Scientific Expedition at Sekar IMEJ Conservation Area (SICA) With A Group of Passionate Researchers

The Southeast Asia Rainforest Research Partnership (SEARRP) with the Tropical Ecology & Entomology (TEE) Lab, Nanyang Technological University participated in an expedition organised by Wilmar International at SICA, Sabah. The SICA project is located in the interior of the Beluran district of Sabah, dominated by lowland mixed dipterocarp forest. Despite it being mainly surrounded by secondary forest, the SICA project is located between Paitan and Lingkabau Forest Reserves, which serves as the largest conservation area within Wilmar’s operations in Malaysia.

(Clockwise from top left) Fig 1 - Insect team at Monjuk peak, Fig 2 - Ground pitfall trap, Fig 3 - Canopy trap adapted by Sabidee, Fig 4 - Sorting and identification of dung beetle specimens at the laboratory of ITBS-UMS

Our team participated in the expedition from 25th-30th September 2022 conducting rapid assessments of dung beetle, butterfly and odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) at SICA. We worked with local rangers and community to help capacity build and provide training in biodiversity surveys. We established 2 transects at Monjuk trail & Tobobon trail to survey the species richness and abundance of dung beetles in SICA. We employed both ground pitfall traps and canopy traps (2 metres above the ground) to create a species list for dung beetles in the area. The dung beetles were preserved and identified to species level at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). We recorded 22 species & 216 individuals of dung beetles during the expedition.

In addition, our team also set up butterfly traps baited with fermented banana or fermented banana mixed with “belacan” (shrimp paste) along the trails. The butterflies or moths were examined and identified to species level in the field using the Otsuka, 2001 field guide. We took images of the butterflies & moths and released them at the point of collection. Our project investigator, Dr. Eleanor Slade also shared our work and her experiences to the journalists who came to visit the research team at the campsite.

(Clockwise from top left) Fig 5 - Butterfly trap baited with fermented banana mixed with belacan, Fig 6 - A butterfly (Neorina lowii) attracted to bait, Fig 7 - Dr Eleanor Slade explaining the setup of canopy trap adapted by Sabidee, Fig 8 - Journalist visiting one of our plots in SICA, hands-on experience

The team conducted dragonfly & damselfly surveys at 2 stream sites nearby Monjuk trail in the afternoons during sunny day. We caught adult dragonflies and damselflies using a butterfly net. We were able to identify the dragonflies & damselflies to species in most cases with the help of Rory A. Dow (Research Associate at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center and a member of the IUCN Odonata Specialist Group). The identified dragonflies & damselflies were then released after being photographed.

(Left) Fig 9 - A surveyor looking for dragonflies & damselflies in flight over the water, (RIGHT) Fig 10 - The caught damselflies were identified and photographed

In the night, we set up a light trap between 7-10pm to attract nocturnal flying insects. All specimens found on the white cloth or within a 5 metres radius in the surrounding vegetation were photographed. The expedition was greatly appreciated and thoroughly enjoyed by all participants. We empowered the rangers from local communities to support the protection and biodiversity conservation in SICA.

(Left) Fig 11 - Light trap setup nearby the campsite, (Right) Fig 12 - A moth attracted to the light source

(Clockwise from top left) Fig 13 - Basecamp at Kibundu, Fig 14 - SEARRP staff had a great time at the coffee table, Fig 15 - Kitchen of basecamp, Fig 16 - Shared toilet/washrooms behind the basecamp, Fig 17 - Visit to the Gerowang trail, Fig 18 - Group photo of all participants & rangers

Written by: Chiew Li Yuen