PENCINTA ALAM - Malaysian Nature Society (MNS)

life of the Orang Asli, live near to the aborigine made usfeel like part of them, we slept very early, and wake upvery early before sunrise, the night sky was really beautifuland clear, without any light pollution, the the heavenfor stargazing. The morning call started with the hen, andcontinued by the beautiful bird songs. The orang asli kidsare playful and shy. I really admire their childhood.The not so good experiences, was mainly thelogging activities, it shouldn't be allowed in the forest reserve,otherwise, what is the purpose of reserving the forestfor logging?Ch’ien Ch’ien Lee (CCL): The trip was very enjoyablenot just for the opportunity to see so many hornbills, butalso to get the chance to explore some of the forestaround BT. We were fortunate to see Rafflesia cantleyiin bloom, which was a big plus.Q2: All of you have assisted MNS Conservation teamin collating research data through this Hornbill VolunteerProgramme. What kind of impact would youlike to see at the end of these volunteer programmes?AK: To see that the main reason for this project to comeabout being fufilled. Keeping Belum-Temengor and itsspecies and also the indigenous people intact without anychanges particularly impact of logging oil palm plantationsetc.ASC: Quickly declare Temenggor Forest Reserve as astate park and stop all logging activities.LBY: More awareness of the value of the BelumTemenggor area and the need to prevent the overharvestingof huge trees that are contained within that couldbe nesting places for hornbills, especially the Plainpouch. Also perhaps some sustainable economic ecotourismactivity can be generated for the Orang asli community.LKW: Government 's concern.LLL: When you look at the figure, you will be surpriseand hope MNS can achieve the objective by continuouslycarried out the project. Save the forest, save the birds.LMN: Hopefully, we have helped in getting more accuratedata for the Hornbill Conservation programme.SBE: Stop logging in this area, and preserve the forestfor the plain-pouched hornbill and other birdlife andwildlife. Reduce the human activities there, especiallyvisitor to the park.Last but not least, please do not introduce anyforeign species to Belum-Temengor forest, especially theOrang Utan from Borneo.CCL: I see the work we have been doing as only the beginningof the real research, as it seems there is a lot wedon't know about this species. Sure we have ascertainedthat there is a very substanial population of PPHB in thisreserve, but there are lots of other questions such aswhere are these birds dispersing to year-round? As a volunteer,I would be very interested to hear about followupresearch concerning this species.PROGRAMME ITINERARY FOR 2009PACKAGE 1 [4D/3N]Day 1- Arrival in Banding Island Jetty, Gerik, Perak (2.00 p.m.)- Boat transfer from Banding Island to Kampung Tebang- Introduction and familiarization with the indigenous Jahaicommunity at village- Hornbill monitoring (5.30 – 7.30 p.m.) in Kampung TebangDay 2- Hornbill monitoring (6.45 – 9.00 a.m.)- Activities in Kg Tebang or excursion- Hornbill monitoring (5.30 – 7.30 p.m.) in Kampung TebangDay 3- Hornbill monitoring (6.45 – 9.00 a.m.)- Activities in Kg Tebang or excursion- Hornbill monitoring (5.30 –7.30 p.m.)Day 4- Hornbill monitoring (6.45 – 9.00 am)- Debrief by Group Leader and Coordinator- Departure to Banding Island JettyPACKAGE 2 [5D/4N]Day 1-3 Follows as per Package 1.Day 4- Hornbill monitoring (6.45a.m. – 9.00 am)- Activities in Kg Tebang or excursion- Hornbill monitoring (5.30 – 7.30 p.m.)Day 5- Hornbill monitoring (6.45 a.m. – 9.00 am)- Departure to Banding Island JettyActivities in Temengor may include camp crafts, herbal gardenplanting, hut enhancement and raft building. Excursionsin Temengor may include visits to nearby waterfall, salt licksand Rafflesia sites.INTERESTED? Email Jessie at community@mns.org.myfor more details4