Crocker range scientific expedition 2002

A survey was conducted on the non-flying small mammals (<1kg) at three elevations (500 m, 1000 m, and 1400 m above sea level) inside Crocker Range Park and one elevation (100 m above sea level) outside Crocker Range Park. The purpose was to document several aspects of the small mammal community structure at these elevations. The variations in habitat structure and habitat-use patterns of the small mammals are described to explain the observed differences in the small mammal community structure across different elevations. Total trapping effort was 1080 trap-nights with 106 individuals of small mammals comprising 14 species and five families caught at all elevations. One murid rodent, Niviventer rapit, caught at 1400m, is a new record for Crocker Range Park

Living together in novel habitats: a review of land-use change impacts on mutualistic ant-plant symbioses in tropical forests

Symbiotic mutualisms between ants and plants are those in which ants provide protection from herbivory and competition from other plants, while plants provide living space in specially adapted structures, and sometimes also food. Critically, the ants inhabit the plant (symbiosis) and hence reproductive interests are often (but not always) more strongly tied than in non-symbiotic mutualisms. Ant-plant symbioses are particularly diverse in tropical forests, a habitat under severe threat from human exploitation around the world. Understanding responses of ant-plant symbiotic mutualisms to tropical habitat change is important, because both ants and their plant hosts can play key roles in the wider ecosystem. Here we summarise the current state of knowledge of the impacts of habitat change on ant-plant symbioses in tropical forests. We take as a case study the two-way by-product mutualism between bird’s nest ferns and their ant symbionts in SE Asian rain forest, and the response of this system to logging and conversion to oil palm plantation. We conclude that ant-plant symbioses are surprisingly robust to habitat change, although while the interaction often persists, some partners from pristine habitats may not survive, with their roles being filled by non-native species

Entotourism potential in Sabah, Malaysia: A Tourists’ perspective

In favor of the Big Five Invertebrates form the basis for ecosystem functioning but are typically neglected in ecotourism activities. Entotourism is introduced to elevate awareness about the potential of invertebrates and their conservation activity through tourism. Improved awareness via tourism activity can potentially lead to improved conservation practices. Yet, do tourists accept entotourism as another product of ecotourism? This study aims to determine the perception of tourists on entotourism activity in Sabah. We are implementing a mixed-method to acquire information needed via questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews. At the same time, we applied a random sampling technique to gain the respective respondents. Data analysis used a t-test to examine gender perception and presented via Spider-Web configuration. In comparison, we used content analysis via Leximancer for qualitative analysis. This study demonstrated that people have a slightly different perception of insects and awareness based on their gender. Results show that most participants responded positively to insect information, awareness and their interest in certain insects. Respondents also gave their support to entotourism, which provided them with some new knowledge about insects. The interview has also indicated a positive perception of invertebrate information as part of the entotourism concept included in ecotourism activity. In conclusion, tourists’ perception of entotourism activity unveils a significant potential for the inclusion of invertebrate into current and future ecotourism activity, especially in Sabah. Alternately, it can be applied as a preparatory step for better planning and execution of invertebrate’s conservation and entotourism activity

Tourists’ Perceptions of Insects as the Determinants of Insect Conservation through Entomological Ecotourism

Insects are commonly featured in recreation and tourism around the world, despite the generally negative public perception surrounding them. Many people enjoy watching butterflies in insectarium gardens, observing and collecting dragonflies, and admiring the light displays of fireflies. In many cases, activities like these are becoming increasingly popular and these positive interactions with insects encourage public appreciation of insects, but vary acuities in their forms and approaches. Thus, understanding the pattern of insect appearances in recreation and tourism activities in a variety of discernments can provide important insights into effective ways of promoting insect conservation through ecotourism, which is often overlooked in biodiversity conservation strategies. However, these types of interdisciplinary studies are relatively new and remain limited in both entomology and tourism sciences. A field survey was carried out at Kangkawat Research Station, Imbak Canyon Conservation Area, where a 1 kilometre entomological ecotourism trail was designed and developed to incorporate insects in enhancing ecotourism at the reserve. Insects that can be found along the 1 kilometre trail were recorded and the collection was conducted using baited traps and sweep netting. Based on the insects survey, the Shannon Diversity Index (H’) of Kangkawat is 4.60 while Simpson Index is 176.72 with Fisher Alpha Index at 313.3 that concludes Kangkawat Research Station insect richness to be the second highest after the Crocker Range. In adressing the knowledge gaps between insect conservation and ecotourism, a survey on attitudes towards insects was designed and then completed by 384 tourists around Kota Kinabalu City. The standardized questionnaire known as the Personal Meaning of Insects Map (PMIM) was administered to tourists and their responses were elicited prior to and after observing insect photos. The results shows that “spider” had the 100% connectivity in response to the most detested insect based on their previous encounters with insects. This result shows that there is an existing entomology knowledge gap among the respondents, indicating the need for further interventions in terms of nature interpretation. Therefore a quality guided nature interpretation as an educational tool should take into account how the general public understands (or misunderstands) insects further and where interpretive information could be better applied if we are to develop management and educational tools that address human-insect encounters

A Survey of the Non-flying Small Mammals at Several Elevations in and around the Crocker Range Park - Crocker Range Scientific Expedition 2002

A survey was conducted on the non-flying small mammals (<1kg) at three elevations (500 m, 1000 m, and 1400 m above sea level) inside Crocker Range Park and one elevation (100 m above sea level) outside Crocker Range Park. The purpose was to document several aspects of the small mammal community structure at these elevations. The variations in habitat structure and habitat-use patterns of the small mammals are described to explain the observed differences in the small mammal community structure across different elevations. Total trapping effort was 1080 trap-nights with 106 individuals of small mammals comprising 14 species and five families caught at all elevations. One murid rodent, Niviventer rapit, caught at 1400m, is a new record for Crocker Range Park

Factors of tourists’ perspective and awareness of insects based on demographics distribution in the tropical ecosystem

Entomological ecotourism has developed into a modern-day definition. The promotion of entomological ecotourism makes people gaining a better understanding of insects when they participated such activity. Depending on the eco-tour context, one may learn about a particular insects’ role in the ecosystem, insects’ connections with other wildlife, or the plants they depend on. Several studies reported the general preference of insects. However, there is still a lack of research for understanding the reason for similarities and differences in insects’ perceptions as a tourism product from a cultural aspect. This research aimed to study the key factors that affect tourists’ awareness and perception of insects based on their demographic profiles. The researcher used questionnaires, surveys, and interviews for data collection. The outcomes are illustrated in the form of conceptual map, quadrant report, spider-web configuration as well as tables. This cross-cultural study shows that there is little difference in perception and awareness between Malaysian and Non-Malaysian respondents. Respondents also show three main factors, such as ‘Knowledge’, ‘Experience’ and ‘Appearance’ that may cause different perceptions of insects other than their cultural background. Even though there are no significant differences between the respondents’ perceptions of insects, there are still some items among the respondents’ perceptions need to be considered. These items include the respondents’ perspective on diversity, behaviors, life cycle, and insects' appearance. Therefore, getting people to participate in entomological ecotourism, insects that fit tourists’ requirements such as beautiful, rare, and attractive, needs to be focused on. Hence, the findings are significant to share to ensure proper management of insects through entomological ecotourism or entotourism