A recent expedition to Borneo highlighted the island's unique wildlife and the growing trend of mammal watching. The journey, undertaken by a father and child duo, aimed to observe rare species including civets, pangolins, and colugos in their natural habitat.
Traveling through the 140,000-acre Deramakot Forest Reserve in Malaysia's Sabah state, the pair was guided by local wildlife spotters who utilized flashlights to spot elusive animals. Their trip was inspired by an online community of mammal watchers who share their sightings on the website mammalwatching.com.
Mammal watching, akin to bird-watching, involves seeking out various wild species. This pursuit not only offers adventure but also promotes conservation efforts, particularly in regions like Borneo, where palm oil plantations have significantly reduced rainforest areas.
The father-child duo's journey was marked by significant wildlife encounters, including a sighting of a binturong, a creature they had long wished to see. Their love for wildlife was rooted in childhood experiences, with memories of spotting bears and tigers during family trips.
Borneo, the world's third-largest island, is home to iconic species such as orangutans and pygmy elephants. However, extensive logging and land clearing for palm oil production have led to a drastic decline in wildlife populations, including a more than 50% decrease in Bornean orangutans over the past 60 years.
With the help of Jon Hall, founder of mammalwatching.com, the travelers organized a 10-day itinerary that included visits to various wildlife hotspots. They experienced the vibrant jungle life, characterized by the sounds of cicadas and the sights of diverse flora and fauna.
In addition to Deramakot, the trip included stays along the Kinabatangan River and in the ancient rainforests of Danum Valley, where they observed numerous mammal species and other wildlife. Their accommodations varied from simple forest service lodges to more comfortable lodges catering to the growing tourism demand.
Throughout their 10-day adventure, the travelers encountered nearly 40 different mammal species and almost 200 bird species, leaving them with a profound appreciation for Borneo's biodiversity. The experience has sparked further interest in future wildlife adventures, with aspirations for exploring other tropical regions.