Fitri Shahminan Brunei Direct 20 Dec 10;
Bandar Seri Begawan - Preliminary results have shown that at least four endangered wildlife species and suspected new ones were recorded during the first phase of a faunal biodiversity survey in Brunei's Sg Ingei Protection Forest, researchers have confirmed.
In July this year, a multinational team of wildlife researchers, led by Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), camped for two weeks in the forest to uncover more details on the behaviour and movement patterns of numerous species of endangered animals in the country.
A total of 60 "camera traps" have been set up in various locations in Sg Ingei, which will be left operating over the duration of the study.
"The cameras are going on for two years, so we can say to you, that they are (recording) mind-boggling stuff," said the project leader, Dr Joseph Charles, who explained that the camera traps capture still photos upon detection of movement as well as differences in temperature within the body of an animal and the environment.
The senior lecturer at UBD's Biology Department added that the data of the findings are currently being analysed.
When asked if he could confirm new species among the findings, he said: "Yes, because we have never seen them before and nobody has ever reported about it."
"We suspect there is a new bat, frog and there are also other new forms among fish (but) all that to be confirmed, nothing is confirmed. They are all being suspected as new species," said Dr Charles, who added that a complete DNA analysis would nevertheless be required to justify their claims.
Complete details of the results from the first phase of the study are expected to be disclosed to the public some time in March next year, he said.
Sg Ingei project administrator, Dr Ang Bee Biaw commented the team was overwhelmed with the initial findings.
"Put it this way, when we look at the camera trap pictures, we could not sleep, the whole night none of us slept at all," she said.
Dr Ang added that a team comprising of Dr Charles, local researchers who are involved in the study and herself would be carrying out the DNA analysis.
"Normally we would study the morphology, anatomy and then finally the DNA analysis, to confirm if the species is new or just some sort of variation," she said.
The second expedition is scheduled to be carried out around the same time next year, when the team will be joined by selected scientists from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
The results from the faunal biodiversity survey, is hoped to be enough to convince local authorities to fully protect the area and its wildlife by upgrading it into a national park.
The two-year faunal biodiversity survey is backed by the Ministry of Primary Resources and sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times
