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IBER Newsletter: Volume 2, Issue 1

IBER Newsletter: Volume 2, Issue 1

Post author:iber
Post published:05/08/2019
Post category:Newsletter

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Address:Institute For Biodiversity and Environmental Research, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Universiti, BE1410, Brunei Darussalam
Email:office.iber@ubd.edu.bnOpens in your application

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🌳 Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research, UBD
🌱 Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre
🌱 UBD Botanical Research Centre
#iber #kbfsc #brc

A hammerhead flatworm glides silently beneath the

A hammerhead flatworm glides silently beneath the forest canopy — a stealthy predator in the leaf litter.

Panus fenestratus is a variety of the fungus speci

Panus fenestratus is a variety of the fungus species Panus fulvus, scientifically classified as Panus fulvus var. fenestratus Corner. This taxonomic classification was published in 1981 in the journal Beihefte zur Nova Hedwigia (Beih. Nova Hedwigia 69: 83) .

The genus Panus belongs to the family Polyporaceae within the order Polyporales, class Agaricomycetes, and phylum Basidiomycota. Members of this genus are typically wood-decaying fungi, playing significant ecological roles in nutrient cycling by decomposing lignocellulosic materials in forest ecosystems .

Taxonomically, Panus species have been subjects of debate, often being reclassified between the genera Panus and Lentinus due to overlapping morphological characteristics. However, molecular phylogenetic studies have provided clearer distinctions, supporting the separation of these genera based on genetic data .

Regarding edibility, while some Panus species are considered edible, others are not recommended for consumption due to their tough texture or lack of palatability. Specific information on the edibility of Panus fulvus var. fenestratus is limited, so caution is advised, and it is generally not considered a choice edible mushroom.

#biodiversity #mushroom #fungi #Panus #Brunei

Three of our students — Ms Raudhatun Na'emah Haj

Three of our students — Ms Raudhatun Na'emah Haji Samsul (PhD candidate), Ms Nurul Asyiqin Zulkiflee (PhD candidate), and Ms Nur'aziyah Sofriazmi (MSc candidate) — are currently undertaking research placements at Osaka University, Japan.

From June to August, they are working at the Natural Products for Drug Discovery (Chemistry) Laboratory, hosted by Professor Masayoshi Arai, as part of the Osaka University International Certificate Program (OUICP).

This opportunity follows their participation in the Osaka University ASEAN Campus, an innovative hybrid educational initiative. Over the past 9-10 months, this program provided them with a unique blend of online learning and overseas study, designed to foster international collaboration and academic growth.

We extend our gratitude to Universiti Brunei Darussalam and Osaka University for supporting our students, and we wish our students every success in their research endeavors.

We are excited to share the latest publication co-

We are excited to share the latest publication co-authored by Assoc Prof Dr Rahayu Sukri from IBER, in collaboration with researchers from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and SMART, Singapore, and researcher from Brunei National Herbarium, Brunei.

The study, led by Dr Colton Collins as part of his PhD study at NTU, examined ecological differences between two adjacent but contrasting tropical forest ecosystems in Brunei: waterlogged peat swamp forests and free-draining kerangas (heath) forests.

Key findings revealed that while peat soils hold more total nutrients, the availability of nutrients is highest in kerangas humus—likely due to limited mineralisation in anoxic peat environments. Interestingly, despite major differences in soil conditions and species composition at the family level, both forest types showed similar levels of tree diversity, structural characteristics, and leaf functional traits.

These results suggest that the carbon accumulation typical of peatlands is driven more by belowground processes than by the traits of aboveground vegetation, offering new insights into carbon dynamics and plant-soil interactions in Southeast Asian rainforests.

@coltonleicollins
@forestry.brunei

#UBDResearch #PeatlandEcology #KerangasForest #ForestSoils #TropicalBiodiversity #CarbonSequestration #ForestFunction #IBERResearch #BruneiForests #ForestEcology #NTUcollaboration

IBER at the UBD retreat and team building session.

IBER at the UBD retreat and team building session.

Mushroom Discovery Week | 3–5 June 2025 The UBD

Mushroom Discovery Week | 3–5 June 2025

The UBD Botanical Research Centre (UBD BRC), IBER, UBD in collaboration with the Forestry Department, MPRT, and the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) held an exciting three-day workshop dedicated to the fascinating world of mushrooms!

Guided by mushroom experts Associate Prof. Dr Jaya Seelan (UMS) and members from UBD BRC and Forestry Department, here are some of the activities during the mushroom foray at the Tropical Biodiversity Centre in Sg Liang, where participants were immersed in the diversity and hidden wonders of fungi.

@umsofficial

Ms Bazilah Fakhri, our former intern at the Instit

Ms Bazilah Fakhri, our former intern at the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER) and also our former Biology student (graduated in 2024) from the Faculty of Science, recently completed the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellowship Program under the Spring 2025 cohort, hosted by the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, from 17 April to 22 May 2025.

With a focus on natural resources, the five-week program brought together young leaders from across Southeast Asia to engage in academic discourse, field visits, community projects, and cultural exchange across three U.S. states: Hawai‘i, New Mexico, and Washington, D.C.

In Hawai‘i, Bazilah participated in a wide range of activities addressing the themes of regeneration, community, and ocean, including lectures, site investigations, cultural workshops, and community service. In New Mexico, the cohort explored innovation in natural resource management, such as sustaining water sources, flourishing tourism industry, and Indigenous resilience reflected in historic cliff dwellings. The program concluded in Washington, D.C., where fellows engaged in group sharing sessions to present their community project ideas and reflect on their learning journey.

Drawing from her background in environmental research during her internship at IBER, Bazilah found the fellowship to be both inspiring and eye-opening, strengthening her commitment to conservation, community engagement, and leadership.

Special thanks to the U.S. Embassy in Brunei Darussalam @usembassybsb, @east.west.center, and @ysealibn for making this impactful experience possible.

On June 20, 2025, IBER was honoured to welcome del

On June 20, 2025, IBER was honoured to welcome delegates from the Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia.

Representing IBSD were Prof Dr Mohd Nazip Suratman, IBSD Principal Fellow (UiTM Main Campus Shah Alam) and Dr Nurul Ain Mohd Zaki, IBSD Associate Fellow (UiTM Perlis Branch), who are currently in Brunei Darussalam as invited speakers for the Brunei Darussalam Conference on Forest to Reef.

Thank you for visiting IBER — we look forward to future collaborations between IBSD and IBER in advancing research and education on biodiversity and sustainability.

@uitm.official
@uitmperlis_official

🪸🌳 From Forest to Reef 🌿🌊 Thematic Top

🪸🌳 From Forest to Reef 🌿🌊
Thematic Topic 6: Expedition on Forest to Reef - Findings
📅 Date: 19 June 2025

IBER researchers took centre stage at the “Expedition on Forest to Reef – Findings” session held on 19 June 2025 as part of the Brunei Darussalam Conference on Forest to Reef.

Moderated by Associate Professor Dr Rahayu Sukmaria Sukri, the session showcased eight research projects conducted by UBD researchers at Pulau Selirong, from tree and microbial diversity, insect, fish and mammal surveys, to studies on leaf chemical composition and marine biodiversity.

Congratulations to all speakers for sharing insights that highlight the ecological value and conservation potential of Brunei’s mangrove ecosystems! 🌿🇧🇳

@fisheries.brunei
@forestry.brunei
@ponidivers

#IBER #PulauSelirong #MangroveResearch #ForestToReef #BiodiversityBrunei #ConservationScience #FromForestToReef2025 #BruneiDarussalam

The Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) delegation,

The Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) delegation, led by Vice Chancellor Dr Hazri Hj Kifle, was honoured to attend a dinner meeting hosted by Acting British High Commissioner, Catherine Pochkhanavala-Cleeve, at the official Residence of the British High Commissioner.

Also present were representatives from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) and the UK Mission to ASEAN, who are currently visiting Brunei Darussalam for the Brunei Darussalam Conference on Forest to Reef.

We extend our sincere thanks to the British High Commission for the warm hospitality and meaningful discussions. We look forward to strengthening future collaborations.

@ukinbrunei
@catherinecleeve

🌿 IBER at the Brunei Darussalam Conference on F

🌿 IBER at the Brunei Darussalam Conference on Forest to Reef 🌊

Our researchers proudly showcased their research outputs from the Expedition to Pulau Selirong mangroves through a poster exhibition, with a special presentation to the Guest of Honour of the Brunei Darussalam Conference on Forest to Reef, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Brunei Darussalam.

Featured studies covered flora and fauna diversity, soil and microbial ecology, and chemical composition of native tree species — highlighting the rich and unique ecosystem of Pulau Selirong.

The exhibition continues at the UBD IBER booth, where visitors can explore IBER and UBD BRC publications, research highlights, and exclusive nature-inspired merchandise. Thank you to UBD's Vice Chancellor and Assistant Vice Chancellor IEED for visiting our booth! 🌱📚🎁

@forestry.brunei
@fisheries.brunei
@ponidivers

A day full of hope for our planet! Today, 16 June

A day full of hope for our planet! Today, 16 June 2025, IBER attended two inspiring events.

First was the Ocean Sustainability Conference, organised by Poni Group and LAUT Brunei in partnership with the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism. The event brought together passionate ocean advocates, students, and communities to discuss and support ocean conservation and sustainability.

Next was the UBD-AUN Summer Camp hosted by Universiti Brunei Darussalam and organised by the Office of AVC Global Engagement. This year's theme is 'Green Stewardship: Preserving Biodiversity and Advancing Sustainable Development'. Seeing young minds from across ASEAN commit to protecting our environment gives us real hope for the future.

Dr Salwana Jaafar represented Universiti Brunei Da

Dr Salwana Jaafar represented Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER) on behalf of Associate Professor Dr Rahayu Sukri, a member of the ACB Scientific Advisory Committee, at the 2025 Biodiversity Science Forum held from 10–11 June 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The forum was jointly organized by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia, and Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), with support from the UK Government through the EnCORE Wetlands project.

The two-day event brought together scientists, policymakers, and community leaders to explore the role of biodiversity in climate change mitigation. Discussions covered nature-based solutions, indigenous knowledge, and emerging tools such as DNA barcoding, eDNA, and bioacoustics.

The forum concluded with a field visit and seed planting activity at the Jakarta Mangrove Resort, Taman Wisata Alam Angke Kapuk, highlighting local conservation efforts and blue carbon solutions in action.

#IBER #BiodiversityScienceForum2025 #ACB #WRIIndonesia #BRIN #ClimateAction #NatureBasedSolutions #ASEANBiodiversity #MangroveRestoration #BlueCarbon #JakartaMangroveResort

IBER was proud to be part of the UBD STEAM Festiva

IBER was proud to be part of the UBD STEAM Festival 2025!

The festival's opening ceremony was held on 12 June 2025 at the Chancellor Hall in UBD, with Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, as the Guest of Honour.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who visited our booth and showed their support. Special thanks to SHBIE for organising this amazing event and for including IBER in this celebration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics!

@shbie.ubd

Wildlife of Brunei Darussalam: Short-tailed Mongoo

Wildlife of Brunei Darussalam: Short-tailed Mongoose (Herpestes brachyurus)

The short-tailed mongoose is a small, agile carnivore found in Southeast Asia. Known for its short and bushy tail, this mongoose has a slender body and a coat of grizzled brown fur. Its sharp claws and keen senses make it an excellent hunter of small vertebrates, insects, and birds.

Typically found in dense forests, it is known for its solitary nature, often venturing out at dawn or dusk to hunt and forage.

Video credits: Salwa Khalid and Ulmar Grafe

Hawk Moth (Eupanacra psaltria) – New to Brunei D

Hawk Moth (Eupanacra psaltria) – New to Brunei Darussalam.

The hawk moth (Eupanacra psaltria) is a rare species originally thought to be endemic to Sumatra. It was later recorded in Sabah, and this marks the first official record of the species in Brunei Darussalam.

This nocturnal moth belongs to the family Sphingidae, commonly known as hawk moths. It was first described in 1923. Hawk moths are known for their strong flying abilities and rapid wing beats, which enable them to hover near flowers while feeding on nectar. Their slender bodies and elongated wings, often adorned with intricate patterns, help them blend seamlessly into their surroundings.

#insect #hawkmoth #moth #biodiversity #ubdresearch #BruneiBiodiversity #BruneiForests

Celebrating World Ocean Day 2025! Universiti Brune

Celebrating World Ocean Day 2025! Universiti Brunei Darussalam, including IBER, was thrilled to be invited to the World Ocean Day Celebration on Sunday, 8 June 2025, at One City Shopping Centre!

The Guest of Honour was YM Dyg Hjh Tutiaty binti Hj Abdul Wahab, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.

Held as part of the Brunei Ocean Exhibition (BEX) and Ocean Week Brunei 2025, this event brought together ocean advocates and the community to celebrate and protect our blue planet.

Big thanks to Poni Group and LAUT Brunei, in partnership with the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, for making it all happen—and for having us be part of the celebration!

@ponidivers
@lautbrunei
@mprt_brunei
@oceanweekbrunei

🌊 World Oceans Day 2025 🌍💙 Theme: “Wond

🌊 World Oceans Day 2025 🌍💙
Theme: “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us”

Today we celebrate the ocean — a powerful force that supports all life on Earth. This year’s theme reminds us to reflect on the wonder of the ocean and the need to protect what sustains us.

The ocean regulates our climate, produces most of the oxygen we breathe, and is home to an incredible diversity of life — from tiny plankton to great whales.

Biodiversity is one of the main research thrusts in Universiti Brunei Darussalam, contributing towards sustainability and conservation. One of the biodiversity studies is on oysters by our postgraduate student, Ms Lee Huan Chiao.

Oysters typically colonise hard structures along the coastlines of Brunei Darussalam, in particular the South China Sea shorelines where they can form thick and dense aggregations. Despite obscurity, these oyster beds support more than a hundred resident species, forming a biodiverse ecosystem as productive as coral reefs on the hostile rocky shores where temperatures can be very high..

But marine biodiversity is under threat. Now more than ever, we must act to sustain what sustains us.

Photo credit: Lee Huan Chiao

#WorldOceansDay #Wonder2025 #ProtectOurOceans #MarineBiodiversity #SustainableFuture #OceanConservation #UNWorldOceansDay

🍄 That’s a wrap on our Mushroom Discovery Wee

🍄 That’s a wrap on our Mushroom Discovery Week!

A heartfelt thank you to Assoc. Prof. Jaya Seelan and his amazing team from the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, as well as our dedicated local collaborators at the Forestry Department. Your support made this week a true success.

Until we meet again—on our next great discovery!

@umsofficial
@forestry.brunei

The 'Mushroom Discovery Week: Spore to Science' fo

The 'Mushroom Discovery Week: Spore to Science' foray activities at the Tropical Biodiversity Centre in Sungai Liang featured on RTB news. The feature included footage of the mushroom collection in the field by workshop participants and facilitators.

Video credits: @rtbnews

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