30 Years of Brunei Research: Celebrating Under the Canopy

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

In a remarkable celebration of three decades of scientific exploration and environmental stewardship, the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC) in Brunei has unveiled a captivating new book titled Belalong: Under the Canopy. This publication not only marks a significant milestone for the centre but also showcases invaluable contributions from researchers at Newcastle University, particularly Natasha Mannion and Professor Phil McGowan. Today, we delve deeper into the essence of this project, its implications for biodiversity, and the personal experiences of those involved.

Thirty Years of the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre

Brunei, a small yet ecologically rich nation on the island of Borneo, is renowned for its lush tropical forests and exceptional biodiversity. Nestled within the verdant expanse of the Ulu Temburong National Park, the KBFSC stands as a beacon of environmental research and conservation, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024. This centre has become a hub for scholars and scientists eager to study the unique flora and fauna of this tropical paradise.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, Universiti Brunei Darussalam has published Belalong: Under the Canopy, which chronicles the history and accomplishments of KBFSC. The book features contributions from several Newcastle University researchers, including Professors Phil McGowan and Marion Pfeifer, alongside Natasha Mannion’s insightful narrative.

My Experience of Brunei

In January 2022, I embarked on an extraordinary journey spanning over 11,000 kilometres to Brunei Darussalam, navigating the challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions. My mission was to conduct fieldwork for my PhD, focusing on the deployment of camera traps to monitor mammal populations in the forests of the Temburong district. A particular emphasis of my research was to assess the impact of roads and other infrastructure on these populations. To gather baseline data from an area minimally affected by such developments, I ventured to the KBFSC.

Accessing the field studies centre is an adventure in itself, as it can only be reached via river. My team and I embarked on traditional longboats known as temuais, departing from the nearby village of Batang Duri. This journey into the heart of Ulu Temburong National Park was a thrilling experience, setting the stage for our research.

During our time at KBFSC, we made multiple excursions into the forest, navigating steep trails to deploy our camera traps. The rewards were plentiful; we collected fascinating data, including sightings of elusive species such as the clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi), the pangolin (Manis javanica), and the banded linsang (Prionodon linsang). Many of the stunning images captured by our camera traps are proudly featured in Belalong: Under the Canopy.

The Rewards of Research

Being based at KBFSC was undoubtedly one of the most fulfilling aspects of my PhD journey. Surrounded by the untouched splendour of tropical rainforest, I relished the opportunity to conduct research in such an inspiring environment. From measuring vegetation while listening to gibbons call in the distance to scaling the canopy tower to reach the treetops, every moment was a reminder of the beauty and complexity of nature.

This sentiment resonates with many other researchers who have had the privilege of working at KBFSC. The book Belalong: Under the Canopy captures a plethora of scientific research conducted at this remarkable centre, showcasing the collective efforts of the global research community dedicated to understanding and protecting our planet’s biodiversity.

Belalong: Under the Canopy

In our contribution to Belalong: Under the Canopy, Professor McGowan reflects on an early study examining the calls of the great argus (Argusianus argus), a pheasant known for its striking feathers and intricate courtship displays. We also discuss various collaborative projects between Newcastle University and Universiti Brunei Darussalam, including Dr Laura Braunholtz’s camera trapping research and my ongoing PhD work.

Our collective research efforts play a crucial role in advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 15, which focuses on life on land. Moreover, we contribute to the Global Biodiversity Framework’s objectives aimed at preserving our planet’s rich biodiversity. We invite you to explore the stunning photographs that encapsulate the natural beauty of Ulu Temburong and to read about the fascinating and vital research conducted in partnership with Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the achievements of the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre over the past thirty years, it is evident that the commitment to research and conservation in Brunei has made a lasting impact. The publication of Belalong: Under the Canopy serves as both a tribute to this legacy and a call to action for future generations of researchers and conservationists. Together, we can continue to explore, protect, and celebrate the extraordinary biodiversity that our planet has to offer.

Thank you for joining us in this exploration of the KBFSC and the remarkable work being conducted in Brunei. We encourage you to support and engage with the ongoing efforts to preserve our planet’s precious ecosystems.

Until next time, let’s continue to champion the cause of net zero and the protection of our natural world!