Jungle of Sarawak

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We proceeded on with our journey to Similajau National Park today, with excursions not too far from the park's administrative office. The trip was still rather challenging, mostly because we still had "Pak Bedal" on our minds. A skeletal sample of the crocodilian was available for viewing before we started moving. Several signages warning hikers taking the same rail reinforced the healthy distribution of Pak Bedal within the area to outsiders. We had to be on the lookout.

Ready with our cowboy hats, we took on the challenge to further comprehend this lush and fertile land. Besides Pak Bedal, the area is also habitat to other sensitive fauna such at the "Leatherback Turtle" and "Irrawady Dolphins", of which some baseline research is being done for the latter. The nesting grounds of the Leatherback is about a few kilometers north of the park grounds, along the coastline. The locals informed us that nesting season is typically between May to July. Nonetheless the bay area where the park is located, though beautiful is unperturbed, most probably due to the presence of Pak Bedal.

The hiking trail was relatively well-kept with some indication of decaying wood. Dr. Mac fell right at home here :-), naturally as he is an expert when it comes to these things, being able to identify various species of plants and trees located within the park vicinity off-hand ! right away !

There were thorny plants, huge trees, some with bright red trunks and forest ants almost the size of small cockroach ! Even a tree which was pissed off at something or someone (pokok Bengang). Hiking up and down the trail proved to be a most liberating and rewarding experience. You truly get to appreciate the sensitive ecosystem which binds this place together, and thus really comprehend and feel (in your heart) the importance of environmental preservation.

I must admit that towards the end of our journey my heart skipped a beat when we encountered some-kind of animal trail in the ground. The foot print looked fresh as if it was just made a few hours ago. From a layman's perspective, the distance between the front and hind legs resemble that of Pak Bedal. I really didn't want to stick around and find out so a quick snap-shot and whosh ! I was out of there. There were small streams that lead up to this area that seemed ideal for him to use as a jungle highway.

Overall I must say that the journey was a really rewarding one. The current environment must be preserved for the benefit and viewing of future generations. Whatever developmental activities that take place in Similajau must take into account its rich bio-diversity, with minimal impact towards its surroundings as well as the flora and fauna.

Regards,
ZZ

Adventure in Similajau

My initial intention was to do a proper write-up of the events that transpired today, however, I am just too tired from the field work to think straight and produce a plausible piece, though my excitement to share the photos taken during the survey is still overwhelming; it would be suffice to say that we went to several locations in Similajau that is generally "un-touched" by industrial development except for some logging. Very rarely do we encounter such a situation where mother nature exists in its bare condition, rich with flora and fauna. Then again, one would generally expect to see these things Sarawak. So here are the photos for your viewing pleasure.

Plate 1 : Taking a boat from the nearby fishing village to get to Sg. Similajau. The South China Sea tide was relatively kind to us (but Dr. Mac still felt a touch of nausea, you can tell from his face ;-))

Plate 2 : We entered the river mouth through the coastline. It was a gradual transition from saline to, well less saline water.....

Plate 3 & 4: I looked terrible, as we were literally scorching in the sun for a few hours before getting to Sg. Semba, a tributary of Sg. Similajau (we did some in-situ measurements and sampling of the marine environment). Conditions here were as natural as any tropical river can get.

Plate 5 : Doing some in-situ measurements, sampling and flow gauging at Sg. Semba.

Plate 6 : Sg. Similajau, main-stem heading back to the mainland. We had a close encounter with a baby crocodilian here, but we didn't stick around to investigate further as we didn't want to meet its mother. According to the locals, a man was devoured a few days back, hence we CABUT !!

Tomorrow we'll be heading to the forest reserve next to the Sg. Similajau Inya-Allah, to view the conditions over there. Thus I'll need all the rest I can get ! Hope you liked the photos....

Regards,
ZZ

Water Quality Parameters Talk and Training

Recently, Mr. Zaki Zainudin of the Water Quality Research Group was invited to give a talk and training session on "The Fundamentals of Water Quality Parameters" by Alam Sekitar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (ASMA) to its Malaysian Water Quality Monitoring network personnel at Teluk Rubiah Beach Resort, Lumut, Perak from the 29th to 30th of May 2008. The talk encompassed a theoretical classroom bit as well as a field survey portion covering techniques and procedures of field sampling. Below are some photos from the event. 

Thanks Ardy, Shamuddin and Dr. Rani for inviting me over. For participants, please do not hesitate to contact me via e-mail if you have any enquiries.

Regards,

ZZ