MY CHOICE ~ Walking Through Nature

Frog Bioacoustics Survey Continues [Maludam National Park]

2025-10-08T12:00:00.010+08:00

Photo taken at the Maludam National Park HQ

Our second field survey is at Maludam National Park, one of the state's peatswamp forests. Our first survey was conducted in August at Kubah National Park. See this entry, Studying Frog Calls in Sarawak Totally Protected Areas. This project has five study sites: Kubah National Park, Maludam National Park, Batang Ai National Park, Tun Ahmad Zaidi Nature Reserve, and Pulong Tau National Park. We have three more sites to survey after Kubah NP and Maludam NP.

Hylarana raniceps observed on the pandanus plant.

Peatswamp has the least diversity of frogs. We recorded only two advertisement calls of two frog species, Hylarana raniceps and H. baramica. The total observation results include only four species of frogs, two of which are listed above, and the other two are H. glandulosa and Limnonectes paramacrodon.

On the boat with our field equipment.

What are my challenges this time? This national park is a PEATSWAMP where saltwater crocodiles live. We conduct our surveys at night, so I feel insecure almost all the time. My flight and fight mode is always ON within those two to three hours of our night survey. Even when I bathe after our night survey at our field station, I still feel like the crocodile is eyeing me. The other challenge is to stay stable on that moving longboat. I require minimal movement and talking from my team members, but it is particularly challenging on the boat. Besides, we can not reach some locations where we hear these frogs making calls or where the frogs are seen deeper inside.

I would like to thank Pak Nan, Ayak Sudin, Sanjay, and Rickey, our boatmen, who make our field trips so much fun. While we have nothing much to do during the day, Pak Nan took over with his jokes and stories. Their exceptional cooking skills and new menu that I hadn’t tasted before. They also advise us on where it is safe and what to do to avoid danger from being attacked by a crocodile. Thank you, Maludam. We will return!

Am I Real Conservationist?

2025-09-12T12:00:00.001+08:00

In my 20s, when I felt like giving up on
setting 100 cage traps to trap small mammals
in the plantation in Bintulu.

I have been questioning myself recently. After nearly 20 years in this field, I would like to know whether I am a genuine conservationist. What contributions have I made? What skills and knowledge have I gained? What is my area of expertise? Have I received any awards or recognition for my work?

What triggers this doubt?

Recently, my supervisor asked me, "What is your contribution to the organisation after almost ten years of working here?" His question has lingered in my mind. It has led me to doubt my ability to carry out my work. I obtained my Master's Degree in Environmental Conservation last year and returned with high spirits and determination to contribute to wildlife conservation efforts in my state, Sarawak.

Unfortunately, politics and differing views on work ethic have diminished my motivation and enthusiasm. It's incredibly frustrating!

Looking back on my journey fills me with gratitude for the incredible growth I've achieved! Participating in more than ten collaborative research projects across a variety of taxa—mammals, birds, insects, frogs, and plants—has truly deepened my passion for the natural world. This blog reflects my nearly 20-year adventure, showcasing my evolution along the way. Revisiting my entries here not only inspires me but also revives the bright spark of enthusiasm that fuels my love for nature!

To my colleagues and young women in conservation, let's keep pushing forward. It’s perfectly fine if we haven’t received awards or recognition; our small contributions truly matter! We matter!

Studying Frog Calls in Sarawak Totally Protected Areas

2025-09-10T10:00:00.010+08:00

Kalophrynus heterochirus, the Variable Sticky Frog,
is making calls to lure the female, which is not far away.

I spent a week at Kubah National Park last month, recording frog calls and figuring out which species were calling during the dry season. The Frog Pond was almost completely dried up, with only a small pool left in the centre. Even so, we still managed to record some great frog calls, especially when the weather turned cloudy with a bit of rain or after a heavy afternoon downpour.

This was my first time recording frog calls, and honestly, it was much more complicated than I expected. Whether I got a recording really depended on the frog. Some frogs are extremely shy or simply don’t like people. These ones drove me crazy because as soon as I got close, they would go silent until I left. Others didn’t care at all that I was there. They just kept singing until a female showed up, and then, once their job was done, they hopped off together.

I used a portable recorder consisting of the Zoom F3 Field Recorder and the Sennheiser MKE 600 microphone. My ornithologist friend, Dr. Alison Styring, suggested this setup. Back in 2006-2007, I joined her for a dawn chorus recording using a Marantz recorder, but that model is no longer available in Malaysia. Honestly, I don’t have much experience with audio recording, and I’m still new to studying frog calls.

Ten species of frog and toad calls were recorded out of 18 species that were observed in different trails, streams and ponds that we surveyed. These ten species are the ones that are actively making calls during the duration of our trip. It is known that frogs produce calls for mating purposes, and only males are active in making these calls. Some species are very shy and secretive, which makes it challenging to locate them while making calls. Of course, they are also very good at camouflage and hide well in silence.

We wrapped up our trip after six nights of surveys. I wasn’t completely satisfied because on the last night, I had trouble with the recorder connector. I felt relieved when I checked and saw that I still managed to record the call of the Tree Hole Narrow-mouthed Frog, even if it wasn’t the best version I had hoped for.

Taking this opportunity to thank Prof. Dr Indraniel Das from IBEC, UNIMAS and his PhD student, Izneil, for teaching us the standard protocols for frog bioacoustic study. As well as my team members, Akas Bit and Broddy Mien, Kubah NP and Matang WC staff for making this fieldwork possible. Thanks so much, team!

All the photos were taken with a Huawei Mate 10 Pro. It’s not a high-end mobile phone, but it does the job well enough.

Time to Make a Come Back

2023-11-29T01:47:00.005+08:00

The little monkey in me is jumping in joy!

Hey everyone!

I think my silence is too long from this blog. It took a while for me to make a comeback after my last post in March. Yes! I made it to grad school in the US. It was a tough road that I rode but a meaningful one. It keeps me grounded as a person and know what I am worth.

Since arriving in the US on June 5, it has been quite a struggle for me. However, I was trying my best to keep going. I am grateful for every person who never stops encouraging me and supports me in every way they can. I owe you guys so much, but I know you will get an abundance of blessings from above.

That is all for today. I will try to keep this blog updated frequently.

Till then,

Rose

Fundraising for Graduate Study in the USA

2023-03-08T22:20:00.003+08:00

I never thought that I will finally decide to set up a crowdfunding page to raise funds for my graduate study. It was mixed feelings because I never did something like this before. In the beginning, it felt wrong because I know and am aware there are a lot less fortunate people out there that need cash to survive the day. As the deadlines for enrollment get closer, I start to feel anxious that I will not make it. After a few months of searching for potential scholarships available in Malaysia and the USA, I get to a dead end. Most of these scholarships are closed for applications or I am not eligible because of certain criteria that I could not meet. This is the ultimatum that makes me decide to finally do this. Besides, I get strong backup and support from Dr Alison that I should do this. Although in the beginning, it was my best friend, Najjah that came out with this idea which I did not even think of.

Here is the link to my crowdfunding page: Fundraising for Graduate Study in the USA.

Please help to spread the word and your generosity will make this dream possible. Thank you so much for your kindness.

Publications on Pangolin / Malayan Pangolin

2023-02-24T11:28:00.004+08:00

While searching for information about the Pangolin, I came across different published journals, articles on websites and many more. All information mostly talks about the critical issues which are related to the illegal trade of these animals. This is especially with the article on the websites. Here are the lists of the articles that I found on websites that might be helpful to you.

Britannica - pangolin | pangolin, or scaly anteater, Any of about eight species of armoured placental mammals (genus Manis, order Pholidota) of tropical Asia and Africa. Scales formed of cemented hairs cover the upper body, legs, and tail. Pangolins are 2–6 ft (60–180 cm) long and weigh 10–60 lb (5–27 kg). They have a conical head, no teeth, a long tongue, short legs, and a long prehensile tail. Some are arboreal; terrestrial species live in burrows. Nocturnal animals and pangolins locate prey, mainly termites, by smell and rip open nests with their front claws. When threatened, the pangolin (Malayan for “rolling over”) curls up or emits an odoriferous secretion. See also anteater; echidna.
Wiki.nus - Manis javanica - Malayan pangolin | The Malayan Pangolin is a unique animal that instinctively appears to be a reptile due to its conspicuous scales covering most of the animal's body surface. This mammal lives on a diet of ants and termites and rolls into a ball of hard scales when provoked. Sadly, this interesting animal is currently endangered, with hunting for its meat, skin and scales as a driver of its massive population decline. While wild populations of Malayan Pangolins still exist in Singapore's forested areas, their numbers continue to decline due to habitat loss and vehicular accidents.
Save Pangolins - What is a pangolin? | Pangolins are uniquely covered in tough, overlapping scales. These mammals eat ants and termites using an extraordinarily long, sticky tongue and can quickly roll themselves up into a tight ball when they feel threatened. Eight different pangolin species can be found across Asia and Africa. Poaching for illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss have made these incredible creatures one of the most threatened groups of mammals in the world.
Ecology Asia - Sunda Pangolin | The Sunda Pangolin, also known as the Malayan or Javan Pangolin, is a curious, unmistakable inhabitant of Southeast Asia's forested habitats (primary, secondary, scrub forest) and plantations (rubber, palm oil).
Discover Wildlife - Pangolin guide | In our expert pangolin guide, learn about the world's only scaled mammal, how many species there are, and why they are threatened with extinction.
DrawInScience - Pangolin | Pangolins are peculiar and beautiful animals, we could even think they come from an imaginary world, but they are real. They are the only mammals covered by overlapping scales (made from keratin — the same protein that forms human hair and fingernails). They are toothless, have poor vision, and have an acute olfactory system.

This is an interesting piece of information that I think might help your understanding of these heavily trafficked animals.

Switch Back to Blogger

2022-07-14T16:53:00.001+08:00

Photo Credit: Shoutmeloud.com

After a while, I think I prefer to use Blogger over WordPress, and I like how user-friendly and simple it is to post an entry on blogger. Besides, I can switch on my Grammarly when I write here too. Well, I haven't posted anything on WP yet, so I think it should be working there too.

Maybe I am a Google user, so everything I need is on one domain. It makes my life less complicated than when I am on WP. Therefore, after almost six years of silence, I will start posting here again.

I have many things to share about my nature's journey and will do so in these few months. While looking at this blog, you can also visit the other blog, where I journal over various topics that exclude nature. I mainly dedicated this blog to wildlife and nature.

Till next time!

Move to New Platform

2016-05-12T16:35:00.000+08:00

I start my blogging since 2008 with a blog title My Life Is My Choice. Then i change it to My CHOICE - Walking Through Nature and this is the blog. This blog was dedicated for my love of nature and i shared most of my experienced exploring the Borneo rainforest. However, there is times that i am very lazy to write and this blog ended been abandoned by me. So, i decided to moved to the new platform and just using my own name as the title of my blog. I will continue to share my thoughts, my adventure and journey exploring Borneo and the outside world. Sharing what i have seen and what inspired me along the way. Do come and drop by whenever you miss me and want to see what's new at Rose Ragai.

It is just a simple blog and enjoy your time dropping by.

Journey never ends,

Little Rose

Seeking ASEAN Scientists for ASEAN-US Science & Technology Fellowship

2016-02-04T16:20:00.001+08:00

Two days ago, i received another email from a friend working with WWF-Malaysia on this ASEAN-US Science and Technology fellowship programme. Allow me to share a little bit about this porgramme, who knows this is something that you are looking for in order to broaden your knowledge and your capacity.

Here a little bit of background, goals and priority areas for this programme:-

The ASEAN region boasts strong skills and potential in science and technology and seeks to leverage these capacities to increase regional competitiveness, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, improve resource management, and enhance the lives of its citizens. Currently, few non-governmental scientists are consulted by ASEAN Member State (AMS) governments on policy decisions, and these scientists generally have a limited understanding of the government decision-making processes and how to effectively engage. ASEAN has a role to play in fostering and institutionalizing a culture of science-based policy making throughout the region, and the Fellowship seeks to provide opportunities for policy-makers and scientists alike to learn from one another.

The goals of the ongoing ASEAN-U.S. Science and Technology Fellowship are the following:

Advance regional cooperation on ASEAN strategic priorities;
Strengthen science-based policymaking throughout targeted national government ministries and/or bodies; and
Empower and build the capacity of scientists in ASEAN to take a more prominent role in their respective country’s efforts to integrate into the ASEAN Community.

The Fellowship provides opportunities for early career scientists who are citizens and residents of ASEAN Member State to contribute their knowledge and analytical skills to their national governments. Fellows will be embedded in sectoral or line ministries or other agencies within their home countries, providing these institutions with increased technical capacity to make informed, science-based decisions. More specially, Fellows will be hosted by entities that support technical work aligned with the following three ASEAN and U.S. science and technology priority areas:

Sustainable Energy – Supporting development of strategies or policies to help national governments accelerate using efficient, environmentally friendly, and clean energy; addressing political and other barriers to help ASEAN achieve its goals of significantly increasing use of renewable energy.
Climate Change and Climate Variability – Supporting development of national climate change strategies, policies or action plans; supporting government efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change on cities, communities, and ecosystems.
Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy – Supporting the development of strategies, policies or frameworks to accelerate scientific activity or technology transfer; address intellectual property rights; foster collaboration between science and industry; catalyze STI investments, and promote entrepreneurship. (Note: Scientists with industry experience are especially encouraged to apply under this theme.)

For more information about this programme, please refer to the website ASEAN-U.S. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FELLOWSHIP and all application forms are there.

As for myself, once again i am not qualified to apply for this programme because the minimum academic qualification is Master Degree. I don't have that so i pass this again. All the BEST!

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Hoping for Other Opportunity,

Rose Ragai

Global Online Course - Environmental Education

2016-02-03T13:24:00.000+08:00

I received an email from one my EE friend from Sabah Environmental Education Network (SEEN) about this EE Online Course. If you are interested about enrolling in this course you still can do that because the dateline for submission is on February 15, 2016.

Screenshot of the website Global EE

Here is share the course overview for your information and please visit the website for more information about this course.

The goal of this course is to create an environmental education “trading zone”—an online space where scholars and students gather to learn about multiple disciplines that shed light on how to improve environmental quality and change environmental behaviors. Each of the lectures, readings, discussions, and case studies will focus on the implications of a particular discipline for environmental education, as well as what environmental education has to contribute to related disciplines and sectors. Learn about how environmental education, environmental governance, environmental psychology, environmental sociology and other disciplines can work together to address ‘wicked problems,’ not readily addressed by working in disciplinary silos.

The course prospectus is posted on our website Global Online Course. Please continue to share the course information with your colleagues, students, and networks. So far we have over 1500 participants from over 150 countries registered! To begin meeting instructors and participants, join us on the course Facebook group.

Sharing is caring right, i hope you will find it is interesting and participate. As for myself, i can not do that because i will be spending my time travel into the Borneo rainforest for about three weeks. Thus, i can not commit to this course. So unlucky me but i will having fun with my furry little friends in the wilderness.. Ha ha ha.. Till then!

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Explorer,

Rose Ragai

Journey Along the Katibas River - Part 1

2015-12-23T14:57:00.000+08:00

Boat express from Sibu town to Song which depart at 6.15am and reach Song at 8.15am.

It was a follow-up trip to the long houses along the Katibas River which is regarding the labours appointment to join us in our orangutan nest survey last June. Actually i only assist the officer from the Forest Department but as usual, i am excited because this is my first time going upper Katibas River.

My excited face on the boat just before we start our journey.

We already plan to overnight at the last longhouse which is Rh. Sapai and TR Sapai himself is our boatman for this trip. Our journey will took us more than six hours because we will be stopped at a few longhouses to deliver the letters and meet up with the locals. Somehow, the weather is not as good as we hope it will be. After our second stop, the rain was too heavy and we must reach Rh Sapai before its dark. So, we decide to skip the other four longhouses and continue it the next day on our way down to Song town.

The mouth of Katibas River

The water level is just nice so we don't have to pass the shallow water with rocky rocks in this super cool river. I imagine of the strong current but since the water level is quite high, so the current is just mild.

Our boatman, TR Sapai. The fuel is cost about RM500 for one way trip.

Our boatman is very experienced and skillful person and he knows all the safe route to escape the big rocks in this river. I salute him for i feel safe along the way but somehow, he was drunk on the next day after a few stops at the longhouses. Only then i start to feel scared. Ha ha ha..

The flowers of Ensurai tree (Dipterocarpus sp.) is food source of aquatic life in this river.

It was a great experienced, even though it took us six hours to reach TR Sapai's longhouse and bad weather on the first day but i amazed by the beautiful scene along the river banks especially after the second last longhouse. It was amazing to have a chance to see the flowering Ensurai trees (Dipterocarpus sp.) along the rivers and knowing that the food source of the aquatic life especially the fishes is abundant and available.

Finally, in the end, this will be one of the experience that i will appreciate as much as other trips that i have made while exploring the Rainforest of Borneo. I am grateful to God for this great opportunity and i am still safe and sound.

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Grateful Heart,

Rose Ragai

A Murder Mystery Wildlife Conservation Course

2015-09-10T14:43:00.000+08:00

Interested in expanding your knowledge and keen to experience a creative way of learning about wildlife conservation. Dr. Cedric Tan will conduct a Wildlife Conservation Course in January 2016. It will also be an addition of online learning from Dr. Lucy Tallents (WildCRU). This is an exciting new games which this murder mystery promises to keep you on your feet while simultaneously gaining insights and useful skills in conservation. And of course don't forget the crazy fun! Have FUN!

See details in this poster and all the BEST!

Poster was taken from Dr. Cedric Tan email.

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Need Creative Mind,

Rose Ragai

Amazed by The Big Trees

2015-09-04T13:30:00.001+08:00

As we walk through the dense Borneo tropical rainforest, I was amazed by seeing lots of remaining big trees. In my heart I was praying that, this trees will not be cut down for the next hundred years. Let it stays there until nature itself work out on it. Development must be in a sustainable way and I am pretty sure that Sarawak forests only have a few thousand hectares left for the rest is already develop for agriculture and logged.

Photo taken with Samsung Note 3 Camera

As a conservationist or field biologist myself, I easily get emotional when I see irresponsible development activities that give a very bad impacts to the forest and the living things resides inside it. I still have many things to learn from the forest and yet, too little left. If I myself didn't have a chance to discover and explore this amazing forests we have, what more left for our next generations.

Well, we who are living the moments, must think and act wisely because what we did now will give impacts to our children in future.

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Amazed by Nature,

Rose Ragai

Never Stop Walking in The FOREST

2015-08-02T12:30:00.000+08:00

I am back to my own hometown now. Gladly to say that I will share my experienced and knowledge at my new working place. Wondering why I keep moving from one job to one job?! Its like I will never stop searching for an opportunity that I can best serve the mother nature. I am not really serving my salary payer but I am just doing what I think is the right thing to do. My heart breaks every time I see things is done wrongly especially when it is related with our rich tropical forest. But somehow, I have to admit that I am not an experts in any specific field but I have a hearts that know really sure, I am the defender of the forests (fauna & flora).

Here I share two of my photos during my recent trip up until the border of West Kalimantan during our Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus) nests survey in June 2015.

View towards the Betung Kerihun National Park, West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

On the international border with West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Till then!

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Rose Ragai

The Lake & Ruddy Kingfisher

2014-11-25T19:21:00.001+08:00

The lake..

The Ruddy Kingfisher..

The Ruddy Kingfisher & me..

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Wordless Tuesday,

Rose Ragai

The Megapodes of Sabah (Revisited)

2014-10-30T10:31:00.000+08:00

It was exciting to be able to publish an article in the local or international journal. I was encourage by my ex-superior to write an article about the interesting bird which i first encounter in Bengkoka Peninsular, the Tabon Megapode (Scrubfowl), Megapodius cumingii.

Worldwide c. 22 species, 1 in Borneo. Robust, chicken-like terrestrial birds with strong legs and very large feet. Most incubate eggs using an extraneous source of heat such as thermal energy or rotting vegetation; many species build mound of vegetation. Males construct the mound in which the females lay large batches of eggs. The chicks receive no parental care and are totally independent upon hatching. - excerpt from A Field Guide to The Birds of Borneo by Susan Myers.

This bird is amazingly have a very strong feet that can built a very huge mounds. I myself surprised to see it with my own eyes. As far i work with birds i never seen a nest like this before. It was amazing!

I was a co-author for this journal together with my ex-superior, Mr. Rob Stuebing and ex-CEO of my present employer, Mr. Johari Ho. Our article was published in Sabah Society Journal, Vol. 30 (2013).

The article is about our encounter on the distribution of its nesting sites within the Bengkoka Peninsular, Pitas, Sabah. When i recall back our field trip searching for the nest is quite fun and what an adventure! We drove on a muddy road to get to the nesting sites and even ride on a boat on coastal lines because no road access to the sites. The most extreme is when the rain is heavy and we are on the boat in the sea. Shivering cold because of the wind in the boat. But, it is worth to do so when we found the super huge mound.

So, if you interested to read our article, please don't hesistate to contact me via my email add: rose.ragai@gmail.com.

Cheers!
Rose Ragai

Nature Entry Challenge ~ NEC 2014

2014-09-13T11:09:00.000+08:00

It has been a while i am keeping myself sleep in a big hole in the jungle which i end up not update my blog.Well, the truth is that i hate my previous layout and after i change to that layout i don't have time to fixed it. Therefore, i procrastinate and end up, no updates at all until today i decided to go back to BASIC layout. Easy solutions and no fancy things on my blog anymore. Just good enough for me to get back writing and shared my amazing adventures exploring the jungle of Borneo.

Wanna see some of my adventures? Well, let start slow. I will dig up piles of my photos and share it one by one. Because each photos have its own story. That is why i came out with this Nature Entry Challenge. Just want to challenge myself from today till end of the year. How many nature related posts that i can put up on my blog for the rest of the days remaining in this year of 2014.

I left this entry with this photo. My friend Mr. Broadbill say hi to all my readers out there!

Cheers!

Rose

Environment vs Conservation

2014-02-02T22:10:00.000+08:00

I have this arguments with my management. Oh, not yet with my management but i am in a mission to convince my management to change my department name from Environment to Conservation. If you ask me, why i think Conservation is more appropriate, i will give you this reasons:

I work in two different companies before and doing wildlife research and awareness. Both company have Conservation Department and the function are the same as my present company.
I think this explanation will also helps you to understand more of the definition of both terms (because it did help me to understand more)...

Environment: Any factor which influences an organisms chance of survival and reproductions including predator/prey/parasite ... species (biotic factors) and non living factors e.g. weather, wind, soil type, pH (abiotic factors) (year 12 biology course)...

Conservation: Conservation, sustainable use of natural resources, such as soils, water, plants, animals, and minerals. In economic terms, the natural resources of any area constitute its basic capital, and wasteful use of those resources constitutes an economic loss. From the aesthetic and moral viewpoint, conservation also includes the maintenance of national parks, wilderness areas, historic sites, and wildlife. In certain cases, conservation may imply the protection of a natural environment from any human economic activity. Natural resources are of two main types, renewable and non-renewable. Renewable resources include wildlife and natural vegetation of all kinds. The soil itself can be considered a renewable resource, although severe damage is difficult to repair because of the slow rate of soil-forming processes. The natural drainage of waters from the watershed of a region can be maintained indefinitely by careful management of vegetation and soils, and the quality of water can be controlled through pollution control (Microsoft ® Encarta ® Encyclopedia 2005 © 1993-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved).

I am not satisfied yet, so i post it in FB and i get several replies from my friends and my ex-boss. Here are what they think:

Mr. Anthony - Environment is the area of focus while Conservation is the task that your pursuing to take up....

Mr. Faizal - Environment wide n conservation the sub activities.

Mr. Mlano - Spelling definately. Environment envy living being and conservation con habitants.

And my favourite answer will be my mentor, Mr. Rob. Here is what he thinks:

In my experience, Environment is a general term for all that's out there, animal, vegetable, mineral. Environment departments in most cases are preoccupied primarily with water and air quality, doing little to nothing about species. Conservation is an older term that used to mean "wise use", which is what I still adhere to. Conservation implies action, and wise use requiring MANAGEMENT, in other words, protection or sustainable use. It's like this: collect the empirical information so that you know what to conserve and why you should conserve it. Not just its "intrinsic" value (just because it's there), but for a range of values, including aesthetic, physical, ecological, cultural/traditional or (yes!) commercial. Commercial can be consumptive, as with sustainable harvest of birds' nests, or non-consumptive, such as ecotourism. (Ecotourism needs some close attention to conservation, since some beautiful sites have been ruined by a lack of conservation management.) Using the word "Environment" implies that the person never thought much about conservation. As Grahame Webb once said, the only qualification for most people to be an environmentalist is emotional commitment; to be a conservationist requires a good bit of relevant knowledge and a lot of hard work.

And also his ex-student Mr. Joseph. Here is what he thinks:

Rob, you rubber stamped my personal notion about the word 'Conservation'. Its quite difficult to explain to lay people, because they have their own understanding about that word. Conservation to most people means, 'see no touch'. After attending a course 'Conservation Biology" conducted by Prof. John Robinson (UF), I noticed, I learnt that it's more towards management of resources, but before you even think of managing it, lots of base line data are required, so that a proper 'conservation management' could be implemented. So one need to collect data, and I believed that's what Rob has been doing all this while. Rose, young and energetic lass , am sure you could continue such tasks in you new 'Conservation and Environmental Services' within your company.

So, what i think? I think i will keep on convincing my management about the important of using the right term to show the real function or role of this department to our funders and of course the public. Therefore, i need strong justification right? All of above are my useful weapon to explain my bosses. Wish me luck!

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Brave-heart,

Rose Ragai

Year 2014 ~ A Good Start!

2014-02-02T21:49:00.000+08:00

First of all, apologize for no updates of my blog September 2013. In order to make this blog alive again, i decide to change it's template and layout once again. Well, may the new year brings more adventures and interesting stuff to this blog as well.

I share the above photos taken from my current playing ground. The mangrove forest which i already share in my posts September 2013. Therefore, i will get myself busy in the bush so that i can get more amazing photos to be shared here with you guys.

This year will be my year. Year of adventures with the year of HORSE!! Have a great celebration of Chinese New Year! Till then!

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Adventure Begins,

Rose Ragai

#2 ~ What is MANGROVE FOREST?

2013-09-13T12:13:00.000+08:00

I know mangrove is a tree that people use for charcoal and also construction. In my previous entry I already mention that I did not know so much about mangrove. So, mangrove for me is only a tree. At this new place, the operational site has lots of mangroves. This makes me realize that I have to polish my knowledge and get the answer “What is MANGROVE?”.

I Google it up and found many interesting articles and information about mangroves. When I was asked by my friend to produce one poster on conservation, straight away I told her, “I want to make a poster about Mangrove Conservation”. So, this is the poster. I am quite happy with this poster because it provides information about mangroves, what we do and what we have inside this forest besides the mangrove tree species.

The Poster!

Let’s me extract some of the information from this poster.

What is Mangrove Forests?
● Mangrove forests consist of diverse, salt-tolerant tree and other plant species, ranging from small shrubs to tall trees tens of meters high.
● Mangrove trees have various adaptations that allow them to live in saline, tidal areas. Their dense root systems give support in the soft, water-logged sediment. In most species, the roots protrude above the soil to absorb oxygen from the air, as the sediment is oxygen-poor.
● The most extensive area of mangroves is found in Asia, followed by Africa and South America. According to the FAO, the total mangrove area is around 150,000 km2. In Malaysia, mangrove vegetation covers an area of about 577,500 ha, with Sabah having the most extensive coverage of mangroves, accounting for 59% or 341,000 ha of the country’s total whereas, Sarawak has 132,000 ha (23%) and Peninsular Malaysia 104,200 ha (18%). Sabah’s mangrove forests occur largely along the east coast, facing the Sulu and Sulawesi seas.

The Importance of Mangrove Ecosystem:

● Mangroves are valued for the protection they provide against coastal erosion, flood control, water purification, habitat for all sorts of marine life and also for their biodiversity conservation function.

● It is considered the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems, serving as home to a wide range of plant and animal life.

● The important habitat for wildlife such as mammals (primates), birds (kingfishers, herons), insects (firefly), crustaceans (crabs, shrimps) and reptiles (crocodiles, lizards).

● The mangrove forests provide natural resources in term of income generation for the fisherman community.

The local fisherman collecting mud crabs.

As a conclusion, before I start to do something I must understand them first. To get the understanding I need to put a big effort in it. This is my 3rd month and I don’t think I know that much yet. There are lots more to be done in order to make a huge impact in conserving this type of ecosystem and realizing that the local communities also play a major role, they are inside the circle as well.

The question now is, HOW? WHO? and WHEN?

Till then! Cheers!

Reference:
Ng, P. K. L & Sivasothi, N. 2001. A Guide to Mangroves of Singapore. Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, The National University of Singapore & The Singapore Science Centre. http://mangrove.nus.edu.sg
Sabah Forestry Department. 2008. Mangrove Forest Management and Restoration, In Annual Report 2008. http://www.forest.sabah.gov.my

#1 ~ The Mangrove Adventure Begins

2013-09-09T19:20:00.000+08:00

I came from a village that river is the main transportation. It is located along the Igan River. I put quite a few entries about my village when i start this blog and you can find it by click to this link:

Part 1: My Childhood (mind my grammar in that entry because the main reason creating this blog during that time was "to improve my poor English")

Frustration on Rajang River Disaster (you will find a few links in this entry and i am sure this entry will remind you of the 2010 tragedy in Rajang River).

So, what i want to share is that, there is a mangroves in my village. This including a few species of mangrove trees such as Nypa fruticans, Bruguiera sp and also Sonneratia sp in my village. Then, when i get an offer from this new company that i am working now, i was excited when i was told to be working in the mangrove. Even though i will be far away from home, miles away, but i will feel like i am at HOME. Why? Because i will be in the mangroves. Sounds crazy to you? Maybe i am am.

So, my first visit to this mangrove forest was way back on 10th of July 2013. We went there through the sea and i found it, this mangrove is SPECIAL and INTERESTING to be explored. To be honest, i don't have any clue of the mangrove species and what else inside there. This become more exciting when i know that i will learn something new here and new findings not like up on the MOUNTAIN. (^___^). Well, it's very warm here compare to the mountain.

This entry is only my introduction. I will share more after this. It's good to make you wonder, what i found right? I leave you with these photos, till then!

The river mouth, into the mangrove area from sea.

The Rhizhopora forest. Observed the roots!!! AMAZING right?!!

Ignore my chubbiness, just look at what i have in my hands. Its Horseshoe crab, Tachypleus tridentatus.!!!

Till then guys! Enjoy!

Another New Job!

2013-09-08T20:29:00.001+08:00

I never satisfied with my job. Why? Because i keep wanted to do more related with NATURE. Is money everything? Well, to keep myself having food to eat and other basic needs, i will said, i need money. But, money is not everything. I still believe doing something that i can put my heart in it and i feel joy inside my heart, then that is what i suppose to do.

This year is a crazy year! Really tough one and lots of decisions that i have to make especially on jobs and what i want to do next? I risk my future many times and some friend says, i don't have focus in my life. It did makes me feel like, "What is wrong with me?"... Oh well! I choose what i can do BEST! God given me this life and must be He give me some gifts and talents to fulfill His will and this is it! NATURE - animals, plants, waters, soils etc .... Must be i am good in doing work related to this huh? Besides, deep in my heart i LOVE doing it!

I will keep exploring the forest and keep sharing my findings with the world. I am lucky because i have this opportunity and some are not. Why keep it for myself because SHARING is better.

Till my next adventure in the MANGROVE! You will love it as much as i am! SMILE because the nature smiles with you. Ha ha ha ha... (Kadang-kadang sya suka juga merapu-rapu)...

Ouch!!! I am really small. *PEACE*

#3 ~ Conquered the Mountain

2013-09-06T12:22:00.000+08:00

Well, it has been a while. You wanna be mad? Be mad at me. I am very lazy to write. Lazy to think and lazy of everything about blogging these past few months. Why? Because i am just being LAZY. Lol. Okay. I think this is just the old entry that i suppose to finish it up a few months back. Anyway, let me get it straight to the end of the story and skip the middle part. There is three most exciting experienced when i was up on this mountain and joining this project.

Being able to learn from the experts while make a good friend with them. Well, they are nice people to be friend to. Different culture and background doesn't really matters when we have the same passion. NICE!
Enjoying the amazing and superb scenery of the mountain, from different angle and view its always majestic. Animals and plants also makes me feel this is the real wonders of God creation!
Meet new friends and making many many friends during the hikes and stay up on the mountain. Its is valuable experienced because Sabahan people is soooo nice and friendly until i made many friends there. I miss them! But the not so good one, i forgot to take photo with them so i can show it to you here.

Okay. That is the conclusion of this trip on conquering the mountain. On the 17th of March, we made it to the top of the mountain before we return to the Kinabalu Park HQ. It is just one of my wish to climb up once again after my first time in September 2000. So, i made it! Enjoy my photos going up to the mountain and some works that we have done up there. Enjoy!!!!

Getting ready to climb up. I am proud that i can bring up
my own backpack. Whoa... it's heavy!

During our stay at Km 4 or Layang-Layang Hut, we met researcher from Japan, Ms. Ayako and her supervisor. She is "Kawaiii"... (^___^)

One of the wild berry that we used to eat after taking our meal.. Its sour but yet delicious.

Myself and our catch at KM2. Sunny but yet still feel the cold!

The mountain guide aka porter to carry our heavy equipment, 120kg up to KM6 or Laban Rata.

The mesmerizing sunrise up on the Low's Peak. 17th March morning, we made it!

Missy and I up on the top of the Mount Kinabalu!!!!....

With Richell, the ranger of Mount Kinabalu. We collecting rubbish on our way down.
To all Climbers, this is an important announcement! PLEASE DON'T THROW RUBBISH WHILE YOU CLIMB UP MOUNT KINABALU. LET'S KEEP THE BEAUTY OF THIS MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN TOGETHER! IT'S OUR DUTY NOT JUST THE KINABALU PARK STAFF! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION! (^__^)

Hoooray!!!!! We made it! With the South Peak as our background!

Contractors, Apis & Guntur. Friends that i made during our stay at KM6 at Maragang Hut.

Before i end this entry. Enjoy the bonsai like tree on the way to Mountain Torq trail.

Till then!!! I have more adventures to share! just be patient and keep visiting me here. Cheers!!!!!!!.....

SAVE MALAYSIA'S SEA TURTLES PETITION

2013-06-18T09:07:00.000+08:00

The plans to open one of only few nesting sites of the endangered Green Sea Turtle to industrial development severely threatens this protected species.

ONLY six hatching sites of this beautiful species exist on Peninsular Malaysia, and only eight in whole Malaysia.

Now, the plans were signed by the local government to open a steel mill and gas plant on over 265 ha of this undisturbed nature site.

The construction work will begin in a few months, maybe even weeks!

The number of landing turtles on our beach already decreased from 211 individuals per year in 1993 to 65 in 2006, and it's even less now; although the Malaysian government promised to protect this species!

The necessary infrastructure for both projects also harms the surrounding Virgin Jungle Reserve. Parts of it were given free for logging. The reserve hosts many endemic and unique plant and animal species, like the critically endangered Dipterocarp tree Shorea lumutensis or the pangolin.

Not only the nature is under threat, also the locals depending on fisheries and tourism will lose much of their income and the toxic emissions from the plants will cause acid rainand health problems!

Just last year the Brazilian mining company Vale took one major area of pristine virgin jungle at the nearby Teluk Rubiah, Manjung, to put up their steel factory that will produce the steel pellets destined to be processed at our beach. The forest and coast is destroyed now and cannot be brought back!

Outcries by the public and local NGOs reached nothing to prevent those plans.

WE MUST stop the cruel destruction of Malaysia's beautiful habitats now!

Please help save this sensitive and unique ecosystem from destruction and spread the word.

SHARE THIS IMPORTANT PETITION! FOR OUR CHILDREN, FOR THE NEXT GENERATION!!!

Help us reach 100.000 and deliver this petition to the decision makers to show them that their peoples care about more than just money!

http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/SAVE_MALAYSIAS_SEA_TURTLES/?tTIySeb

#2 ~ The Research Project

2013-05-28T00:46:00.000+08:00

What is actually bringing me up on this mountain? Well, allow me to introduce you to a special person that asking me to join her trip. I get to know a very nice lady and she is a great person, Missy Roberts. She is doing her PhD on genetic study with small mammals as her target species mainly treeshrews and squirrels. To be more specific, she is studying the altitudinal difference within a species on Mount Kinabalu and Mount Tambuyukon, Sabah. I met her for the first time during her first visit to Sabah with her supervisor Dr. Jenn during my tenure at Forest Solutions Malaysia S/B (FSM) at Kota Marudu. Getting to know people with same interest and same passion is a blessing to me. Why? Because I can talk anything and share everything about what we think and what we do in the forest.

After quit my job at FSM, I take a break for about two weeks before I join in her research project. Missy and her friend Miguel arrived in Sabah on 19th Feb and stay at Kota Kinabalu for two days before head off to Kinabalu Park at Kundasang on 21st Feb. Missy and I will set a traps at Mount Kinabalu, meanwhile her friend, Miguel with his technician will set up a traps at Mount Tambuyukon at Monggis, another 3 hours drive from Kundasang.

The Tomahawk & Sherman Traps that we use.

This is how we place the traps; under fallen log, on fallen log, beside streams etc etc.

We will use two different types of traps known as Tomahawk (60 units) and Sherman trap (20 units), so total traps are 80 traps. Since this is the altitudinal study, we will set traps at different altitude across the height of this mountain. 1st altitude at 1,700m a.s.l at Kinabalu Park (KP) headquarters, 2,200m a.s.l at KM2, 2,700m a.s.l at KM4 and 3,200m a.s.l at KM6.

So this is a little bit info about the research which I may not share the details here. I will tell you more stories about my experience when I am up on the mountain in my next post. Stay Tune! Till then!