1. SBNP Nature Gallery and Mangrove boardwalk to open by April 2001
2. SBNP Wetlands' magazine put online by Ria Tan
3. Univ. Florida - Malaysia Tiger project appeal for funds.
4. Beetles & raptors: articles from The Star Online

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---> [1] Good news from Sungei Buloh Nature Park!
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In April 1999, it was reported that "The boardwalks at Sg. Buloh are
closed for repairs...". The boardwalk, which had lasted just over
five years had given way to attack from fungus, termites, wood borers
and the elements.  [Habitatnews No. 99-22]
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/habitatnews/message/38>

Recently, visitors also noted the renovation of the Nature Gallery
at the Visitor Centre, and reconstruction work on the boardwalk.
SBNP confirmed recently that "...the Nature Gallery will be opened
to the public by Mar 2001 and the mangrove boardwalk by Apr 2001."
[Source: Linda Goh, Senior Education Officer, SBNP]

The boardwalk at the Visitor Centre of the Sungei Buloh Nature Park
(commonly referred to as VC boardwalk) is just one of several
boardwalks in SBNP. However, it is the most easily accessible, and
allows the most faint-hearted visitor a walk through the heart of
a mangrove forest. Cutting through several sub-habitats, a short
walk reveals numerous plants and animals.
 

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---> [2] SBNP's Wetlands magazine now online.
<http://www.naturia.per.sg/wetlands/text/index.htm>
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A "From print to web" project by SBNP Volunteer Ria Tan.
Refer to back issues and browse by topics.
 

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---> [3] Appeal for funds: Taman Negara tiger project
<http://habitatnews.nus.edu.sg/NEWS/tigerproject/>
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'Malaysia may support the largest wild population of the Indo-Chinese
tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti), and Taman Negara offers the best
chance for its longterm survival according to Kae Kawanishi,
principal investigator of the University Florida-Malaysia tiger project

Little is known of the tiger and this project uses the camera-trapping
technique to monitor wildlife. So far it has collected over 2,700
wildlife photographs, including over 30 photographs of tigers and 45
species of animals including  some rare species in the park, such as
the dhole or the Wild Asiatic dog (Cuon alpinus) and storm's stork
(Ciconia stormi).

A budget cut may cause a shut-down of the field operation in three
months. To continue the project, some RM37,000 is urgently needed
and Kawanishi is appealing for support.'

Complete article and details at:
<http://habitatnews.nus.edu.sg/NEWS/tigerproject/>
 

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---> [4] Beetles & raptors: articles from The Star Online
<http://www.thestar.com.my/news/archives/pastnews.asp?ppath=\2001\2\20&psect=Features>
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Small creatures, big role by SHAMALA VELU
The Star Online, Tue 20 Feb 2001
<http://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2001/2/20/features/20svbeetl&sec=features>
'Malaysia is home to a bewildering number of beetle species that
reflects its rich biodiversity, say scientists. There is an urgent
need to document this diversity in a museum of natural history...'

Local beetles' battles by SHAMALA VELU
The Star Online, Tue 20 Feb 2001 <http://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2001/2/20/features/20loca&sec=features>
'In 1994, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia entomologist Prof Mohamed
S. Mohamedsaid noticed strange white beetles on curry leaf plants.
Careful study revealed that the beetles came from a genus restricted
to Sri Lanka where it is represented by one species, Silana farinosa,
commonly known as the tortoise beetle.'

Return of the raptors by TAN CHENG LI
The Star Online, Tue 20 Feb 2001 <http://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2001/2/20/features/20rapto&sec=features>
'Destruction of forests endanger not only the indigenous fauna
but also winged guests that need to break long migratory journeys
to breeding grounds further north.'

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For weekly news compilations, see Ecology Asia at: <http://www.ecologyasia.com/Top-Level/eco-news.htm>
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