Learning about tropical forest ecology and conservation in Malaysia -- departing for Bangladesh!
The team has just finished a two week field course in Malaysia where we studied tropical forest ecology, conservation, and management across the peninsula and on the island of Borneo.
We are taking off to Bangladesh to start the biochar experiments! We wanted to share some notes and photos from our course with you lovely backers:
In peninsular Malaysia we were hosted by the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) -- a very big thank you to them. We had the chance to see some impressive secondary forests at their main campus - Kepong, where "crown shyness" is magnificently displayed. We also visited their nurseries, the arboretum, and the seed banks.
The following day we went to the FRIM research station in Bidor where they are working very hard to rehabilitate mine tailing to natural forests. Interestingly, one plot had an accidental fire and has re-greened spectacularly! Charcoal to the rescue, undoubtedly.
We spent several days at the field research station in Pasoh where we conducted mini-"blitz" research projects. This year has been a very intense El-Nino event, and we were specifically interested in the drought impacts on tree crown health and flowering.
See link for more info on our time in the Peninsula:
In Borneo, we were hosted by the Forest Research Department, Sabah. We visited their headquarters - the Forest Research Centre - touring the entomology lab and the herbarium. We were lucky enough to tour the phenomenal Rainforest Discovery Centre where we strolled on canopy walkway - getting an intimate look at tree canopy biology.
Next we went to Deramocot - the heart of Borneo. Here we saw active forest management, and not only logging, but observed how conservation follows sustainable forest management on a grande scale.
Finally, we saw unique riverine forests along the lower Kinabatangan that boast an impressive display of wildlife.
Stay tuned for updates on our work in Bangladesh!
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