Gunung Mulu Research Articles

Revisiting perceived determinants of tourism destination competitiveness among tourists: The case of national parks in Sarawak, Malaysia

The present study aims to widen the existing literature by discovering potential determining factors at selected ecotourism destinations, primarily involving Bako, Niah, Kubah, Gunung Gading and Gunung Mulu National Parks. A closed questionnaire was answered by 188 respondents. Preliminary analyses were performed and partial least square structural equation modeling was employed as the analytical measure, thus discovering the significant role of destination resource constructs in the enhancement of ecotourism competitiveness in Sarawak, Malaysia. The statistical findings of the current work revealed that endowed resources (natural resources and cultural heritage attractions), created resources (range of activities) as well as supporting resources (destination accessibility and quality of tourism services) lead to enhanced tourism destination competitiveness. The research adds to the growing body of knowledge examining the perspectives of tourists towards the determining factors of destination competitiveness, while providing meaningful insights for industry actors, thus enabling effective planning of management and development. The present work offers empirical evidence that gives information for industry stakeholders, including business operators, policy makers and tourism planners in order for natural tourism destinations to prosper.

Karst Corrosion and Erosion in Some Areas of Gunung Mulu National Park (Sarawak, Northern Borneo): New Data and Comparision with Lessini Mountains, Veneto, Italy

New insight on karst corrosion conducted in Gunung Mulu National Park (Sarawak, Borneo) and started in 2019 are presented. Mulu Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 and one of the most studied karst areas in the world.
 Dissolution represents an important factor for speleogenesis and can be measured by monitoring the weight variation over time of limestone tablets exposed in underground and outdoor environments. We describe new monitoring results and compare them with the existing ones present in literature and with a study carried out in Italy (Lessini Mountains).
 The study conducted in Borneo was authorized by the Sarawak Forest Corporation (Permit SFC.810-4/6/1 (2023) 005 and Park permit No. WL 03/2023). Rock tablets were used to calculate the dissolution rate, collecting this type of “data loggers” after 3 years, due to the difficulties that arose during the Covid pandemic.
 The results of this monitoring partially confirm those collected in 2020. Some rock tablets have undergone both a reduction in weight due to dissolution and erosion by water, and the deposition of calcareous incrustations without increasing in weight. The new corrosion data have been compared with some values of chemical parameters of the water, as well as with those existing in the literature. This study increasing the existing data on karst corrosion in the Mulu area, which date back to the late 70s-early 80s of the last century.

Community well-being dimensions in Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

The local communities living around national parks or areas like World Heritage Site (WHS) are crucial stakeholders to such settings. Their well-being needs to be unraveled so that the holistic management of the national park is in good condition to stabilize its status as WHS through the support and empowerment of the community. Numerous studies have been conducted on the biodiversity and geology of Gunung Mulu National Park (GMNP), but the community psychology aspect that is the foundation of conservation efforts has not been addressed. Therefore, this study aims to examine the community well-being dimensions in terms of environment, economics, social aspects as well as authority intervention based on the perspective of the local community and professionals with an emphasis on the current issues in GMNP. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were used in this study through a questionnaire to 99 local communities, and individual interviews that were conducted in GMNP and four nearby villages. Data were analyzed descriptively with four themes: environment; economics; social; and authority intervention. The findings showed that locals were satisfied in residing area in terms of environmental conditions. However, it does not reflect the actual situation, i.e., river water cloudiness, wildlife threat, degradation of wetlands, and solid waste issues are still happening. The constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic portrayed that they were very dissatisfied with their monthly income, which is very low compared to before. In terms of social, the services and facilities, especially treated water and electricity need improvement. It also noted that authority intervention especially related to road proposal, financial and skills assistance, and community conflicts could influence locals’ support for the planning and policies implemented in the national parks or WHS areas. This study suggests that relevant stakeholders should emphasize bottom-up approaches by considering aspects of community well-being that stem from multiple dimensions in order to achieve holistic national park management.

Public awareness on biodiversity conservation and well-being: case of Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak.

Lack of public awareness of biodiversity conservation is the leading cause of biodiversity loss. This needs to be emphasized by stakeholders in the conservation effort, particularly in some major conservation areas, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Gunung Mulu National Park (GMNP). As a result of threats such as natural catastrophes, pollution, poaching, and uncontrolled urbanization or human development, GMNP is at risk of being inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger. The UNESCO status is possible to be drawn if its criteria are not maintained or degraded due to a lack of emphasis on awareness of the importance of the site. However, it is still limited information on to what extent is the public aware of the importance of biodiversity conservation in GMNP and its relationship to their well-being. Thus, the study aims to examine the level of awareness (knowledge, attitude, and experience) among local community and visitors in GMNP towards biodiversity conservation; and determine their well-being, specifically on environmental, economic, and social factors concerning conservation awareness. A validated questionnaire was distributed to the visitors (n = 87) and local community (n = 99) through an online and face-to-face survey. Based on the awareness constructs, their level of knowledge and experience is high, while attitude portrays a moderate level. The visitors have a higher level of knowledge, attitude, and experience than the local community. The level of education and number of dependents had influenced their awareness of conservation. In terms of well-being, the economic and social factors had significantly predicted awareness accordingly. It shows that the dimensions of the neighborhood, life and social relations, services and facilities, education, culture, and monthly income influence their current level of awareness of biodiversity conservation. The empirical study provides insights into developing a biodiversity conservation framework for GMNP that emphasizes community psychology as part of the social movement toward holistic management in the park.

Three New Species of Cnemaspis (Sauria: Gekkonidae) from Sarawak, East Malaysia, Borneo.

Three new species of Cnemaspis are described from karst regions of Sarawak, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. These are Cnemaspis matahari sp. nov. and C. sirehensis sp. nov. from limestone hills located in the Serian Division of western Sarawak, and C. lagang sp. nov. from Gunung Mulu, Miri Division, in northern Sarawak. All can be distinguished from congeners using mitochondrial DNA as well as an enlarged metatarsal scales on the first toe. Individually, each species can be diagnosed by differences in subcaudal scale morphology: Cnemaspis lagang sp. nov. lacks enlarged subcaudals; Cnemaspis matahari sp. nov. has keeled subcaudals bearing an enlarged median row of smooth scales; and Cnemaspis sirehensis sp. nov. has an enlarged median row of weakly keeled scales. The discovery of these species suggests that additional unrecognized species may exist within the genus on Borneo, especially in association with karst formations. High endemism and species diversity notwithstanding, these karst formations are under severe pressure from limestone extraction and deforestation.

Two New Fern Species from Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

Abstract— Two new fern species from Sarawak, Antrophyum hovenkampii and Pteris hovenkampii are described in memory of renowned pteridologist, Peter Hans Hovenkamp. Their relationships are inferred using morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses. A description, photographs of key characters, distribution map, and habitat description of both new species are provided. Keys to all known species of Antrophyum and Pteris in Borneo are also included.

Discovery of a deeply divergent and highly endemic frog lineage from Borneo: A taxonomic revision of Kalophrynus nubicola Dring, 1983 with descriptions of two new species (Amphibia: Anura: Microhylidae)

The genus Kalophrynus is represented by tiny to medium terrestrial or subfossorial frogs and is widely distributed in Southeast Asia. The diversity centre of this genus is Borneo, where almost half of all nominal species are distributed and all of these are endemic to this and the peripheral islands. Kalophrynus nubicola is the smallest species within this genus; it is found only at high elevations in Gunung Mulu National Park, northeastern Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Three groups of populations were preliminary reported, but taxonomic decision on the groups was not yet given. In this study, we investigated the morphological, acoustic, and genetic differences among these three populations to reassess their taxonomic status. Morphological analyses confirmed differences in body size and colouration, molecular analyses indicated that each group was monophyletic, and differences in the acoustic characteristics of each group were also diagnostic. Therefore, herein, we describe them as distinct taxa. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the K. nubicola group forms a highly divergent clade from other species within the genus. Our findings reveal that seven Kalophrynus species occur in Gunung Mulu National Park, with non-overlapping distributions according to elevation or forest type. We further discuss the biogeography and evolutionary history of this species group.

Zombie ant graveyard dynamics in Gunung Mulu National Park

Ophiocordyceps is a genus of pathogenic fungi, which predominantly parasitise insects. This study investigates the spatial dynamics of zombie ant graveyards, and explores the optimal height for Ophiocordyceps unilateralis spore dispersal in a Bornean rainforest. While there is considerable research derived from alternative tropical regions, there is limited documentation of Ophiocordyceps fungi in Borneo. This paper aims to build on the current body of knowledge, focusing on the spatial dynamics of zombie ant graveyards, and in particular the height at which infected ants are found. In the present study, an area of Gunung Mulu National Park was searched for O. unilateralis-infected ants. Once an infected ant was located, the surrounding area was methodically searched to allow for the height and location of all surrounding ants to be recorded. Infected ants were found at variable heights between the four sites (means of 28.9–57.6 cm) above the expected height laid out in similar studies (approximately 25 cm). It is suggested that these heights may correspond to locations at which temperature and humidity are optimal for spore dispersal and fungal growth and that these heights differ depending on unique features of the environment.

STUDY OF LOCAL TOURIST SATISFACTION IN A RURAL DESTINATION AT MOUNT MULU NATIONAL PARK IN MIRI, SARAWAK

Tourism is associated with leisure and travelling, and is considered one of the fastest growing sectors that contribute significantly to the country’s economy, as well as bringing benefits directly to local communities. The Rural Tourism Master Plan was established in 2001, which defines rural tourism as an attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to experience Malaysia’s traditional culture and heritage away from urban areas. This study focuses on such tourism in the Gunung Mulu National Park, a famous natural park comprising underground caves, virgin rainforests and highlands. This research uses a quantitative approach with a random sampling technique because the procedure to select a unit for inclusion in a sample is much easier, quicker and cheaper. A questionnaire is distributed via Google Form to 500 local tourists who visited the park. The results of this research may be useful in marketing the Gunung Mulu National Park worldwide, besides fine-tuning programmes to attract tourists to the national park.

New herpetofaunal records from Gunung Mulu National Park and its surrounding areas in Borneo

Gunung Mulu National Park (GMNP) in northwestern Borneo is marked by high species diversity and diverse environments. We present one new amphibian and ten new reptile records from GMNP and its surrounding area. In the records, Asthenodipsas jamilinaisi and Garthius chaseni were newly recorded in the Sarawak State. We also present the first record of Cyrtodactylus muluensis from outside of GMNP and the second record of Opisthotropis typica from the park. Combined with previous information, a total of 108 amphibians and 104 reptiles are known from GMNP, and their preferred habitat types are diverse. Furthermore, observed male-male combat of Dopasia buettikoferi is the first detailed description of the genus. Two color morphs of D. buettikoferi had an identical ND2 haplotype and appeared to be the same species. The present study provides new information about Bornean amphibians and reptiles, and also emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring.

Towards a regional call library: Classifying calls of a species-rich bat assemblage in a Bornean karst rainforest

Acoustic monitoring with ultrasonic detectors has emerged, in recent years, as an essential tool to quantify the activity of echolocating, insectivorous bats and identify critical commuting and foraging habitats. Comprehensive reference call libraries are critical for the identification of species from their calls. This is especially important in species diverse areas like Gunung Mulu National Park (Sarawak). This study aims to (1) develop a call library for all known echolocating bat species found in Gunung Mulu National Park, (2) determine if calls of different species can be automatically classified using discriminant function analysis, and (3) examine intraspecific variation in relation to sex and geographical location, for calls in species of the families Rhinolophidae and Hipposideridae. Between 2012 and 2017, insectivorous bats were trapped within and outside the park. Echolocation calls were recorded from a total of 508 individuals, representing 31 species from 8 families. Results from discriminant function analysis indicated that the majority of cave roosting bats, which included Chaerephon plicatus, Miniopterus australis, Myotis horsfieldii and 13 species from the families Rhinolophidae, Hipposideridae, and Emballonuridae, could be readily distinguished from their calls, when manually separated into groups according to call structure. However, classification success was much lower for the remaining 15 species that consisted mainly of forest roosting bats from the family Vespertilionidae. This reference call library is expected to contribute to a regional online open-access database. It can be used to survey and monitor selected species in Gunung Mulu National Park as well as highlighting the importance of threatened habitats outside the boundary for these species.

Extended Cave Drip Water Time Series Captures the 2015–2016 El Niño in Northern Borneo

AbstractTime series of cave drip water oxygen isotopes (δ18O) provide site‐specific assessments of the contributions of climate and karst processes to stalagmite δ18O records employed for hydroclimate reconstructions. We present ~12‐year‐long time series of biweekly cave drip water δ18O variations from three sites as well as a daily resolved local rainfall δ18O record from Gunung Mulu National Park in northern Borneo. Drip water δ18O variations closely match rainfall δ18O variations averaged over the preceding 3–18 months. We observe coherent interannual drip water δ18O variability of ~3‰ to 5‰ related to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), with sustained positive rainfall and drip water δ18O anomalies observed during the 2015/2016 El Niño. Evidence of nonlinear behavior at one of three drip water monitoring sites implies a time‐varying contribution from a longer‐term reservoir. Our results suggest that well‐replicated, high‐resolution stalagmite δ18O reconstructions from Mulu could characterize past ENSO‐related variability in regional hydroclimate.

Uncovering karst endemism within Borneo: two new Cyrtodactylus species from Sarawak, Malaysia.

The island of Borneo lies within one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Despite this, its documented gekkonid diversity is not commensurate with other areas of Southeast Asia. The megadiverse genus Cyrtodactylus is especially underrepresented. Limestone-karst ecosystems, in particular, harbor many endemic Cyrtodactylus species, but only one karst-dwelling species is currently recognized from Borneo. This paper adds two additional karst-dwelling Cyrtodactylus species-C. muluensis sp. nov. and C. limajalur sp. nov.-from Sarawak, Malaysia. Cyrtodactylus muluensis sp. nov. is endemic to Gunung Mulu and is distinguished from its congeners by having a precloacal groove, 31-38 ventral scales, a maximum SVL of at least 88 mm, enlarged subcaudals, 19-20 subdigital lamellae, and a banded dorsal body pattern. Cyrtodactylus limajalur sp. nov. is endemic to the Serian region and is distinguished from its congeners by having 33-42 ventral scales, enlarged subcaudals, a precloacal pit, a maximum SVL of at least 94 mm, 5-6 enlarged femoral scales, 19-22 subdigital lamellae, and five distinct bands on the dorsum. Both species are phylogenetically distinct and deeply divergent from all other congeners. The description of two new karst-dwelling species highlights the need to conserve karst habitats and the endemic species they harbor.

Short Communication: Growth patterns of Shorea leprosula and Dryobalanops lanceolata in Borneo’s forest managed with Selective Cutting with Line Replanting System

Abstract. Tirkaamiana MT, Partasasmita R. Kamarubayana L. 2019. Growth patterns of Shorea leprosula and Dryobalanops lanceolata in Borneo’s forest managed with Selective Cutting with Line Replanting System. Biodiversitas 20: 1160-1165. Dryobalanops lanceolata is a species of plant in the family Dipterocarpaceae, which indigenous of Borneo. It is found in at least five protected areas (Kabilli-Sepilok Forest Reserve, Danum Valley Conservation Area, Ulu Temburong, Lambir, and Gunung Mulu National Parks), but is threatened elsewhere due to habitat loss. The demand for its timber is very high, so it requires conservation efforts while at the same time maintaining its productivity to meet the timber demand. One of the efforts to increase productivity of production forest in Indonesia is implementing Selective Logging with Line Replanting System (TPTJ). In this system superior species are planted in the planting lines. This study aimed to determine the growth of Shorea leprosula and Dryobalanops lanceolata planted in different planting line widths. Data of diameter increment of S. leprosula and D. lanceolata were obtained by observing 4 permanent sample plots (PUP) at concession areas of PT Balikpapan Forest Industries in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The results showed that the average diameter increment of S. leprosula and D. lanceolata at the planting line width of 3 meters was 1.47cm/yr and 0.74 cm/yr respectively, and at the planting line width of 6 meters was 2.08 cm/yr and 1.14 cm/yr respectively. The differences in planting line width had very significant effect on the growth and diameter increment of S. leprosula, presumably due to the increase of light intensity to optimal level which accelerates stomata opening and transpiration rate, thus affecting the rate of photosynthesis.

Description of larvae of two species of Coeliccia Selys, 1865 from Sarawak, identified using DNA barcoding (Odonata: Platycnemididae)

The final stadium (F) larva of Coeliccia flavostriata Laidlaw, 1918, is described and illustrated based on a mature male specimen, collected at Gunung Serapi, Sarawak, East Malaysia. The larva of Coeliccia campioni Laidlaw, 1918, is described from an immature (F-2?) female specimen from Gunung Mulu, Sarawak, East Malaysia. Larvae were identified by matching the mitochondrial marker COI with that of known adult specimens from several localities throughout Sarawak. The specimens presented close matches with all adults in this gene. Despite the disparity in maturity of the specimens several morphological differences, likely to be reflected in the mature larva of C. campioni, are identified. Comparisons with known larval descriptions of other Coeliccia species are provided. It is concluded that molecular analysis will eventually provide the most reliable practical method of determining the species of larvae of many species from this diverse genus.

The Begonia flora of Gunung Mulu and Gunung Buda National Parks, Sarawak, Borneo, including five new species

An account of the twenty Begonia species from the Gunung Mulu and Gunung Buda National Parks is presented with illustrated descriptions of five new species (Begonia argentii, B. jokwaniana, B. lansatensis, B. muluensis and B. vulgarioides) and one new record (Begonia chlorocarpa Irmsch. ex Sands). A key for their identification is provided.

Elatostema muluense (Urticaceae), a new species from the extraordinary caves of Gunung Mulu National Park, Malaysia

A new species, Elatostema muluense, is described and illustrated. It is endemic to the limestone karst of Gunung Mulu National Park and most closely resembles E. pinnativenium, a species from Kinabalu Park in Sabah. An assessment of its conservation status using IUCN categories and methodologies evaluates the species as Vulnerable to extinction (VU).

Interpretation of El Niño–Southern Oscillation‐related precipitation anomalies in north‐western Borneo using isotopic tracers

AbstractWe examined rainfall anomalies associated with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in northern Sarawak, Malaysia, using the oxygen isotopic composition of rainfall. Two precipitation‐sampling campaigns were conducted for isotope analysis: (a) at the Lambir Hill National Park (4.2° N, 114.0° E) from July 2004 to October 2006 and (b) at the Gunung Mulu National Park (3.9° N, 114.8° E) from January 2006 to July 2008. The records from these campaigns were merged with a previously published rainfall isotope dataset from Gunung Mulu site to create a 7‐year‐long record of the oxygen isotopic composition of Sarawak rainfall. The record exhibits clear intraseasonal variations (ISVs) with periods ranging from 10 to 70 days. The ISVs of 10‐ to 90‐day band‐pass filtered oxygen isotopic composition are linked to the synoptic‐scale precipitation anomalies over the southern South China Sea (SCS). The lead–lag correlation map of precipitation with the filtered oxygen isotope anomalies shows that an anomalous wet condition responsible for the decrease in oxygen isotopic composition appears over the SCS in association with the passage of north‐eastward propagation of the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO) in the summer monsoon season. The anomalous wet condition in spring is connected with eastward‐propagating Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), whereas the sustained wet condition in winter is responsible for the occurrence of the Borneo vortex (BV) over the SCS. ENSO modulates the frequency of these synoptic conditions on a seasonal and longer time scale, showing a strong correlation between the seasonal isotopic anomalies and the Southern Oscillation index. We therefore discern, from the significant correlation between the isotope anomalies and area‐averaged Sarawak rainfall anomalies (R = −0.65, p < 0.01), that ENSO‐related precipitation anomalies are linked to the seasonal modulation of the BSISO and MJO activity and BV genesis.

New records of guano-associated minerals from caves in northwestern Borneo

Recent studies of ancient bat guano deposits in the caves of Gunung Mulu National Park and Niah National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia, have resulted in noteworthy records of phosphate minerals from these environments, including variscite, nano-particulate silica, fluorapatite, and niter.

Outstanding Universal Values of the Malaysian Forests

Two national parks in Malaysia have been recognized by the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World‟s Cultural and Natural Heritage as the world heritage sites; the Gunung Mulu National Park and Kinabalu Park. None of the forest in Peninsular Malaysia has achieved that status but four have made it through the nomination list. The Malaysian government‟s recent initiative was to list three reserved areas, namely the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), the Royal Belum National Park and the Gombak Selangor Quartz Ridge. The nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage Site is indeed a good move in protecting the Malaysian forest. Even though there is no direct mention of „forest‟ stated under the Convention, it tacitly indicates the importance of the conservation of natural forest habitat for flora and fauna and a heritage for humankind. An outstanding forest site shall be conferred a world heritage status when it possesses at least one of the criteria of an Outstanding Universal Value or OUV. Ten criteria are listed as OUV in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention and it is divided as a cultural or natural heritage. This paper explores on the OUV of Malaysian forests, either included in or nominated to the World Heritage List. It describes the different OUV opted by different forest and that exemplifies the diversity and uniqueness of Malaysian forest.