talk : Managing Shorebirds at Bako-Buntal Bay.

Dear members and friends,

 We would like to invite you for an interesting talk about Managing Shorebirds at Bako-Buntal Bay. 

Speakers:  Oswald Braken Tisen, General Manager & 

                    Rambli Ahmad,  Ecologist, Sarawak Forestry Corporation.

Date:         Wednesday 24 April 2019

Time:          7.30-9.30 PM ( Please be on time)

Venue :     Islamic Information Centre (Lower Baruk)

                 Jalan Ong Tiang Swee (behind Swinburne University)

Entrance: Free of charge but donations are always welcome.

Please register  by email latest by 23 April by email mnskuching@gmail.com to confirm your seat.

Managing Shorebirds at Bako-Buntal Bay 

Bako-Buntal Bay(BBB)  extends from the northern tip of the Santubong peninsula, down its east-facing coast, and eastwards to Kuala Bako. The bay formed between the Santubong and Bako peninsulas contains extensive intertidal mudflats fringed with mangrove forest.

 BBB is  the first and  only East Asian-Australasian Partnership (EAAFP) Flyway Network site in Malaysia. Thousands of shorebirds winter here   every migratory season.  Thus, it plays an important role in providing a roosting and feeding area for the migrants   to complete their journey. 

A Sarawak state-wide survey of waterbirds in 2011, conducted by Malaysian Nature Society, recorded a total of 35,338 birds in the whole of Bako-Buntal Bay Flyway Network Site, representing 50% of all shorebirds counted in Sarawak, making BBB the most important site for migratory birds in the State.

There are at least 30 species of shorebirds which  stopover from September-February each   year.  Threatened   species like Nordmann’s Greenshank, Chinese Egret and Far Eastern Curlew can be found along the coastline of BBB in the wintering months. 

Malaysian Nature Society  Kuching Branch has invited Mr Oswald Braken Tisen, General Manager, and Mr Ramli Ahmad, Ecologist, both of  Sarawak Forestry Corporation to talk on  managing  BBB and the shorebirds in these areas.

What does the future hold for these birds?

How do we manage these  birds? 

 Please come and join us to find out. 

Regards,

Cynthia Lobato

MNSKB Secretariat

Talk: A 240-to-86-million-year-old subduction margin in West Sarawak

Dear members and friends,

We are inviting you for talk about the geology of West Sarawak. We will look at how, more than 80 million years ago, the crust of the Pacific Ocean dipped beneath the crust of the Asian continent. Among other things, this caused volcanoes to erupt and today we can see these volcanic rocks around Serian. 

Speaker:  Hans Hazebroek

Date:       Tuesday 26 February 2019

Time:       7.30pm -9.30 pm Please be on time.

Venue:    Islamic Information Centre (Lower Baruk)

                Jalan Ong Tiang Swee (behind Swinburne University)

• Please register by sending email to mnskuching@gmail.com latest by Sunday 24 February.

'Melange’ rock: a jumble of rock fragments of many sizes and compositions embedded in a slaty matrix. Such rocks suggest submarine sliding and slumping.

A 240-to-86-million-year-old subduction margin in West Sarawak

It has long been suspected that there is an ancient Plate Tectonic Boundary in Sarawak approximately along the valley of the Lupar River. This ‘Lupar Line’ geologically separates West Sarawak from North Sarawak. There are huge differences of the geological make-up between these two areas. Many geologists have regarded this Lupar Line as a ‘suture’ or scar, marking a former ‘subduction margin’ (where ocean crust was thrust beneath continental crust) that was thought to have been active between about 80 and 60 million years ago (Late Cretataceous to Early Eocene). However, new data show that there was insufficient nearby magmatic activity for the Lupar Line to be interpreted as a subduction margin. In other words, a volcanic arc was absent at this time. Therefore the Lupar Line is now considered to be a large fault zone. 

Much new radiometric age data*) derived from West Sarawak and West Kalimantan rock samples has led to a drastic revision of the tectonic model: A much older subduction margin existed in West Sarawak about 240-86 million years ago (Triassic to Cretaceous). Subduction was directed westward (at an angle to the Lupar Line) with Pacific ocean crust being thrust beneath the continental crust of Sundaland. Sundaland is an extension of the Asian continental crust that includes parts of Borneo, Malaya, Java and Sumatra, as well as the shallow seas (the Sunda Shelf) in between. West Sarawak was part of the easternmost extension of Triassic Sundaland. Pacific ocean crust was subducted in two pulses along the long-lived subduction margin: 

• An initial subduction pulse between about 240-200 million-years-ago (Late Triassic). The Serian Volcanic Formation and the Jagoi Granodiorite represent the volcanic arc (a string of volcanoes) at this time, accompanied by deposition of sediments that contain fragments of volcanic rock (‘volcaniclastics’ of the Kuching and Sadong Formations) in the forearc basin (the region between the oceanic trench and the associated volcanic arc). 
• A later subduction pulse between about 140-86 million-years-ago (Early Late Cretaceous). At this time the Schwaner Mountains form the volcanic arc in SW Borneo and the volcaniclastic Pedawan Formation is deposited in the forearc basin. 

*) obtained and interpreted by the SE Asia Research Group, Department of Earth Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London.

About the speaker:

Drs Hans P. Hazebroek — Geologist, Nature Photographer and Writer

Books and book chapters written and photographed:

in Sarawak  – 

• National Parks of Sarawak (2000) (with co-author Abang Kashim bin Abang Morshidi)
• A Guide to Gunung Mulu National Park (2002) (with co-author Abang Kashim bin Abang Morshidi)
• A Guide to Bako National Park (2006) (with co-author Abang Kashim bin Abang Morshidi)
• Geology and Geomorphology: chapter in Tanjung Datu National Park— Where Borneo Begins (2015)
• Geology and Geomorphology: chapter in Gunung Penrissen — The Roof of Western Borneo (2017)
• Geology andGeomorphology: chapter in Gunung Santubong — Where Nature meets Culture (in press) 

in Sabah –

• Maliau Basin – Sabah’s Lost World (2004) (with co-authors Tengku Zainal Adlin and Dr. Waidi Sinun)
• Danum Valley — The Rain Forest (2012) (with co-authors Tengku Zainal Adlin and Dr. Waidi Sinun)
• Tertiary tectonic evolution of the NW Sabah Continental margin (1993) (with co-author Dennis N. K. Tan)

Principal photographer for:

On the Forests of Tropical Asia – Lest the memory fade (2014) by Peter S. Ashton  

Contributing photographer for:

Phillipps Field Guide to Mammals of Borneo (2018) by Quentin Phillipps and Karen Phillipps

Orchids of Sarawak (2001) by Beaman, T.E., Wood, J.J., Beaman, R.S., Beaman, J.H. 

Regards,

Cynthia Lobato

MNSKB Secretariat

Santubong All Summits Challenge Presentation

Dear members and friends,

You are invited to an exciting Santubong Challenge presentation by an avid Sarawakian hiker,  Ian Vong and his team members who hiked Mount Santubong from  27-28 October 2018.

This Challenge has never been attempted before and it  took about 40 hours to complete the 40 KM hike.

Date: Wednesday 14 Nov 2018

Time: 7.30-9.00

Place :Islamic Information Centre (Lower Baruk)

Speaker:Ian Vong 

About Ian Vong:

He is a  hiker who loves  challenging hiking  and the  breathtaking sceneries of  Borneo.

Mount Santubong is one of his favourite places to hike. From August 2017 until July 2018, Ian had   trekked and climbed a total of 45 times  to explore the entire Mount Santubong mountain range. 

The famous Mount Santubong summit (810 m) is the main  attraction for both locals and foreign trekkers. If you were to view from the side of the mountain there are 7 summits, with elevations ranging  from 450m to 850m above sea level.

Ian:  I love nature and I would like to do something meaningful by raising funds for the environment. If everyone were to participate and contribute a little, we can all save our environment.

Save Mother Nature. Heal the world before it's too late.

Campaign objectives:

-       Raise funds for Malaysian  Nature Society.

-       Promote the etiquettes of hiking.

Please register at mnskuching@gmail.com.  The  last day to register is Tuesday 13 Nov.

Regards,

Cynthia Lobato

MNSKB Secretariat

Talk: Primates in Sarawak and the Globally Threatened Red-Banded Langurs of Maludam, Sarawak.

Dear members and friends,

MNS  Kuching Branch and WCS  have arranged for Dr Elizabeth Bennett to give a talk on Primates in Sarawak and the Globally Threatened Red-Banded Langurs of Maludam, Sarawak. 

Date: Wednesday 24 October

Time :7pm (Please be on time)

Venue: Lecture Theatre (L001) Swinburne University. 

There will be people there to show  direction to the venue.

Parking is Free

About the speaker

Elizabeth Bennett is the Vice President for Species Conservation at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). She received her Ph.D. from Cambridge University, UK, for research on the ecology of primates in Peninsular Malaysia. She moved to Sarawak, Malaysia,  in 1984, and worked there for the next 18 years. This started by conducting the first ever detailed field study of the proboscis monkey, followed by studies of the effects of hunting and logging on wildlife. Her time in Sarawak culminated in her leading a team, with WCS and Sarawak Government staff, to write a comprehensive wildlife policy for the State, and subsequently to head a unit within the Government to oversee its implementation. She then became Director, Hunting and Wildlife Trade Program at WCS. This included working with WCS field staff to develop strategies to address the bushmeat trade in Central Africa and the illegal wildlife trade in China. Her current role involves overseeing WCS’s species conservation programs globally. Liz has trained wildlife practitioners at many levels, including post-graduate students and government wildlife staff in Sarawak, Sabah, Myanmar and China. She has published widely, with more than 130 scientific and popular publications. Her services to conservation have been recognized by her being awarded the “Golden Ark” award by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, “Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire” (MBE) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, D.Sc. (honoris causa) by Nottingham University, and and Merdeka Award for Outstanding Contribution to the People of Malaysia.

• Pre registration  is required and NO WALK-INS. Last day to register is Monday 22 October since we have to order refreshments. 
• Email to register mnskuching@gmail.com
• Only those on registration list are welcome to join us for refreshments.

Hope to see you there and don't miss it.

Regards,

Cynthia Lobato

MNSKB Secretariat

Talk: Southeast Asia and migratory birds – how can we better conserve them?

Dear members and friends,

You are invited to a public awareness Talk.

Title: Southeast Asia and migratory birds – how can we better conserve them?

Speaker: Yong Ding Li (Author of 125 Best Birdwatching Sites in South East Asia will be launched in August 2018)
Date: Friday 29 June 2018

Time: 7.30-9.00pm

Venue: Islamic Information Centre (Lower Baruk)

Jalan Ong Tiang Swee (behind Swinburne University)

Registration: MNSKB Members and friends, please register with Secretariat at mnskuching@gmail.com

Cost: Free Admission
Please bring your friends to this interesting talk.

Southeast Asia and migratory birds – how can we better conserve them?

Southeast Asia is a region steeped in exceptionally high levels of biodiversity, including charismatic animals ranging from the Orang Utan to the hornbills. Less known to people many are the migratory birds. Many of these migratory birds arrive in the region every year from August onward, adding colours and live to forests, coasts and even many of the paddyfields that dot the region. Many of these birds, including hawks, shorebirds and flycatchers would have travelled many thousands of kilometres to get here. In this talk, Yong Ding Li will talk about the phenomenon of bird migration in Southeast Asia, with a special focus on Borneo. Besides the science, Ding Li will also present on the threats faced by migratory birds, some of the work led by BirdLife to conserve migratory species, and why migratory birds creates new opportunities for wildlife conservation and ecotourism in Sarawak. 

About the speaker

Yong Ding Li oversees migratory bird conservation work at BirdLife International’s Asia regional office. Through this role, Ding Li works closely with the Malaysian Nature Society and other BirdLife partners on bird conservation projects, particularly that on shorebirds.

Before completing his doctoral work on conservation biology at the Australian National University, Ding Li was involved in a number of bird research and conservation projects in Malaysia (Terengganu, Sabah), Indonesia (Sumatra, Sulawesi), the Philippines (Mindanao) and Singapore. He is author of four books, including the upcoming ‘Best 125 Birdwatching Sites in Southeast Asia’ and 40 peer-reviewed papers.

Regards,

Cynthia

MNSKB  Secretariat 

Man meets frog Talk by Prof Indraneil Das and Sing Tyan Pang

Dear members and friends,

You are invited to a talk Man meets frog Talk by Prof Indraneil Das and Sing Tyan Pang

Date:    Thursday 12 April 2018

Venue:  Lower Baruk, Islamic Information Centre, Jalan Ong Tiang Swee, Kuching

Time:    7.30pm - 9.00pm

Admission is free.

​

Man Meets Frog

 by Prof Indraneil Das

How humans interact with the natural world is a fascinating area of study. Man’s relationship with amphibians is an ancient one, and in this talk, we shall examine how different cultures perceive the humble katak.

The International Bornean Frog Race

Sing Tyan Pang

Pang will present on the International Bornean Frog Race, the 7^th edition of which is planned for 28 April 2018, at the Matang Wildlife Centre. A registration booth will be set up at the site for MNS members and others to join.

In order to facilitate seating arrangements, please reply by return email  mnskuching@gmail.com if you wish to attend the talk.

Thank you & best regards,

Cynthia Lobato

MNSKB Secretariat

Plight of the Helmeted Hornbill

Dear Members,

Plight of the Helmeted Hornbill

The Helmeted Hornbill is a remarkable creature. It is the largest Hornbill in Asia. It is the only Hornbill with a solid casque on its bill, used by males in mid-air head-butting contests. Unfortunately, that same casque may make the Helmeted Hornbill the Bornean bird species most likely to become extinct in the next decade.

Hornbill “ivory”, as the casque material is misleadingly known, has been a trade good between Borneo and China for centuries. From about 2012 onward, though, demand for Helmeted Hornbill casques in China has gone through the roof. Ounce for ounce, hornbill casques are now worth considerably more than elephant ivory on the Chinese black market.  As a consequence, poachers are rapidly wiping out hornbill populations in Indonesia, including in Kalimantan.  Sarawak’s populations may be next – and hornbill casques smuggled from Indonesia have already been confiscated in Kuching.  Last year, an international workshop was held in Kubah National Park to develop a global action plan to save the species.

Join us for a presentation on this remarkable bird, the threats facing its survival, and the efforts being made to save it.  Dr. Ronald Orenstein, drawing on presentations by international experts, will bring us up to date on the Helmeted Hornbill and its conservation throughout its range, and Oswald Braken Tisen will inform us about the situation here in Sarawak.  Both speakers are members of the IUCN Hornbill Specialist Group and its Working Group on the Helmeted Hornbill.

​

A public talk organised by MNS Kuching Branch.

Date:    Thursday 1st March 2018

Venue:  Lower Baruk, Islamic Information Centre, Jalan Ong Tiang Swee, Kuching

Time:    7.30pm - 9.00pm

In order to facilitate seating arrangements, please reply by return email if you wish to attend the talk.

Thank you & best regards,

Audrey Dominic Neng

Secretariat

MNS Kuching

Talk on Vulnerability of Beaches in Malaysia

Dear members and friends,

We are happy to announce that the postponed talk will be now on 30 Nov .

Come and listen to this interesting Talk and find out about our marine environment in Lundu, Kuching and Miri - are our coasts are eroding, are corals and reefs dying?

Beaches are at the interface of terrestrial and marine environments, facing threats from both directions. Identifying these threats are priority of the Malaysian National Plan of Action (NPOA) on the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CCF), which is partly to achieve Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) measures. The assessments cconducted by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak students since the year 2011 utilises semi-quantitative scientific benchmarks called the Coastal Integrity Vulnerability Assessment Tool (CIVAT).

​

During the Talk, we will highlight the coastal vulnerability of beaches surrounding Lundu, Kuching, Miri and selected turtle nesting beaches in Peninsular Malaysia. We further demonstrate robustness of the tool, and how such important assessments can be done through citizen science by the use of supplementary data such as shoreline tracing, or historical and existing research literature and socio-economic questionnaires. It is a powerful tool enabling education, outreach, and preliminary decision-making.

Until today, there are limited studies of the vulnerability of beaches in Malaysia with the aim of localised solutions for climate change adaptation whilst empowering local communities. It is important to continue such assessments to address sustainable development efforts in the face of current and future pressures.

Topic: Vulnerability of Beaches in Malaysia

By: Dr Aazani Mujahid from Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

Date: Thursday 30 Nov 2017
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Islamic Information Centre ( Lower Baruk)
Jalan Ong Tiang Swee, Kuching
Cost: Free of Charge. You may walk in and bring your friends

Registration: MNSKB Members, please register with Secretariat at
mnskuching@gmail.com

Regards,
Cynthia Lobato
MNSKBCommittee

Talk on "Illegal Trade of Sun Bears in Malaysia-How To Save Sun Bears From Extinction in Malaysia

Dear Members 

Talk on Illegal Trade of Sun Bears in Malaysia - how to save Sun Bears from extinction in our country.

Dr Wong Siew Te is a Malaysian wildlife biologist and sun bear expert. He holds a Diploma in Animal Science and Veterinary from National Pingtung University of Science and Technology. Pingtung, Taiwan, B. Sc., M. Sc., and Ph. D. majoring in Wildlife Biology at the University of Montana,  USA. 

Dr Wong is the Chief Executive Officer and the founder of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sabah,  which he founded in 2008. 

Dr. Wong has been recognized and awarded for  his work on sun bears, including being honoured as  a wildlife hero featured in the book, “Wildlife Heroes” in 2012.

He was  conferred “Member-Order of the Defender of State in Penang in 2014, and was   recognized as“My Country Hero” by the Government of Malaysia and awarded  CNN Hero in 2017.

 Registration: MNSKB Members, please register with Secretariat at mnskuching@gmail.com

Date:Thursday 19 October 2017

Time: 7.30-9.30 pm

Venue: Islamic Information Centre (Lower Baruk)

Regards

Cynthia Lobato

Committee Membe