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Highlights

Belalongensis: Volume 7, Issue 1

  • Post published:28/03/2025
  • Post author:iber
  • Post category:Advertisement/Education/Events/Highlights/KBFSC/Newsletter/Peat Swamp Research/Research/Research/Stories/UBD BRC

Belalongensis Vol.7(1) by Office IBER

Continue ReadingBelalongensis: Volume 7, Issue 1

Belalongensis: Volume 6, Issue 2

  • Post published:13/05/2024
  • Post author:iber
  • Post category:Advertisement/Education/Events/Highlights/KBFSC/Newsletter/Peat Swamp Research/Research/Research/Stories/UBD BRC

Belalongensis Vol.6 (2) by Office IBER

Continue ReadingBelalongensis: Volume 6, Issue 2

Tropical Research Experience: TREx 2024

  • Post published:17/11/2023
  • Post author:iber
  • Post category:Advertisement/Education/Events/Highlights/KBFSC

https://youtu.be/UKXKVfBv-z8Note: Best viewed at 1080p (HD video quality). Information for TREx 2024 *Last update: 29/04/2024 IMPORTANT DATES TREx 2024 will take place on  20 - 31 August 2024.Registration closes on:…

Continue ReadingTropical Research Experience: TREx 2024

Belalongensis: Volume 6, Issue 1

  • Post published:11/10/2023
  • Post author:iber
  • Post category:Education/Events/Highlights/KBFSC/Newsletter/Research/Stories/UBD BRC/Workshop

Belalongensis Vol.6 (1) by Office IBER

Continue ReadingBelalongensis: Volume 6, Issue 1

IBER represents Brunei Darussalam in the Sub-regional NBSAP Dialogue for ASEAN and Timor-Leste

  • Post published:09/10/2023
  • Post author:iber
  • Post category:Highlights/Research

IBER was invited by the Brunei Forestry Department to attend the Sub-regional NBSAP Dialogue for ASEAN and Timor-Leste held on 14 to 17 August 2023 in Manila, the Philippines. Representing…

Continue ReadingIBER represents Brunei Darussalam in the Sub-regional NBSAP Dialogue for ASEAN and Timor-Leste

Belalongensis: Research Edition 3

  • Post published:03/12/2022
  • Post author:iber
  • Post category:Highlights/Newsletter/Peat Swamp Research/Publication/Research/Stories

Note: Please click on the articles to read more.  Belalongensis: Research Edition 3 by Office IBER

Continue ReadingBelalongensis: Research Edition 3

Tropical Research Experience: TREx 2023

  • Post published:17/11/2022
  • Post author:iber
  • Post category:Advertisement/Education/Events/Highlights/KBFSC/Research

Information for TREx 2023 *Last update: 23/05/2023 IMPORTANT DATES TREx 2023 will take place on 26 June - 7 July 2023. Registration closes on: 15 May 2023Useful links:Detailed information about…

Continue ReadingTropical Research Experience: TREx 2023

Research Seminar on Value of Peat Swamp Forests

  • Post published:29/08/2022
  • Post author:iber
  • Post category:Events/Research/Stories

In support of the Brunei Forestry Department’s efforts in biodiversity and forest conservation in Brunei Darussalam, a research seminar on “Value of Peat Swamp Forests'' was co-organised by the Forestry…

Continue ReadingResearch Seminar on Value of Peat Swamp Forests

Badas Tree Planting 2021: One Year Update

  • Post published:02/04/2022
  • Post author:iber
  • Post category:Events/Research/Stories

To commemorate the International Day of Forests Month in March 2021, a total of 200 saplings of Shorea albida was planted at the degraded area of the Badas Forest Reserve. This was…

Continue ReadingBadas Tree Planting 2021: One Year Update

Baseline Study of Sun Bears in Brunei Darussalam

  • Post published:08/02/2022
  • Post author:iber
  • Post category:Highlights/Stories

The public is invited to participate in the questionnaire by clicking on the link for the forms:English: https://forms.gle/DTELaJ4PtD8npkU77Bahasa Melayu: https://forms.gle/6XS5PoQazDBZXiDh6Deadline : 31st March 2022Participants of the questionnaire will remain anonymous and…

Continue ReadingBaseline Study of Sun Bears in Brunei Darussalam
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Contact Info

  • 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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ubd.iber.kbfsc

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

Proud to share our latest publication in the Journ Proud to share our latest publication in the Journal of Tropical Biology and Conservation, co-authored by AP Dr Rahayu Sukri, Dr Salwana Jaafar, and the UBD Botanical Research Centre (BRC) team. This study examines seed germination and seedling survival of selected Dipterocarpaceae species collected from contrasting forest types in Brunei Darussalam.

The work provides species-specific insights into early-stage establishment of high conservation-value Dipterocarps from mixed dipterocarp, heath, and peat swamp forests. 
Our findings highlight clear differences in germination success and seedling survival 
across species and habitat types, offering valuable data to guide ex-situ conservation, 
restoration planning, and long-term species recovery efforts in Brunei.

This pilot study represents an important step in strengthening the UBD BRC’s growing programme on Dipterocarp conservation and supports national efforts to safeguard  Brunei's iconic forest species.

#Dipterocarps #BruneiForests #IBERUBD #UBDBRC #TropicalEcology
Biodiversity Awareness Programme — A two-day exper Biodiversity Awareness Programme — A two-day experiential learning programme for Hibiscus EP (Brunei) B.V. (HEB) was held at the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC) from 22–23 December 2025, aimed at enhancing biodiversity awareness and environmental stewardship.

Thank you, HEB, for your continued support of KBFSC and biodiversity conservation!

@hibiscuspetroleum_bn
Tropical rainforests are filled with towering tree Tropical rainforests are filled with towering trees, but sometimes the real beauty is found when you look down. Discovering delicate wonders like this beautiful Selaginella reminds us that nature’s magic is everywhere.
Fungi of Brunei Darussalam: Penicilliopsis clavari Fungi of Brunei Darussalam: Penicilliopsis clavariiformis
Proud to share our latest dataset publication on a Proud to share our latest dataset publication on ash content and elemental composition of tropical peat from the Badas Peat Swamp Forest, one of Brunei’s most significant peat dome ecosystems.

This collaborative work by Dr Salwana Jaafar and AP Dr Rahayu Sukri (IBER, UBD), AP Dr Stefan Gödeke (Geosciences, FOS), and our collaborator Dr Alex Cobb (NTU Singapore) provides new insights into how recurring fires alter peat soil chemistry. The dataset includes measurements of aluminium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and ash content across two research transects in Badas.

The dataset establishes an important baseline for assessing fire-affected tropical peatlands, documenting changes in peat physical and chemical properties, and supporting restoration planning and climate-change mitigation studies. 

#Peatlands #BadasPeatSwampForest #BruneiResearch #IBERUBD #TropicalEcology
Fungi of Brunei Darussalam: Cymatoderma sp Fungi of Brunei Darussalam: Cymatoderma sp
Honoured to co-author a major international review Honoured to co-author a major international review on flood–fire dynamics in wetlands, titled “Flood-Fire Interplays in Wetlands: The Rising of an Actionable Field of Study,” now 
published in Wetlands. This paper is co-authored by Dr Salwana Md. Jaafar from the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER), alongside an outstanding global team of wetland researchers.

The review brings together insights from sixteen countries to examine how floods and fires interact to shape wetland ecology, species composition, ecosystem processes, and community resilience. It highlights the urgent need for integrated knowledge to understand how hydrology, drought, fire regimes, and human activities interconnect across wetland systems. The paper also outlines key research gaps and proposes a new field of study to advance wetland management and sustainability.

#Wetlands #FloodFireInteractions #Ecology #TropicalWetlands #IBERUBD 
#EnvironmentalScience #EcosystemResilience #ResearchPublication
The UBD team, led by Yang Mulia Dr Masairol Hj Mas The UBD team, led by Yang Mulia Dr Masairol Hj Masri, Assistant Vice Chancellor (IEED), met with Rimba Garden Central to explore ideas and opportunities for future collaboration. A big thank you to Rimba Garden Central for hosting us!

@rgc.rimba.garden.central
Wellness Wednesday: Fun Run co-organised by the Fa Wellness Wednesday: Fun Run co-organised by the Faculty of Science (FOS) and the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER), the event brought together our community in the spirit of health and wellbeing.

We were honoured by the presence of Yang Mulia Dr Hazri Hj Kifle, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam, who graced the occasion.
A certificate presentation ceremony was held this A certificate presentation ceremony was held this morning for the graduating cohort of the Osaka University International Certificate Program (OUICP) at Universiti Teknologi Brunei. 

Graduating in the 2024 cohort includes UBD students, Ms Raudhatun Naemah binti Haji Samsul, PhD in Biotechnology candidate, Ms Nuraziyah binti Sofriazmi, MSc in Biology candidate and Ms Nurul Asyiqin @ Nabilah binti Zulkiflee, PhD in Chemistry candidate. 

The OUICP is an educational programme conducted in collaboration with the University of Osaka Joint Campus counterparts in ASEAN Countries, aimed at strengthening ties in research and education. The event also welcomed the OUICP 2025 cohort of students. 

The certificates were presented by Yang Mulia Dr. Haji Azman bin Ahmad, Permanent Secretary (Higher Education), Ministry of Education. Also present during the event was Yang Mulia Dr. Hazri bin Haji Kifle, Vice-Chancellor Universiti Brunei Darussalam. 

A huge congratulations to our graduating students and all the best to the new OUICP 2025 cohort.
Following the launch of the first two books and po Following the launch of the first two books and posters in the IBER Field Guide Series -
Mammals of Ulu Temburong and Flora of Ulu Temburong, the project leads Associate 
Professor Dr Rahayu Sukri and Dr Norhayati Ahmad continued engagement and outreach 
efforts in support of biodiversity collaboration and science communication.

The books and posters were presented to Dayang Noralinda Binti Haji Ibrahim, the Deputy 
Permanent Secretary II of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT), and to 
Dyg Hazwani Jefery from the Adaptation Unit of the Brunei Climate Change Office (BCCO), 
as a gesture of appreciation for their support and shared commitment towards biodiversity 
conservation, environmental awareness, and policy engagement.

During the recent 11th Meeting of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) Scientific 
Advisory Committee in Quang Ninh, Vietnam, AP Dr Rahayu also met with Dr Jerome L. 
Montemayor, Executive Director of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB). The books 
were shared with ACB as part of ongoing efforts to highlight Brunei’s unique biodiversity 
and to strengthen regional collaboration and knowledge exchange on biodiversity research 
in ASEAN.

IBER would like to thank all partners and stakeholders for their continued support in 
advancing research, conservation, and regional cooperation.

#IBER #UBD #Biodiversity #FieldGuideSeries #MPRT #BCCO #ACB #ASEAN 
#ScienceCommunication #RegionalCollaboration #UluTemburong
From 9 to 14 December 2025, we had the pleasure of From 9 to 14 December 2025, we had the pleasure of hosting Associate Professor Dr Philip Johns and two students from the National University of Singapore at UBD’s Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC).

Dr Johns is collaborating with our local researcher, Dr Salwa Khalid on detecting sympatric otter species using environmental DNA (eDNA) and camera traps.
IBER's Asian Waterbird Census 2026. DATES: 13–15 IBER's Asian Waterbird Census 2026.

DATES: 13–15 January 2026 

Join our citizen science programme! Help count and identify migratory waterbirds while contributing to an important regional initiative.

What you'll get:
✔ Field experience in real conservation work.
✔ Skills in bird ID and survey methods.
✔ A chance to contribute to regional biodiversity data.
✔ A certificate of participation.

Sign Up & Make Your Count Matter!

Registration is open until 31 December 2025.
Open to local community members aged 18 and above.

Participants must attend all three sessions.
Slots are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Successful applicants will be notified after 6 January 2026.
On 8 December 2025, IBER hosted a seminar by Assoc On 8 December 2025, IBER hosted a seminar by Associate Professor Dr Philip Johns from the National University of Singapore (NUS).

The talk explored group behaviours of Singapore’s smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata), offering fascinating insights into their social dynamics and ecology.
IBER is pleased to host the IBER Seminar Series ti IBER is pleased to host the IBER Seminar Series titled ‘Phenotype-Based Discovery of Bioactive Natural Products and Mechanistic Studies’ presented by Professor Masayoshi Arai from the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Osaka, Japan. 

The talk shared a unique phenotype-based screening system that has been established in Prof Arai’s laboratory that enables the discovery of compounds that have the potential to act as previously unexplored drug targets. This system has enabled the extensive screening of compounds from a wide array of sources including marine sponges and marine-derived microorganisms leading to the discovery of numerous structurally unique and biologically active natural compounds. 

Following the seminar, the Osaka University Professors also had the opportunity to engage with UBD staff and students. We thank Professor Arai for sharing his insights and the inspiring talk on future drug discovery!
Join the fun this Wednesday! Top 5 finisher priz Join the fun this Wednesday! 

Top 5 finisher prizes & lucky draws to be won! 🏆
On 11 December 2025, we were delighted to welcome On 11 December 2025, we were delighted to welcome our collaborators from Hibiscus EP (Brunei) B.V. to the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC).

During the visit, they received an overview of the centre’s work and the rich biodiversity of Ulu Temburong National Park. They also interacted with visiting researchers from the National University of Singapore, who are currently conducting biodiversity studies at KBFSC. A short guided walk along the Ashton Trail offered a glimpse into the forest’s unique natural heritage.

@hibiscuspetroleum_bn
UBD’s Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental UBD’s Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER) welcomed Prof Ts Dr Muhammad Lokman bin Md Isa, Director of the Institute of Planetary Survival for Sustainable Well-being (PLANETIIUM), International Islamic University Malaysia. The visit focused on exploring potential areas for collaboration between the two institutes.

PLANETIIUM also visited the UBD Botanical Research Centre (UBD BRC) as part of the engagement.

@planetiium
@officialiium
IBER SEMINAR SERIES 15 December 2025 Title: Pheno IBER SEMINAR SERIES
15 December 2025

Title: Phenotype-Based Discovery of Bioactive Natural Products and Mechanistic Studies

Presented by:
Professor Dr. Masayoshi Arai
Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Osaka, Osaka, Japan
An obligatory end-of-year photo of our UBD postgra An obligatory end-of-year photo of our UBD postgraduate and undergraduate students. Today, they are presenting their aquatic biodiversity research—reflecting their dedication and scientific curiosity.
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