Wildlife Conservation & Ecology
Where Science and Conservation Meet
Who we are?
Within the Department of Zoology, the Wildlife Ecology & Conservation niche provides undergraduate and postgraduate students with the essential conservation science knowledge to study, conserve and protect wildlife populations, and the ecosystem, which they and we depend. This involves learning about the basic biology and ecology of wildlife, wildlife and habitat management; human-wildlife conflict resolution and zoonotic disease problems. Additionally student will be exposed to how to conserve and enhance biological diversity in relation to local knowledge and needs. In the end, graduates will be trained as wildlife professional that are equipped with passion, talent, commitment, enthusiasm, technical abilities and special skills to face the real challenge in an attempt to restore and conserve our future.
It is hoped that, to keep up with the rapid pace at which Sarawak has embraced its natural heritage as part of its commitment towards National Policy on Biological Diversity, 2016-2025 the Wildlife Ecology & Conservation niche will provide information and knowledge to face the increasingly complex and intense challenges in biodiversity conservation years ahead.
BORNEAN CARNIVORE
Without the presence of large carnivores such as tigers and leopards, Bornean carnivores remain as the apex predator which plays an important role in ecosystem functions. We investigate the microhabitat requirement for these carnivores using protected areas as model sites.
PROJECTS
BORNEAN BIRDS
Bornean birds are rich and many species are considered endemic.
There are approximately 633 species of birds in Borneo with 8% of these species are considered endemic. The Bornean species endemicity is considered as on of the highest in the Sundaic Islands. Some species of interest include Mountain black eye, Hose’s broadbill, Blue-headed pitta, Black oriole.
ETHNOZOOLOGY
Ethnozoological studies focus on study of past and present interrelationships between human cultures and animals (e.g. religion, art, music and literature, culture). Our work concentrates on the role of ethnozoology in animal conservation, as this will give the local insights of the cultural economic, social, and traditional roles played by the wildlife.
WILDLIFE POLICY
Policies on wildlife conservation will set the the conservation priority for the future. Increasing trend in wildlife related conflicts and as many species are being included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened species concerns conservation biologist. Malaysia has many policies, act, ordinances, enactments, rules and legislations. Despite these policies and legislation, Malaysia is faced with the challenge in balancing the demand for development and conservation.