No worries

SATREPS-PUBS

The 2nd Workshop

15 November, 2022

All times in Malaysia Time (UTC +8). Japan time is one hour ahead (UTC +9).

9:00-9:30 | Opening remarks & Plenary
Dr. Takao Itioka
Professor, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto
University
Title: The key activities in the project finally started! Report on the progressstatus and the future outlook

9:30-11:50 |Progress from Master and PhD candidate
students & Postdocs
Ms. Khairunnisa Binti Othman
Master's Program (Environmental Management), Kyoto University
Research Officer, Forest Department Sarawak
Title: Effects of Myrmecophytism on Species-diversity of Phyllosphere
Microfungi on Macaranga sp. at two Sarawak Lowland Forests
Ms. Ajuwin Lain
Master's Program (Environmental Management), Kyoto University
Research Officer, Sarawak Biodiversity Centre
Title: Biodiversity and Endemism of Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) Fungi Inhabiting theForest Ecosystem in Sarawak
Ms. Jamilah Binti Hassan
Master's Program (Environmental Management), Kyoto University

1Research Officer, Sarawak Biodiversity Centre
Title: Elucidation of Diversity for Wood-decaying Fungi in Sarawak
Mr. Clement Het Kaliang
Conservation Officer, Sarawak Forestry Corporation
PhD Candidate, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto
University
Title: Temporal trends in populations of phytophagous hemipteran insect
species in a Bornean tropical rainforest
Ms. Voon Mufeng
Wildlife Officer, Sarawak Forestry Corporation
PhD Candidate, Graduate School of Urban Environmental Sciences, Tokyo
Metropolitan University
Title: "Clouds in the highlands? Yes, and it includes leopards" - A research plan
Dr. Yosuke Kojima
Postdoctoral Researcher, Graduate School of Human and Environmental
Studies, Kyoto University
Title: Progress of behavioural studies on reptiles and amphibians of Sarawak
Dr. Takafumi Mizuno
Expert, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Postdoctoral fellow, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies,
Kyoto University
Title: Curation of insect specimens for a study of population dynamics ofCarabid beetles
11:50 – 13:30| Lunch break

13:30-14:50 | Research highlights
Dr. Tomoaki Ichie (online)
Professor, Kochi University
Title: Identification of tree age and growth rate by using xylem Δ14C in aseasonal
tropical forests2

Ms. Bibian Diway
Forest Department Sarawak
Title: New locality and bud growth of the world biggest flower, Rafflesia tuanmudae, in Naha Jaley, Sarawak, Malaysia
Dr. Yoshiaki Hashimoto
Professor, University of Hyogo
Title: Mimicry constraints on the jumping and prey-capturing abilities of antmimetic jumping spiders (Myrmarachne, Salticidae) - Through the Looking-Glass:reflection of ant-diversity in ant-mimics
Dr. Kanto Nishikawa
Associate Professor, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies,
Kyoto University
Title: Recent progress of systematic studies on amphibians and reptiles from
Sarawak

14:50-16:10 | Progress from core subprojects
Dr. Satoshi Yamashita
Senior Researcher, Center for Biodiversity and Climate Change, Forestry andForest Products Research Institute
Title: Biodiversity survey manual: PUBS-SATREPS
Dr. Usun Shimizu-kaya
Assistant professor, Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane
University
Title: Digitalization on biodiversity studies: specimen collections and plant
phenology observation
Dr. Hirotoshi Sato
Assistant professor, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies,
Kyoto University
Title: Toward the active use of high throughput sequencing in Sarawak
Dr. Shinya Numata
Professor, Department of Tourism Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University3Title: System development for wildlife tourism and conservation in protectedareas with rainforests

16:10 | Closing remarks
Mr. Jack Liam
Deputy Director, Forest Department Sarawak (Forest Conservation andDevelopment)

4

The key activities in the project finally started!:report on the progress status and the future outlook
Takao ITIOKA1*
1 Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies Kyoto University*Corresponding author: ichioka.takao.5m@kyoto-u.ac.jp

Abstract:
After the two and a half year of "hibernation" forced by the Covid-19 pandemic, wefinally started our PUBS research activities in Sarawak three months ago.
A type of inclusive field survey for unveiling the entire biodiversity in the protectedarea is called SBPS (Survey for Biodiversity in the Protected areas in Sarawak), which isone of the key activities of our project, PUBS. In SBPS, various types of surveys withvarious methods targeting various taxa in the wide range of organisms, including insects,
fungi, plants and vertebrates are conducted in the field at more than 15 protected areas allover Sarawak in collaboration with Sarawakian and Japanese researchers studying thewide range of academic fields. In late August this year, we conducted a group survey atSantubong National Park as the first event of SBPS and at Lambir Hills National Park as
the second event. In this talk, I will report how the SBPS events were going, with a brief
explanation of future SBPS plans and some research subjects closely related with SBPS.
In parallel to the beginning of SBPS, development of infrastructure and researchfacilities for strengthening research in biodiversity sciences, which is another key activityof our project, has significantly advanced. Various types of equipment, such as the next
generation DNA sequencers (NGSs), their peripheral equipment, deep-freezers, microscope, and digital microscope with 3-D image scanning function, that provide powerfulsupport for Sarawakian's research on the biodiversity sciences were introduced to thethree research organizations, FDS, SFC and SBC, from late July to October, 2022. In the
talk I will also explain about the functions and merits of various devices of the researchequipment not only in the academic fields of biodiversity sciences, but also in the multipurposes of people in the wide range of Sarawak society outside the academic fields whenutilizing findings from research activities in biodiversity sciences as intellectual resources,
with a brief introduction of research plans to be implemented in the near future under
PUBS.
Keywords: biodiversity sciences, capacity building of scientific research, National Parks
in Sarawak, Official Development Assistance, PUBS (SATREPS-JST/JICA)

5

Effects of Myrmecophytism on Species-diversity of Phyllosphere
Microfungi on Macaranga sp. at two Sarawak Lowland Forests
Khairunnisa Othman1*, Takao Itioka2*, Kaya Shimizu3*, Hirotoshi Sato2*, Kanto Nishikawa 4*

1 Research, Development and Innovation Division, Forest Department Sarawak, KM.10, Jalan
Datuk Amar Kalong Ningkan, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak
2 Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies,
Kyoto University, Yoshida-Nihonmatsu-cho, Sakyo-ku, 606-8501 Kyoto, Japan

3 Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shimane University, Matsue, Japan
4 Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies,
Kyoto University, Yoshida-Nihonmatsu-cho, Sakyo-ku, 606-8501 Kyoto, Japan*Corresponding Author: khairuno@sarawak.gov.my

Abstract: The genus Macaranga belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae, one of the largest
families of Angiosperms. It comprises both myrmecophyte and non-myrmecophyte
species. The myrmecophytism provides the plants with protection against herbivore
damage, vine covers, and pathogens. Ants are known to secrete antimicrobial substancesfrom the glands on the body surface and then the substances are expected to havesignificant influences on species compositions of phyllosphere fungi on leaves ofMacaranga myrmecophytes. Phyllosphere fungi include not only species that provide
negative effects on growth performance in the host plants as pathogens but also those thatprovide positive effects as mutualistic symbiont microbes. Therefore, species
compositions of phyllosphere fungi and the effects of myrmecophytism on the species
compositions should be important for the understanding of growth, survival process,fitness, and dynamics of an interactive process between plants and plant-ants. This study
aims to clarify the effects of plant-ant presence on the phyllosphere microfungal
community of Macaranga in Sarawak by comparing the species-compositions of fungal
community between myrmecophytic and non-myrmecophytic species, using Illumina
MiSeq sequencing system as well as to evaluate variation in phyllosphere fungal diversity
between areas. To achieve the aim, so far, Macaranga leaf samples have been collectedfrom 85 Macaranga individuals belonging to 9 myrmecophytic species and 3 nonmyrmecophytic species in Santubong National Park and Lambir Hills National Park.
Keywords: ant-plant interactions, ant-fungus interactions, Borneo, fungal diversity,
phyllosphere microorganisms, tropical rainforests

6

Biodiversity and Endemism of Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) Fungi
Inhabiting the Forest Ecosystem in Sarawak
Ajuwin Lain1*, Hirotoshi Sato2, Satoshi Yamashita3, Kanto Nishikawa4
1 Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, KM20, Jalan Borneo Heights Semengoh, 93250 Kuching,
Sarawak Malaysia
2 Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida
Nihonmatsu-Cho, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
3 Center for Biodiversity and Climate Change, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute,
Forest Research and Management Organization, 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687,
Japan
4 Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida NihonmatsuCho, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan*Corresponding author: ajuwin@sbc.org.my

Abstract: Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi involved in obligatory symbiosis with several
major tree families are invaluable to most forest ecosystems. Most studies on the ecology
and biodiversity of ECM fungi have focused on temperate forests in the Northern
Hemisphere. Thus, little is known about ECM fungal communities in tropical ecosystems,
particularly in the pale tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, which are characterized bya high abundance of ECM host trees. We need to extend our current knowledge about thebiodiversity of ECM fungi in tropical rainforests to understand the global biodiversity of
ECM fungi better. Therefore, this study aims to examine species diversity and endemismof ECM fungi inhabiting tropical rainforests in Sarawak and to understand factors that
determine the biogeography of ECM fungi. The investigation was conducted in tropicalrainforests consisting of dipterocarp and fagaceous trees. To perform the abovementioned research scheme, ECM samples (plant roots) were collected on targeted plantfamilies (Dipterocarpceae and Fagaceae) by field survey in forests of the national parksof Sarawak. Then, the DNA barcoding approach is attempted to perform species
identification of both ECM fungi and host plants from ectomycorrhizal samples. Basedon the obtained DNA sequences, the diversity and endemism of ECM fungi inhabiting
tropical rainforests in Sarawak are evaluated.
Keywords: Ectomycorrhizal, Fungi, Tropical Forest, Sarawak

7

Elucidation of Diversity for Wood-decaying Fungi in Sarawak
Jamilah Hassan1*, Satoshi Yamashita2, Hirotoshi Sato3, Kanto Nishikawa4
1 Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, Kuching, Sarawak
2 Center for Biodiversity and Climate Change, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute,Japan
3 Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Japan
4 Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Japan*Corresponding Author: milah@sbc.org.my

Abstract: Polypore fungi play an important role as wood decomposers and pathogens inforest ecosystems. They produce large, easy-to-see fruiting bodies that last for a longtime, thus acting as indicators of human impact on forest ecosystems. Ganoderma andAmauroderma are polypore fungi that are widely distributed in temperate and tropicalforests. Ganoderma australe and Amauroderma subrugosum are common species inlowland areas of Sarawak. Ganoderma australe forms its fruiting bodies on the trunks ofliving or dead trees, while A. subrugosum forms its fruiting bodies on the ground, mostprobably using buried dead trunks or roots. The objective of this study is to delimit the
species of these two fungi and to determine the diagnostic morphological characteristics
and interspecific differences in ecological traits (e.g., habitat of fruiting bodies). The
fruiting bodies of G. australe and A. subrugosum, as well as related species, werecollected from decayed logs, dead trunks, and buried dead roots in the three national park
areas (Santubong, Kubah, and Lambir Hill) in Sarawak, Malaysia. A total of 278 fungal
fruiting bodies were collected and identified based on morphological characteristics,
including phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences. DNA amplification of the collectedmaterial will estimate species boundaries using molecular phylogeny and population
genetic approaches. Finally, diagnostic morphological characteristics and ecological traitsof each species will be evaluated.

Keywords: wood-decaying, fungi, national park, Sarawak, Ganoderma, Amauroderma8Temporal Trends in Populations of Phytophagous Hemipteran Insect
Species in a Bornean Tropical Rainforest
Clement Het KALIANG1*
1 Sarawak Forestry Corporation,
Biodiversity Conservation & Research Division
Fauna Research & Conservation - Terrestrial*Corresponding author: hethk70@gmail.com

Abstract:
Bornean lowland forests as habitats for insects are characterized by extremely weakseasonality in climate with everlasting high temperature and high humidity. The
seasonalities in life history and temporal population trends have not been elucidated formost of the arthropod species there. It remains unclarified how they adjusted their life
histories or population growth to the weak seasonal patterns in the climate. Bornean
lowland forests as arthropod habitats are also characterized by community-level
synchronous reproductive masting (CSR) in tree assemblage, called general flowering.
And, it also remains unclarified how do insect species respond to occurrence of masting
reproduction except for some species of several insect taxa. So far, temporal fluctuationsin abundance of several insect taxa, such as some species in two phytophagous
coleopteran families, Chrysomelidae and Scarabaeidae, those in a xylophagous
coleopteran family, Passalidae, and the giant honey bee (Apis dorsata) had been
determined in relation to temporal patterns in climatic conditions and occurrence of CSR.
In this study, we are going to focus on the temporal fluctuating patterns of phytophagous
hemipteran in responds to the temporal patterns of climatic conditions and CSR
occurrences. Hypothetically, differences in basic biology, especially for the food habit,
between phytophagous coleopterans and the target phytophagous hemipterans were
expected to have a relatively significant effect on their temporal patterns. Under the PUBS,
to examine the hypothesis, I have targeted phytophagous hemipteran species the huge
number of specimens of which were collected from a series of monthly light trapping
conducted in Lambir Hills National Park for more than six years. As it is necessary forquantitative analyses on the temporal trends at species level, we are going to apply
molecular techniques by using the NGS, in addition to species identification as
morphospecies under the microscope.
Keywords: Hemiptera, phytophagous insects, population fluctuation, population
dynamics, supra-annual climatic variation.

9

"Clouds in the highlands? Yes, and it includes leopards" - A research
plan
Voon Mufeng1*
1 Wildlife Officer, SARAWAK FORESTRY CORPORATIONPhD Candidate, Graduate School of Urban Environmental Sciences,
Tokyo Metropolitan University*Corresponding author: voonm@sarawakforestry.com

Abstract: The largest predator on the Borneo Island is the Bornean Clouded Leopard(Neofelis diardi borneensis), a subspecies described in 2011, along with the BatuSumatran subspecies (Neofelis diardi diardi). The N. diardi borneensis is native to
Borneo and is distinctly different from its mainland cousin Neofelis nebulosa. Unlike N.
nebulosa, the Bornean Clouded Leopard is still understudied and although researchers
have started to look into the spatial ecology and genetics aspects of the species, there arestill a lot of research gap that needs to be bridged urgently, with the subspecies currently
listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List. This paper outlined the research plan to close
some of the gaps by investigating the multi-faceted dimensions of Bornean Clouded
Leopard study, in particular at Pulong Tau National Park and its surrounding areas. The
project is divided into three main components: a) population and spatial ecology of the
Bornean Clouded Leopards; b) factors influencing habitat preference; and c) assessmentof the resource use of the local community and the impact on the Bornean Clouded
Leopard conservation. Subsequently, the empirical data could be used to formulate arealistic and practical landscape-level conservation plan to protect the native species.
Keywords: Bornean Clouded Leopard, research plan10

Progress of behavioural studies on reptiles and amphibians of Sarawak
Yosuke Kojima1*
1 Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University*Corresponding author: kojima.yosuke.2d@kyoto-u.ac.jp

Abstract:
Sarawak is one of the most biodiverse regions on the earth. In order to understand thebiodiversity of Sarawak, my colleagues and I have conducted behavioural studies on
reptiles and amphibians, which represent vertebrate diversity. For example, we
conducted fieldwork in Gunung Mulu National Park and observed feeding behavior of
blunt-headed snail-eating snake (Aplopeltura boa), which is rather obscure in terms of
behaviour. We found that blunt-headed snail-eating snakes cut off the inedible
operculum from snails they eat using sliding movements of the mandible. This behavior
is unusual in two points. First, most of 4,000 species of snakes are not able to breaktheir prey apart as a consequence of highly-specialized morphology and behaviour for
swallowing prey whole. Second, the peculiar behaviour was made possible by radicallymodified jaw morphology, in which the left and right mandibles move back and forth in
an independent manner. This feeding mechanism may be unique to snail-eating snakes
among vertebrates. Thus, the prey-severing behaviour of the blunt-headed snail-eating
snakes provides an unique example of feeding adaptations among snakes or vertebrates
in general. We also investigated the availability of the snails. As a result, operculatesnails were much more common than non-operculate snails in the habitat of the snake.
Therefore, the blunt-headed snail-eating snakes presumably have gained a lot of new
feeding opportunities by the behavioral innovation. I also report other findings from ourrecent researches, including those from our latest fieldwork in Santubong National Parkand Lambir Hills National Park last month, and discuss how such information can beused to interpret and protect biodiversity.
Keywords: Reptiles, Amphibians, Animal behaviour

11Curation of insect specimens for a study of population dynamics ofCarabid beetles
Mizuno Takafumi 1*
1 Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University*Corresponding author: mizuno.takafumi.2x@kyoto-u.ac.jp

Abstract: Curation is activities related to assembling, managing, and presenting
collections. For biological specimens managing the collections means not only keeping
them in a good condition but also sorting and labeling them and digitalizing thespecimen’s ID with other related information, for example DNA data and photos. Many
insect specimens can be easily collected with traps whereas lab work after field collecting(sorting, labeling, and data entry) is time-consuming and researchers normally handle
only their target taxa and just keep the remaining samples, which results in many unsorted
and unlabeled specimens being deposited. However, these unsorted specimens also havegreat scientific value. I have been sorting and labeling carabid beetles which werecollected monthly in Lambir Hills national park for over 6 years and will show the sixyears population dynamics of the carabid beetles. I also would like to introduce a highaccuracy digital microscope that can facilitate data digitalization by creating highresolution focus-stacking photos very quickly.
Keywords: Curation, high-resolution focus-stacking photos, Carabidae, population
dynamics

12

Identification of tree age and growth rates by using xylem Δ14C inaseasonal tropical forests
Tomoaki Ichie1*
1

Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University, Japan*Corresponding author: ichie@kochi-u.ac.jp

Abstract: The identification of the age and growth of each tree from its rings has beendifficult in aseasonal tropical rain forests, because they are not formed clearly due to noclimate seasonality. Tree growth history, however, provides important information for us
about response from trees and forests to past environmental changes including logging
and global warming. This study was designed to establish a new technique and check its
accuracy for the determination of tree growth rates and ages from radiocarbon (14C)
concentrations in xylem tissue by using a drastic decrease in 14C content in atmospheric
CO2 after the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1963. We selected 23 individuals of 12 species
in 6 families in Pasoh Forest Reserve in Malaysia. Their stem diameters at breast height(DBH) had been recorded continuously since 1969. Wood core samples were collectedfrom each individual and 14C concentrations were measured at 2 to 5 points in the core
where xylem was probably formed between 1969 and 2000 based on the past DBH
records. And we then estimated the growth rate from the xylem formation years
determined by 14C dating and the past records. As a result, we found a significant positive
relation between the two growth rates determined by 14C dating and calculated from DBH
data respectively. This has demonstrated that we can identify the growth rate of each tree
even in aseasonal tropical rain forests with high accuracy by conducting 14C analyses ofxylem. Moreover, we could use this method for the dating of tropical secondary forests
after the abandonment of shifting cultivation with high accuracy in Sarawak.
Keywords: Aseasonal tropical rain forest, Radiocarbon dating, Tree growth rate, Longterm ecological data, Tropical secondary forest
Related publication: Ichie, T., Igarashi, S., Yoshihara, R.et al. Verification of theaccuracy of the recent 50 years of tree growth and long-term change in intrinsic wateruse efficiency using xylem Δ14C and δ13C in trees in an aseasonal tropical rainforest.
Methods Ecol Evol, 13, 1135-1147 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.13823

13

Press release (Japanese Only)
高知大学

年輪がない熱帯樹木の過去 50 年間の成長量や生理的応答を高精度に特定～気候変動の影響解析や熱帯雨林の保護・管理手法の開発に期待～
JIRCAS

過去 50 年間の気候変動により熱帯雨林樹木の成長や水利用効率が変化した

14

New locality and bud growth of the world biggest flower, Rafflesia
tuan-mudae, in Naha Jaley, Sarawak, Malaysia
Bibian Diway1*, Yasuo Yasui2, Hideki Innan3, Yayoi Takeuchi34
1 Research Development and Innovation Division, Sarawak
2 Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Japan
3 School of Advanced Sciences, Graduate University for Advanced Studies, , Japan
4 Biodiversity Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japan*Corresponding author: bibianm@sarawak.gov.my

Abstract: The paper which already published in TROPICS described a new Rafflesia
population was found in Naha Jaley, Sarawak, in 2012. This study aimed to identify thisRafflesia species and investigate its bud growth. First, we described the flower
characteristics and compared them with Rafflesia keithii and R. tuan-mudae, which are
candidate species for the flower. Also, we investigated the phylogenetic position of thisRafflesia within Rafflesiaceae using DNA analysis. To estimate bud growth curve, we
observed bud development from April 2013 to November 2013 in the field. Based onmorphological comparisons and phylogenetic analysis, we confirmed the newly
discovered population of the Rafflesia at Naha Jaley was R. tuan-mudae, which is the new
locality of the species at the most Eastern side of the known distribution for this species.
The results indicated that absolute growth rate was greater in larger buds. We also
estimated that it took a year to bloom from the initial bud stage. The mortality in one of
our sites was very high, with more than 80% of buds dead prior to flower opening. Thisflower would be vulnerable to extinction due to their extraordinary characteristics andanthropogenetic effects. Finally, we discussed how Rafflesia populations in Naha Jaley
can be conserved both in-situ and ex-situ.
Keywords: discovery, bud development, phylogenetic
analysis, morphological comparison, Rafflesia keithii
Related publication: Diway B, Yasui Y, Innan H, Takeuchi
Y. 2022. New locality and bud growth of the world biggest
flower, Rafflesia tuan-mudae, in Naha Jaley, Sarawak,
Malaysia. TROPICS 30 (4): 71–82.
https://doi.org/10.3759/tropics.MS21-14

15

Press release & related articles
In Japanese

国立環境研究所 世界最大の花・ラフレシアの新産地とその生態の解明 地域社会による生息
域内保全の促進に期待
JST news 2022 年 5 月号 NEWS & TOPICS ラフレシア 開花直前に急成長、花芽の 8 割は枯れる

In English
JST Science Japan Rapid growth directly before flowering, 80% of buds wither: Clarifying theecology of Rafflesia, one of the largest flowers in the world

In Chinese

客観日本 世界上最大的花—大王花的生态特性：开花前快速生长，80％的花芽会枯萎

16Mimicry constraints on the jumping and prey-capturing abilities of
ant-mimetic jumping spiders (Myrmarachne, Salticidae) - Through the
Looking-Glass: reflection of ant-diversity in ant-mimics
Yoshiaki Hashimoto1*, Tomoji Endo2, Takeshi Yamasaki1, Fujio Hyodo3, Takao Itioka4
1 University of Hyogo/ Museum of Nature and Human Activities, Japan.
2 School of Human Sciences, Kobe College, Hyogo, Japan.
3 Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama University, Japan.
4 Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Japan.
*Corresponding author: yoshiaki@hitohaku.jp

Abstract: Ants show enormous abundance and species diversity is the tropics, and thehigh diversity of ant-mimics is also found in the regions. If the species richness among
ant-mimics has been promoted by the ant biodiversity, there should be a correlation
between diversification of models and mimics. To assess this assumption, we have long
investigated how ant biodiversity is reflected in ant spider biodiversity in the tropicalforests of Sarawak, Malaysia. In tropical forests, Myrmarachne (Salticidae) is the moststriking example of ant mimicry, all species of which bear a striking resemblance todifferent ant species. Accurate morphological ant mimicry by Myrmarachne jumping
spiders confers strong protective benefits
against predators. However, the slenderand constricted ant-like appearance seems
to impose costs on hunting ability because
their jumping power to capture prey isobtained from hydraulic pressure in theirbodies; however, the assumption has
remains to be sufficiently investigated. We
compared the jumping and prey-capturing
abilities of seven Myrmarachne species
and non-mimetic salticids collected fromtropical forests in Malaysian Borneo andnortheastern Thailand. We found that the
Figure Studied species of Myrmarachne antmimics had significantly reduced abilities mimetic jumping spiders, except M. malayana. (a)Myrmarachne acromegalis, (b) M. cornuta, (c) M.
compared with the non-mimics. The use hashimotoi,(d) M. melanocephala, (e) M.
of geometric morphometric techniques maxillosa, and (f) M. plataleoides. (Photo credit:
Corresponding author).

17

revealed that the reductions were strongly associated with the morphological traits for ant
mimicry and the lower abilities were found in Myrmarachne species with a morenarrowed form. These results indicate the hunting performances are constrained by themorphological mimicry and provide a new insight into understanding the cost–benefit
balance of accurate mimicry.
Keywords: Ant mimicry, Tropical forest, Biodiversity creation, Mimicry constraints,
Southeast Asian tropics
Related publication: Hashimoto, Y., Endo, T., Yamasaki, T. et al. Constraints on thejumping and prey-capture abilities of ant-mimicking spiders (Salticidae, Salticinae,
Myrmarachne). Sci Rep 10, 18279 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-75010-y
Press release (Japanese Only)

兵庫県立人と自然の博物館 アリそっくりに擬態するアリグモ属が、擬態によって跳躍力や獲物の捕獲能力を低下させていることを発見
JST トピックス そっくり過ぎると損もする ～ 蟻そっくりに擬態するアリグモ属は、擬態によって本来の跳躍力や捕食能力が低下していることを発見（マレーシアで実施する
SATREPS プロジェクトより）

18

Recent Progress of Systematic Studies on Amphibians and Reptiles
from Sarawak
Kanto Nishikawa1*
1 Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Japan*Corresponding author: nishikawa.kanto.8v@skyoto-u.ac.jp

Abstract: Recent vigorous and intensive field surveys combined with advanced
molecular and acoustic analyses have increased descriptions of new species ofamphibians and reptiles in Sarawak in the last decade. Most of the new species are cryptic
species but discovering completely new taxa is also known. Probably, this species
increment will continue for more decades. In order to complete the herpetofaunal survey
over Sarawak, we must survey not only unexplored areas remained but also unexplored
habitat even in well-known national parks and human settlement areas. In thispresentation, I introduce some recent taxonomic studies on Sarawakian amphibians andreptiles, especially focusing on the achievements of our group of the Japan ResearchConsortium for Tropical Forests, and the result of our latest survey in the Santubong
National Park in this August. Finally, I briefly discuss on future strategy and schedule on
the inventory of amphibians and reptiles in Sarawak.

Keywords: inventory, amphibians, reptiles, Santubong, Sarawak

19

Biodiversity survey manual: PUBS-SATREPSSatoshi YAMASHITA1*
1 Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute*Corresponding Author: symsht@affrc.go.jp

Abstract: Under the SATREPS-PUBS project, we have just started to conduct
comprehensive surveys on biodiversity in protected areas in Sarawak (SBPS) to reveal
gamma diversity of plants, fungi, insects, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals there. In
parallel with the SBPS, we are now preparing manuals on biodiversity survey in the field
for each target group to promote the biodiversity survey in Sarawak. This manual will beorganized as follow; introduction, plants/vegetation (a standardized belt-transect survey
method, Permanent Sample Plot (PSP), tree census in tropical secondary forests,
Macaranga), insects (wild bees, termites, light trap, flight intercept trap, malaise trap),
fungi (ectomycorrhizal fungi, epifoliar fungi, polypore fungi), vertebrates (reptile,amphibian, confiscated wildlife body parts) and DNA analysis (sequence data processing
using the Claident software). In this presentation, I will explain the contents of each items
by showing an example of the manual on a standardized belt-transect survey method torecord the local flora. I hope this manual will help those who will start to collect samples
and data through field work and to conduct molecular experiment for the assessment of
biodiversity in the tropical forests of Sarawak.
Keywords: field survey, National Parks, SBPS, textbook

20

Digitalization on biodiversity studies:
specimen collections and plant phenology observation
Usun Shimizu-kaya1*, Asano Iku2, Mohamad Nafri Bin Ali3, Takafumi Mizuno4,
Paulus Meleng3, Takao Itioka4
1 Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, Japan
2 School of General Education, Shinshu University, Japan
3 Research Development & Innovation Division, Forest Department Sarawak*Corresponding Author: ushimizu-kaya@life.shimane-u.ac.jp

Abstract: Digitalization of biodiversity data is fundamental to actively proceed thebiodiversity studies. We have tried to make the digitalization and the databasing for (1)the 86 insect type specimens (including 44 holotypes) that were mainly collected from
Lambir Hills National Park (LHNP) and have been kept in Kuching Insectarium of Forest
Department Sarawak, and (2) the five thousand plant specimens that have been kept in
the laboratory in LHNP. The first step of the procedure was the preservation of specimens
in the proper way at the insectarium/herbarium. Then, entering the information of
specimen label into the database was required. The conversion of specimen data fromanalog to digital signals includes photography of the specimens. To capture the specimen
images, we used digital microscope camera and flatbed scanner for the mounted insects
and the plant sheets, respectively (Fig. 1). We built the database of the label information
with Microsoft Excel, while we introduced Claris FileMaker to combine the database withthe specimen images. It enables researchers who need the detailed information of a
specimen to access them from remote location. In addition to the specimen databases, wedeveloped the application for theobservation of plant phenology with Claris
FileMaker. By using the app with tablet
device, field observation is immediately
recorded as digitalized data and observers
get the details of targeted plants on the site.
The system could be applied to enhance thebiodiversity information that are provided
for visitors at national parks (ecotourism).
Moreover, the visitors would be able toFig. 1 Specimen image capture by using digital
participate in the research activity (citizen
microscope.
science).
Keywords: Database, herbarium, insectarium, curation, high resolution image

21

Toward the active use of high throughput sequencing in Sarawak
Hirotoshi Sato1*
1 Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University*Corresponding Author: sato.hirotoshi.5a@kyoto-u.ac.jp

Abstract: High-throughput sequencing (HTS), which is known more commonly as nextgeneration sequencing (NGS), enables us to sequence DNA and RNA much more
efficiently and cheaply than an older technology. Thus, the HTS technology has been
widely used in the field of biology since its initial introduction. In particular, the Illumina
HTS platforms, such as the HiSeq and MiSeq, are known as powerful tools for improving
our understanding about biodiversity, taxonomy, ecology, evolution and biogeography ofmany organisms. One of the most important goals in our project is to make active use of
the HTS technology for unravelling the biodiversity of organisms inhabiting tropicalrainforests in Sarawak, which is one of the most biologically diverse terrestrial
ecosystems in the world. To achieve this goal, two sets of the HTS platform (the Illumina
MiSeq) were recently introduced in Sarawak, and they are ready to use now. From
September to October in 2022, the training course was held in Kyoto University to givethe master’s students from Sarawak to learn how to perform the molecular experiments,
the sequence data processing and the statistical analyses regarding the HTS. In thispresentation, I talk about the current state of readiness for active use of HTS forbiodiversity studies in Sarawak.
Keywords: biodiversity, DNA barcoding, high-throughput sequencing, next-generation
sequencing.

22

System development for wildlife tourism and conservation in protectedareas with rainforests
Shinya Numata1*, Noordyana Hassan1,2, Ai Suzuki1,3
1 Department of Tourism Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo 1920397, Japan
2 INSTeG, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
3 Research Organization of Open Innovation and Collaboration, Ritsumeikan University, Osaka
5678570, Japan*Corresponding Author: email nmt@tmu.ac.jp

Abstract: Southeast Asia has rich biodiversity including charismatic mammal species,
however it has made a limited contribution to protected area (PA) management andconservation compared with ones in Africa. So far we have examined feasibility ofwildlife tourism for biodiversity conservation in national parks with rainforests using
camera trapping. Here we introduce a design of GIS database system for wildlife
tourism management and conservation in PAs. The GIS database system consists ofthree parts: data uploading and metadata extraction, data processing and analysis, anddata visualization and sharing with users. Data retrieving including processing
massive amount of data is often a limiting factor rather than data collection.
Therefore, a user-friendly, but universal and standardized system is necessary to
manage, store, classify and share massive amount of data obtained by camera trappingin PAs. We have developed a user interface and tools to facilitate video metadata
extraction (date, time, camera setting, and video number) (Mammal-GO). We also
have been developing an automated video data analysis tool. In addition to a machinelearning tool for species identification, a method to eliminate non-target recordings
without having to watch the recordings has been developing to reduce workload forspecies identification. In the presentation, we discuss feasibility of the system, anddata management policy to treat and release secret information of endangered species inthe data management system as well.
Keywords: Camera trapping; Conservation; Cyber-infrastructure for PA management;
Rainforests; Wildlife

23