestling, play chasing, or tickling
A 2008 study of two orangutans at the Leipzig Zoo showed that orangutans are the first non-human species documented to use 'calculated reciprocity' which involves weighing the costs and benefits of gift exchanges and keeping track of these over time.[27]
Although orangutans are generally passive, aggression toward other orangutans is very common; they are solitary animals and can be fiercely territorial. Immature males will try to mate with any female, and may succeed in forcibly copulating with her if she is also immature and not strong enough to fend him off. Mature females easily fend off their immature suitors, preferring to mate with a mature male.
Orangutans do not swim. At least one population at a conservation refuge on Kaja island in Borneo have been photographed wading in deep water.[28]
Orangutans, along with Chimpanzees, gorillas, and other apes, have even shown laughter-like vocalizations in response to physical contact, such as wrestling, play chasing, or tickling
endangered rainforest orangutan
A two year study of orangutan symbolic capability was conducted from 1973-1975 by Gary L. Shapiro with Aazk, a juvenile female orangutan at the Fresno City Zoo (now Chaffee Zoo) in Fresno, California. The study employed the techniques of David Premack who used plastic tokens to teach the chimpanzee, Sarah, linguistic skills. Shapiro continued to examine the linguistic and learning abilities of ex-captive orangutans in Tanjung Puting National Park, in Indonesian Borneo, between 1978 and 1980. During that time, Shapiro instructed ex-captive orangutans in the acquisition and use of signs following the techniques of R. Allen and Beatrix Gardner who taught the chimpanzee, Washoe, in the late-1960s. In the only signing study ever conducted in a great ape's natural environment, Shapiro home-reared Princess, a juvenile female who learned nearly 40 signs (according to the criteria of sign acquisition used by Francine Patterson with Koko, the gorilla) and trained Rinnie, a free-ranging adult female orangutan who learned nearly 30 signs over a two year period. For his dissertation study, Shapiro examined the factors influencing sign learning by four juvenile orangutans over a 15-month period.[24]
The first orangutan language study program, directed by Dr. Francine Neago, was listed by Encyclopædia Britannica in 1988. The Orangutan language project at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., uses a computer system originally developed at UCLA by Neago in conjunction with IBM.
The first orangutan language study program, directed by Dr. Francine Neago, was listed by Encyclopædia Britannica in 1988. The Orangutan language project at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., uses a computer system originally developed at UCLA by Neago in conjunction with IBM.
orangutan facts
In 2003, researchers from six different orangutan field sites who used the same behavioral coding scheme compared the behaviors of the animals from the different sites.[22] They found that the different orangutan populations behaved differently. The evidence suggested that the differences in behavior were cultural: first, because the extent of the differences increased with distance, suggesting that cultural diffusion was occurring, and second, because the size of the orangutans’ cultural repertoire increased according the amount of social contact present within the group. Social contact facilitates cultural transmission.[22] Carel P. van Schaik suggests that young orangutans (P. abelii) acquire tool use skills and cultural behaviors by observing and copying older orangutans.[21]
Orangutans do not limit their tool use to foraging, displaying or nest-building activities. Wild orangutans (P. pygmaeus wurmbii) in Tuanan, Borneo, were reported to use tools in acoustic communication.[23] They use leaves to amplify the kiss squeak sounds that they produce. Some have suggested that the apes employ this method of amplification in order to deceive the listener into believing that they are larger animals
Orangutans do not limit their tool use to foraging, displaying or nest-building activities. Wild orangutans (P. pygmaeus wurmbii) in Tuanan, Borneo, were reported to use tools in acoustic communication.[23] They use leaves to amplify the kiss squeak sounds that they produce. Some have suggested that the apes employ this method of amplification in order to deceive the listener into believing that they are larger animals
whistling orangutan
Tool use and culture
Like the other great apes, orangutans are among the most intelligent primates.[12] Wild chimpanzees have been known to use tools since the 1960s.[13] Tool use in orangutans has been observed in ex-captive populations.[14]
Evidence of sophisticated tool manufacture and use in the wild was reported from a population of orangutans in Suaq Balimbing (Pongo pygmaeus abelii) in 1996.[15] These orangutans developed a tool kit for use in foraging that consisted of insect-extraction tools for use in the hollows of trees, and seed-extraction tools which were used in harvesting seeds from hard-husked fruit. The orangutans adjusted their tools according to the nature of the task at hand and preference was given to oral tool use.[16] This preference was also found in an experimental study of captive orangutans (P. pygmaeus).[17]
Carel P. van Schaik from the University of Zurich and Cheryl D. Knott from Harvard University further investigated tool use in different wild orangutan populations. They compared geographic variations in tool use related to the processing of Neesia fruit. The orangutans of Suaq Balimbing (P. abelii) were found to be avid users of insect and seed-extraction tools when compared to other wild orangutans.[18][19] The scientists suggested that these differences are cultural. The orangutans at Suaq Balimbing live in dense groups and are socially tolerant; this creates good conditions for social transmission.[18] Further evidence that highly social orangutans are more likely to exhibit cultural behaviors came from a study of leaf-carrying behaviors of ex-captive orangutans that were being rehabilitated on the island of Kaja in Borneo.[20] The above evidence is consistent with the existence of orangutan culture as geographically distinct behavioral variants which are maintained and transmitted in a population through social learning
Like the other great apes, orangutans are among the most intelligent primates.[12] Wild chimpanzees have been known to use tools since the 1960s.[13] Tool use in orangutans has been observed in ex-captive populations.[14]
Evidence of sophisticated tool manufacture and use in the wild was reported from a population of orangutans in Suaq Balimbing (Pongo pygmaeus abelii) in 1996.[15] These orangutans developed a tool kit for use in foraging that consisted of insect-extraction tools for use in the hollows of trees, and seed-extraction tools which were used in harvesting seeds from hard-husked fruit. The orangutans adjusted their tools according to the nature of the task at hand and preference was given to oral tool use.[16] This preference was also found in an experimental study of captive orangutans (P. pygmaeus).[17]
Carel P. van Schaik from the University of Zurich and Cheryl D. Knott from Harvard University further investigated tool use in different wild orangutan populations. They compared geographic variations in tool use related to the processing of Neesia fruit. The orangutans of Suaq Balimbing (P. abelii) were found to be avid users of insect and seed-extraction tools when compared to other wild orangutans.[18][19] The scientists suggested that these differences are cultural. The orangutans at Suaq Balimbing live in dense groups and are socially tolerant; this creates good conditions for social transmission.[18] Further evidence that highly social orangutans are more likely to exhibit cultural behaviors came from a study of leaf-carrying behaviors of ex-captive orangutans that were being rehabilitated on the island of Kaja in Borneo.[20] The above evidence is consistent with the existence of orangutan culture as geographically distinct behavioral variants which are maintained and transmitted in a population through social learning
orangutans
Fruit makes up 65–90 percent of the orangutan diet. Fruits with sugary or fatty pulp are favored. Ficus fruits are commonly eaten, because they are easy to harvest and digest. Lowland Dipterocarp forests are preferred by orangutans because of their plentiful fruit. Bornean orangutans consume at least 317 different food items that include young leaves, shoots, bark, insects, honey, and bird eggs.[7][8]
Orangutans are opportunistic foragers, and their diets vary markedly from month to month.[8] Bark is eaten as a last resort in times of food scarcity; fruits are always more popular.
Orangutans are thought to be the sole fruit disperser for some plant species including the climber species Strychnos ignatii which contains the toxic alkaloid strychnine.[9] It does not appear to have any effect on orangutans except for excessive saliva production.
Geophagy, the practice of eating soil or rock, has been observed in orangutans. There are three main reasons for this dietary behavior; for the addition of minerals nutrients to their diet; for the ingestion of clay minerals that can absorb toxic substances; or to treat a disorder such as diarrhea.[10]
Orangutans use plants of the genus Commelina as an anti-inflammatory balm
Orangutans are opportunistic foragers, and their diets vary markedly from month to month.[8] Bark is eaten as a last resort in times of food scarcity; fruits are always more popular.
Orangutans are thought to be the sole fruit disperser for some plant species including the climber species Strychnos ignatii which contains the toxic alkaloid strychnine.[9] It does not appear to have any effect on orangutans except for excessive saliva production.
Geophagy, the practice of eating soil or rock, has been observed in orangutans. There are three main reasons for this dietary behavior; for the addition of minerals nutrients to their diet; for the ingestion of clay minerals that can absorb toxic substances; or to treat a disorder such as diarrhea.[10]
Orangutans use plants of the genus Commelina as an anti-inflammatory balm
orangutan
An orangutan's standing height averages from 4 to 5 ft (1.2 to 1.5 m) and weighs between 73 to 180 pounds (33 to 82 kg).[2] Males can weigh up to 250 lb (110 kg) or more.[3] Orangutan hands are similar to humans hands; they have four long fingers and an opposable thumb. Their feet have four long toes and an opposable big toe. Orangutans can grasp things with both their hands and their feet. The largest males have an arm span of about 7.5 ft (2 m).
Orangutans have a large, bulky body, a thick neck, very long, strong arms, short, bowed legs, and no tail. They are mostly covered with long reddish-brown hair, although this differs between the species: Sumatran Orangutans have a more sparse and lighter coloured coat.[4]
The orangutan has a large head with a prominent mouth area. Adult males have large cheek flaps (which get larger as the ape ages) that show their dominance to other males and their readiness to mate. The age of maturity for females is approximately 12 years. Orangutans may live for up to 50 years in the wild.
Orangutans are the most arboreal of the great apes, spending nearly all of their time in the trees. Every night they fashion sleeping nests from branches and foliage. They are more solitary than other apes; males and females generally come together only to mate. Mothers stay with their babies for six or seven years. There is significant sexual dimorphism: females can grow to around 4 ft 2 in or 127 cm and weigh around 100 lb (45 kg) while flanged adult males can reach 5 ft 9 in or 175 cm in height and weigh over 260 lb (118 kg).[5]
The arms of orangutans are twice as long as their legs. Much of the arm's length has to do with the length of the radius and the ulna rather than the humerus. Their fingers and toes are curved, allowing them to better grip onto branches. Orangutans have less restriction in the movements of their legs than humans and other primates, due to the lack of a hip joint ligament which keeps the femur held into the pelvis. Unlike gorillas and chimpanzees, orangutans are not true knuckle-walkers, and are instead fist-walkers.
Orangutans have a large, bulky body, a thick neck, very long, strong arms, short, bowed legs, and no tail. They are mostly covered with long reddish-brown hair, although this differs between the species: Sumatran Orangutans have a more sparse and lighter coloured coat.[4]
The orangutan has a large head with a prominent mouth area. Adult males have large cheek flaps (which get larger as the ape ages) that show their dominance to other males and their readiness to mate. The age of maturity for females is approximately 12 years. Orangutans may live for up to 50 years in the wild.
Orangutans are the most arboreal of the great apes, spending nearly all of their time in the trees. Every night they fashion sleeping nests from branches and foliage. They are more solitary than other apes; males and females generally come together only to mate. Mothers stay with their babies for six or seven years. There is significant sexual dimorphism: females can grow to around 4 ft 2 in or 127 cm and weigh around 100 lb (45 kg) while flanged adult males can reach 5 ft 9 in or 175 cm in height and weigh over 260 lb (118 kg).[5]
The arms of orangutans are twice as long as their legs. Much of the arm's length has to do with the length of the radius and the ulna rather than the humerus. Their fingers and toes are curved, allowing them to better grip onto branches. Orangutans have less restriction in the movements of their legs than humans and other primates, due to the lack of a hip joint ligament which keeps the femur held into the pelvis. Unlike gorillas and chimpanzees, orangutans are not true knuckle-walkers, and are instead fist-walkers.