Addressing the Diversity of Dung Beetles in Sabah: From Checklist to Conservation Effort

During the 8th-Quinquennial Memorandum of Understanding with SEARRP on the Danum Valley Research Programme

On 28 July 2023, a signing event between Yayasan Sabah group and the South East Asia Rainforest Research Partnership (SEARRP) on the Danum Valley Rainforest Research and training programme took place at the Sabah International Convention Centre. Here, Dr. Chiew Li Yuen took the stage to share vital insights of our long-term work on the diversity of dung beetles across the landscapes of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

Group photo of staff from Yayasan Sabah group & SEARRP. Photo 2023 Chiew Li Yuen.

Signing on behalf of Yayasan Sabah group, Danum Valley Management Committee, and SEARRP. Photo 2023 Imelda Geoffrey.

During the seminar presentation, Li Yuen highlighted the legacy of Prof Eleanor Slade’s pioneering work in Danum Valley and her published research from 20 years ago. This glimpse into the past showcased the foundation upon which current conservation efforts are built. Li Yuen also shared various conservation efforts and workshops conducted by the Tropical Ecology and Entomology Lab (TEE Lab), NTU, including the publication of the taxonomic checklist and occurrence records of dung beetles from Sabah, Malaysia, which is hosted on the open-access Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). The TEE Lab is also putting together a guidebook and key for the dung beetles of lowland Sabah and conducting identification training and workshops for the team from Rakyat Berjaya Sdn. Bhd., and staff and research assistants from SEARRP.

Dr. Li Yuen presenting the works done by Prof. Eleanor Slade in Danum Valley and addressing the current conservation efforts on dung beetles. Photo 2023 Chiew Li Yuen.

Group photo of SEARRP staff with director Datuk Dr. Glen Reynolds (middle). Photo 2023 Robin.

Written by Li Yuen.