16-5-2023 KOTA KINABALU NAT PRK, BORNEO - WHITE BROWED SHRIKE BABBLER (Pteruthius aeralatus)

 The white-browed shrike-babbler (Pteruthius aeralatus) is a bird species found in the eastern Himalayas and Southeast Asia from northern Burma to southern Cambodia. Like others in the genus it is found in montane forests. Males and females have different plumages and variations occur through its range with several populations being treated as subspecies. It is part of a cryptic species complex and was earlier lumped as a subspecies of the white-browed shrike-babbler. Clements lumps this bird into the white-browed shrike-babbler.

24-5-2023 SUKAU RIVER LODGE, BORNEO - WRINKLED HORNBILL (Rhabdotorrhinus corrugatus)

The wrinkled hornbill or Sunda wrinkled hornbill (Rhabdotorrhinus corrugatus) is a medium-large hornbill which is found in forest in the Thai-Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo.

This is a forest species and eats mainly fruit, such as figs, although it will also eat small animals such as frogs and insects. Wrinkled hornbills do not drink, but get the water they need from their food. Their call is a harsh "Kak-kak", or a deep "Row-wow" which can be heard for miles.

These birds are monogamous and remain in a pair for life. They use holes found in trees for nests, and the female will plaster over the entrance with mud and droppings, leaving a nesting mother and her chicks only a small hole, too small for them to exit. They are fed exclusively by the male, who regurgitates food for them. After several months, when the chicks are ready, the female will break out of her nest. 

16-5-2023 KOTA KINABALU NAT PRK, BORNEO - CHESTNUT HOODED LAUGHING THRUSH (Pterorhinus treacheri)

The chestnut-hooded laughingthrush (Pterorhinus treacheri) is a species of bird in the laughingthrush family Leiothrichidae endemic to Borneo. Described by the British ornithologist Richard Bowdler Sharpe as a distinct species in 1879, it was subsequently considered a subspecies of the chestnut-capped laughingthrush until 2007, when it was again raised to species status by the ornithologists Nigel Collar and Craig Robson. It is 22–24 cm (8.7–9.4 in) long, with a chestnut brown head and chin, with grey feathering on the top of the head. The upperparts and the side of the neck are slaty-grey, with a long white wing patch. The throat, breast, and upper belly are dull yellowish-brown, with purer grey flanks and a reddish-brown vent, lower belly, and thighs. It has a yellow half eye-ring behind and below the eye, while the tail has a blackish tip. Both sexes look similar, while juveniles are duller than adults.

The species inhabits montane and hill forest, forest edge, disturbed vegetation, and cultivated areas in mountains in the north-central and southeastern parts of Borneo. It is mainly found at elevations of 600–2,800 m (2,000–9,200 ft), but can be found down to 200 m (660 ft) and as high as 3,350 m (10,990 ft). It is omnivorous, feeding on arthropods, fruit, and flowers. Breeding occurs from February to April and in October, with the species building cup nests and laying clutches of two bright blue to greenish-blue eggs. It is classified as being of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to its very large range, fairly large population, and a lack of significant population decline, but its numbers are thought to be decreasing and it is threatened by habitat destruction and habitat fragmentation.

 

18-5-2023 SEPILOK, BORNEO - SWALLOWTAIL MOTH (Lyssa menoetius)

Lyssa menoetius is a moth of the family Uraniidae. The species was first described by German entomologist Hopffer in 1856.

The species is native to Borneo, Sangihe, Sulawesi, and the Philippines. A few specimens have been found recently in Southern Thailand. It is mostly found in forested areas at moderate elevations. The larvae feed on the leaves of Omphalea bracteata and O. sargentii. 

18-5-2023 SEPILOK, BORNEO - COMMON FLANGETAIL DRAGONFLY (Ictinogomphus decoratus)

This is a very widespread species found in disturbed habitats, with no major threats known. This species is found from Thailand through to Indonesia and the Philippines. It is also in southwest China. There does not appear to be any records from Myanmar, but it is likely to be present there.

 

18-5-2023 SEPILOK, BORNEO - POND ADJUTANT DRAGONFLY (Aethriamanta gracilis)

Pond adjutant is a small and pretty common dragonfly that is widespread around grassy water edges of the reservoirs. It is not a forest species dragonfly.

This dragonfly is found at most water-bodies ponds, lakes and reservoirs such as MacRitchie, Upper Seletar and Mandai, amongst other places.

22-7-2023 RIO SERPIS, GANDIA - BROAD SCARLET DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Crocothemis erythraea)

The scarlet dragonfly (Crocothemis erythraea) is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. Its common names include broad scarlet, common scarlet-darter, and scarlet darter.

The scarlet dragonfly is a common species in southern Europe and throughout Africa. It also occurs across western Asia as far as southern China. It is a very rare vagrant in Britain. Its first record in the country was at Hayle Kimbro Pool, The Lizard, Cornwall, on 7 August 1995. Since then there have been a few further records at scattered locations throughout Britain.

A wide range of both running and standing waters, except those that are shaded. Adults may be found some distance from water in habitats ranging from desert to open woodland; absent from dense forest.

22-7-2023 RIO SERPIS, GANDIA - MEDITERRANEAN TURTLE (Mauremys leprosa)

The Iberian pond turtle (Mauremys leprosa), also known as the Mediterranean pond turtle or Mediterranean turtle, is a species of turtle in the family Geoemydidae. The species is endemic to southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa.

 

18-5-2023 SEPILOK, BORNEO - RED PERCHER DRAGONFLY (Neurothemis ramburii)

 Neurothemis ramburii is a species of insects with 1264 observations

18-5-2023 SEPILOK, BORNEO - RUFOUS MARSH GLIDER DRAGONFLY (Rhodothemis rufa)

The spine–legged redbolt, also known as rufous marsh glider, and common redbolt, (Rhodothemis rufa) is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is widespread in many Asian countries.

It is a medium-sized dragonfly with red eyes, thorax and abdomen. But young males and females have a mid-dorsal citron-yellow stripe in the pro-thorax and a citron-yellow stripe on mid-dorsum of the abdominal segments. These marks get obscured by pruinescence in adult males. Color of female is brown. It breeds in open ponds, marshes and lakes.

18-5-2023 SEPILOK, BORNEO - GIANT FOREST ANT (Dinomyrmex gigas)

Dinomyrmex gigas or giant forest ant. D. gigas is a large species of ant, native to Southeast Asian forests. It is one of the largest ants in existence, measuring in at 20.9 mm (0.82 in) for normal workers, and 28.1 mm (1.11 in) for the soldiers. Honeydew makes up 90% of their diet, but they will also consume insects and bird droppings. The ant is an effective forager, utilizing both efficient communication and recruitment. A handful of these ants may meet at night to engage in what has been observed to be ritual battle. These fights can continue for several months.

Colonies consist of typically about 7,000 workers, distributed unevenly among several nests. There are two types of workers, with the larger ones almost three times as heavy. They forage mainly at night, however, some workers will be outside the nest during the day.

This species is found in Southeast Asian rain forests from Sumatra, Singapore, Malaysia, Borneo to Thailand.

23-5-2023 SAKAU RIVER LODGE, BORNEO - COLOUR SERGEANT BUTTERFLY (Athyma nefte)

 Athyma nefte, the colour sergeant, is a species of brush-footed butterfly found in tropical South and Southeast Asia.

18-5-2023 SEPILOK, BORNEO - CREPE GINGER (Hellenia speciosa)

 The plant has many historical uses in Ayurveda, where the rhizome has been used to treat fever, rash, asthma, bronchitis, and intestinal worms. It is mentioned in the Kama Sutra as an ingredient in a cosmetic to be used on the eyelashes to increase sexual attractiveness. It is used to treat kidney problems and other urinary problems in Mizo Traditional Medicine. It was used as a traditional medicine by Malays when evil spirits have possessed a body, as well as for the treatment of high fever, smallpox and as a purgative.

19-5-2023 SEPILOK, BORNEO - BROWN THROATED SUNBIRD (MALE) (Anthreptes malacensis)

 The brown-throated sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis), also known as the plain-throated sunbird, is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in a wide range of semi-open habitats in south-east Asia, ranging from Myanmar to the Lesser Sundas and west Philippines. The grey-throated sunbird found in the remaining part of the Philippines is often considered a subspecies of the brown-throated sunbird, but the two differ consistently in measurements and plumage, and there is no evidence of intergradation between them.

19-5-2023 SEPILOK, BORNEO - BROWN THROATED SUNBIRD (FEMALE) (Anthreptes malacensis)

The brown-throated sunbird is a relatively large, heavy sunbird with a thick bill. Measuring some 14 centimetres (5.5 in) in length, it has a mass of 7.4–13.5 g (0.26–0.48 oz), with males averaging slightly larger than females.

Like most sunbirds, the male brown-throated sunbird is more colourful than the female. The male has iridescent green and purple upperparts with chestnut on the wing-coverts and scapulars; it is primarily yellow below. The female is olive-green above and yellowish below.

The brown-throated sunbird primarily feeds on nectar, but it will also take small fruits and berries. Juveniles are fed with insects.

19-5-2023 SEPILOK, BORNEO - JAVAN MYNA (Acridotheres javanicus)

The Javan myna (Acridotheres javanicus), also known as the white-vented myna, is a species of myna. It is a member of the starling family. It is native to Bali and Java. It has been introduced to other Asian countries, and as far away as Puerto Rico.

The Javan myna is sometimes included in the great myna (Acridotheres grandis) or the jungle myna (A. fuscus). The International Ornithologists' Union recommends not using the name "white-vented myna" to avoid confusion with the Pale-bellied Myna A. cinereus.

The Javan myna is native to Bali and Java, and has been introduced to southeastern Thailand, southern Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, the Lesser Sundas, Taiwan, Puerto Rico, Japan and Nepal. It is found in cities and cultivated areas.

The Javan myna is omnivorous and eats seeds, fruit, nectar, insects and human waste. It is often found in large groups. Its voice is similar to that of the common myna. It builds its nest in holes. The eggs are bluish-glaucous. Javan mynas are bold and not very afraid of humans. Javan mynas are kept in cages in Malaysia and Indonesia. The birds scavenge in groups, minimum two but usually three or more, with all except one feeding and one usually at a vantage point keeping a look out. If the bird that is keeping watch sees anything that might pose a threat, it alarms the group members with a high pitch tweet and they all flee the area swiftly.[citation needed] If one of them is separated, they would tend to tweet to attract other mynas of their kind to come over.

19-5-2023 SEPILOK, BORNEO - JUNE BEETLE (Genus Apogonia)

 Apogonia is a genus of scarab beetles. Some are pests of durian trees.

19-5-2023 SEPILOK, BORNEO - CHINESE HIBISCUS (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, known colloquially as Chinese hibiscus, China rose, Hawaiian hibiscus, rose mallow and shoeblack plant, is a species of tropical hibiscus, a flowering plant in the Hibisceae tribe of the family Malvaceae. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in the tropics and subtropics, but its native range is Vanuatu. 

19-5-2023 SEPILOK, BORNEO - GOLDEN TRUMPET (Allamanda cathartica)

 Allamanda cathartica, commonly called golden trumpet,[2] common trumpetvine,[2] and yellow allamanda,[2] is a species of flowering plant of the genus Allamanda in the family Apocynaceae. It is native to Brazil. This plant is cited in Flora Brasiliensis by Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius.

It does not twine, nor does it have tendrils or aerial roots. It can be pruned into a shrub form. If not pruned it can sprawl to a height of 20 feet.

The city of Canóvanas, Puerto Rico has adopted this species, known locally as canario amarillo, as its official flower

19-5-2023 SEPILOK, BORNEO - ASIAN WEAVER ANT (Oecophylla smaragdina)

 Oecophylla smaragdina (common names include Asian weaver ant, weaver ant, green ant, green tree ant, semut rangrang, semut kerangga, and orange gaster) is a species of arboreal ant found in tropical Asia and Australia. These ants form colonies with multiple nests in trees, each nest being made of leaves stitched together using the silk produced by the ant larvae: hence the name 'oecophylla' [Greek for 'leaf-house'].

19-5-2023 SEPILOK, BORNEO - COMMON PARASOL DRAGONFLY (Neurothemis fluctuans)

The Red Grasshawk, also known as Common Parasol, and Grasshawk dragonfly, (Neurothemis fluctuans) is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is widespread in many Asian countries.

 

18-5-2023 SEPILOK, BORNEO - SPECTACLED BULBUL (Rubigula erythropthalmos)

The spectacled bulbul (Ixodia erythropthalmos), also known as the lesser brown bulbul, is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is found on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. The spectacled bulbul was originally described in the genus Ixos.

18-5-2023 SEPILOK, BORNEO - SUN BEAR (Helarctos malayanus)

The sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) is a species in the family Ursidae (the only species in the genus Helarctos) occurring in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. It is the smallest bear, standing nearly 70 centimetres (28 inches) at the shoulder and weighing 25–65 kilograms (55–143 pounds). It is stockily built, with large paws, strongly curved claws, small rounded ears and a short snout. The fur is generally jet-black, but can vary from grey to red. Sun bears get their name from the characteristic orange to cream coloured chest patch. Its unique morphology—inward-turned front feet, flattened chest, powerful forelimbs with large claws—suggests adaptations for climbing.

The most arboreal (tree-living) of all bears, the sun bear is an excellent climber and sunbathes or sleeps in trees 2 to 7 metres (7 to 23 feet) above the ground. It is mainly active during the day, though nocturnality might be more common in areas frequented by humans. Sun bears tend to remain solitary but sometimes occur in pairs (such as a mother and her cub). They do not seem to hibernate, possibly because food resources are available the whole year throughout the range. Being omnivores, sun bears have a broad diet including ants, bees, beetles, honey, termites and plant material such as seeds and several kinds of fruits; vertebrates such as birds and deer are also eaten occasionally. They breed throughout the year; individuals become sexually mature at two to four years of age. Litters comprise one or two cubs that remain with their mother for around three years.

The range of the sun bear is bound by northeastern India to the north and extends south to southeast through Bangladesh, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam in mainland Asia to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia to the south. These bears are threatened by heavy deforestation and illegal hunting for food and the wildlife trade; they are also harmed in conflicts with humans when they enter farmlands, plantations and orchards. The global population is estimated to have declined by 35% over the past three decades. The IUCN has listed this species as vulnerable.

Sun bears have a broad omnivorous diet including plants.

Sun bears are omnivores and feed on a broad variety of items such as ants, bees, beetles, honey, termites and plant material such as seeds and several kinds of fruits.[8][46] Vertebrates such as birds, deer, eggs and reptiles may be eaten occasionally.[47][48] They forage mostly at night. Sun bears tear open hollow trees with their long, sharp claws and teeth in search of wild bees and honey. They also break termite mounds and quickly lick and suck the contents, holding pieces of the broken mound with their front paws. They consume figs in large amounts and eat them whole.[49] In a study in the forests of Kalimantan, fruits of Moraceae, Burseraceae and Myrtaceae species made up more than 50% of the fruit diet; in times of fruit scarcity, sun bears switched to a more insectivorous diet. A study in Central Borneo revealed that sun bears play an important role in the seed dispersal of Canarium pilosum (a tree in the family Burseraceae). Sun bears eat the centre of coconut palms, and crush oil-rich seeds such as acorns. Oil palms are nutritious but not enough for subsistence.

18-5-2023 SEPILOK, BORNEO - RUFOUS BACKED DWARF KINGFISHER (Ceyx rufidorsa)

Tiny, unbelievably cute kingfisher: a luminous ball of pink, orange, yellow, and varying amounts of blue and purple. Brightly-colored back distinguishes this species from closely related Black-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher. Forages in shaded patches of dense vegetation, in mangroves, overgrown edge, or deep lowland and foothill forest. Can be near or away from water; when near water, often near shallow forest streams and small pools. Gives high squeaks and thin whistles, often as paired notes.

The kingfisher species of bird is known for its vibrant and remarkable plumage that is a treat to the eyes. Tiny, adorable, and a brilliant feathery ball of yellow, orange, pink, and various shades of blue, the rufous-backed dwarf kingfisher or simply the rufous-backed kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa) is no exception! Belonging to the family Alcedinidae and order Coraciiformes, this species of kingfisher has an uncanny resemblance to the similar-looking black-backed kingfisher or the Oriental dwarf kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca). In fact, Ceyx rufidorsa was earlier thought to be a color morph of Ceyx erithaca until recent genetic studies revealed that Ceyx erithaca and Ceyx rufidorsa are two separate lineages. The rufous-backed dwarf kingfisher has four subspecies.

The global distribution range of the rufous-backed dwarf kingfisher is quite extensive and includes large swathes of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Typically, populations of this species and its subspecies are endemic in Bhutan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Thailand, Brunei, India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, and Srilanka. The tiny birds inhabit dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forests, bamboo and palm thickets, mangroves, dense rubber gardens, shrubs, and deep lowland forests. They forage in dense and shady vegetation patches and thrive on a diet comprising insects, fish, frogs, small crabs, lizards, worms, and spiders.

 

18-5-2023 SEPILOK, BORNEO - SOUTHERN PIG TAILED MACAQUE (Macaca nemestrina)

The use of monkeys to harvest coconuts in South East Asia has been documented since the 19th century. PETA says that it had investigated Thai coconut farms and found chained monkeys that were forced to spend long hours climbing trees and picking coconut. Vincent Nijman, anthropology professor and head of the Oxford Wildlife Trade Research Group at Oxford Brookes University, who has researched the welfare of coconut-harvesting macaques in Thailand, said the practice is largely confined to the southernmost part of Thailand and involves the northern and southern Pig-tailed macaques. It is probably the case that such monkeys are based on small farms catering to local consumption, rather than farms that produce coconuts for exports. The practice in Thailand of using monkey labor to pick coconuts is slowly dying, says Edwin Weik, the founder of Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand. In 2021, he estimated that 15 years ago, as many as 15,000 monkeys labored on coconut farms, compared to the 3,000 then.

M. nemestrina is mainly terrestrial, but also a skilled climber. Unlike almost all primates, these macaques love water. They live in large groups that split into smaller groups during daytime when they are foraging. They are omnivorous, feeding mainly on fruits, seeds, berries, cereals, fungi, and invertebrates. A study in peninsular Malaysia found them to be the primary, and perhaps the only, seed dispersers of the rattan species Daemonorops calicarpa and Calamus castaneus.

This macaque is mostly found in rainforest up to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft), but will also enter plantations and gardens.

It is found in the southern half of the Malay Peninsula (only just extending into southernmost Thailand), Borneo, Sumatra and Bangka Island. There are reports of the species having been present in Singapore before 1950, but these were likely escaped pets. The only pig-tailed macaques in Singapore today are introduced monkeys.

There is a hierarchy among males, based on strength, and among females, based on heredity. Thus, the daughter of the alpha female will immediately be placed above all other females in the group. The alpha female leads the group, while the male role is more to manage conflict within the group and to defend it.Female gestation lasts around 5.7 months. She will give birth to one infant every two years. Weaning occurs at 4–5 months. Sexual maturity is reached at 3–5 years.

In Thailand, they have been trained for 400 years to harvest coconuts.