Scientists, researchers begin HoB expedition at Tama Abu Range
MIRI: A team of 93 scientists and researchers departed the city yesterday for the Heart of Borneo ( HoB) 5th scientific expedition at Tama Abu Range in Baram.
Headed by Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohamed Abdul Majid, the objectives of the Aug 14-26 expedition are, among others, to confirm the existence of rhinoceros and wild buffalo species of ‘ temadau’ ( Bos Javanicus), which reportedly roam in the area.
The scientists are from various government institutions, universities and nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) from all over the country as well as the United Kingdom, Australia, China, Denmark and Brunei.
State Forest Department director Sapuan Ahmad, who flagged- off the team at Imperial Hotel here yesterday, said apart from confirming the existence of ‘ temadau’, the expedition this year aims to document the
It is also hoped that the expedition can create awareness on the importance of conservation, inspire local participation in flora and fauna conservation, study the effects of tourism in Tama Abu, increase the conservation value of the area, as well as to do a systematic study on the sociology and anthropology of local tribes. Sapuan Ahmad, State Forest Department director
variety, range and diversity of wildlife in order to assess the future needs for conservation of the HoB.
“It is also hoped that the expedition can create awareness on the importance of conservation, inspire local participation in flora and fauna conservation, study the effects of tourism in Tama Abu, increase the conservation value of the area, as well as to do a systematic study on the sociology and anthropology of local tribes.”
Compared to last year’s Long Banga scientific expedition, Sapuan said this year’s expedition has a significant increase in participation from international scientists and researchers.
The expedition site, located about 130km from Miri city, is only accessible by four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles and is expected to take about 11 hours through logging roads to reach the said location.
“The State Forest Department started the site identification and preparation at Tama Abu Range early this year.
“The surrounding community in Baram villages such as Long Peluan and Long Beruang are also involved in the expedition to assist the team,” he pointed out.
The expedition will consist of various disciplines such as fauna diversity, flora diversity, water, geology, local communities, history/archaeology and ecotourism.