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TREx Pilot Programme

TREx Pilot Programme

Post author:iber
Post published:12/08/2020
Post category:Events / Highlights / Stories

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

Join us for an immersive and exciting journey into

Join us for an immersive and exciting journey into the world of mushrooms. The 'Mushroom Discovery Week: Spore to Science' activities include seminars, practical hands-on sessions on identification, and an exciting mushroom foray activity. This workshop offers valuable tools and insights for all levels of experience.

Registration is now open. Reserve your place today.

League of Tropical Universities (LTU) Summit 2025

League of Tropical Universities (LTU) Summit 2025

From 13–16 April 2025, Dr. Hussein Taha and Dr. Mohammad Sabri Mohd Ali represented Universiti Brunei Darussalam at this year’s LTU summit, hosted by Hainan University as the current rotating chair of the LTU.

The LTU was launched in November 2023, bringing together 101 universities and research institutes from 41 countries and regions, including Universiti Brunei Darussalam and Universiti Teknologi Brunei.

It was an honour to take part in this international collaboration among tropical universities. Our sincere thanks to Hainan University for their warm hospitality, sponsorship and excellent hosting! We look forward to continued collaboration and future engagements within the LTU!

We are pleased to share the latest publication co-

We are pleased to share the latest publication co-authored by Dr Salwana Jaafar and AP Dr Rahayu Sukri from IBER, which investigates the secondary metabolites of invasive Acacia species and their potential impact on leaf litter decomposition in Brunei’s heath forests.

This study analyzed pH, total phenolic, and tannin levels in three invasive Acacia species (A. auriculiformis, A. holosericea, and A. mangium) and compared them with a native heath forest tree, Buchanania arborescens.

Results revealed that Acacia species exhibited higher pH, phenolic, and tannin contents than the native species, potentially making their leaves less palatable to herbivores and decomposers. These traits may slow decomposition, influencing nutrient cycling in Acacia-invaded forests.

These findings provide key insights into how invasive species alter ecosystem processes, contributing to a better understanding of their long-term ecological effects.

#UBDResearch #InvasiveSpecies #ForestEcology #NutrientCycling #TropicalForests #IBERResearch

Wildlife of Brunei Darussalam: Sunda Pangolin (Man

Wildlife of Brunei Darussalam: Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica)

The Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica) is a solitary, nocturnal mammal native to Southeast Asia. Known for its protective keratin scales, this species primarily feeds on ants and termites, using its long tongue to extract insects from nests. The mother typically carries her young on her tail, keeping them close for warmth and protection as they navigate the forest. Due to poaching and habitat loss, the Sunda Pangolin is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

Video credits: Salwa Khalid and Ulmar Grafe

Botanical Tidbits 🌿 Psst... Did you know Cis $Botanical Tidbits 🌿 Psst... Did you know Cissus quadrangularis, locally known as 'Patah Tulang,' is not only a versatile vegetable in cooking but also renowned for its powerful medicinal properties. During our visit to Rimba Ilmu, Emeritus Professor Dato Haji Mohamed highlighted how this remarkable plant has been used traditionally to treat bone fractures, aid in joint recovery, and even support digestive health. Additionally, it's known to help reduce inflammation and promote weight loss. @rimbailmuum Video credit: UBD BRC Video editor: Zunnuraina Ramlee #UBDBRC #IBER #UBD #UBDSustainability #FunFact #PatahTulang #PlantMedicine #BotanicResearch #UMRimbaIlmu #Biodiversity #NaturalRemedies #conservation #flora #nature #GreenGossip$

We are delighted to share the latest publication c

We are delighted to share the latest publication co-authored by our IBER researchers (Associate Prof Dr Rahayu Sukri, Dr Norhayati Ahmad and UBD BRC staff), in collaboration with other UBD researchers from the Faculty of Integrated Sciences (FIT), Faculty of Science, and School of Digital Sciences. This study was led by Pg Dr Emeroylariffion Abas and PhD student, Mr. Ashan Ratnayake, from FIT.

Utilising the stingless bees' collections at the UBD BRC, the work explored the acoustic defense mechanisms of Heterotrigona itama, a widely reared stingless bee species valued for its honey. By analyzing the alarm sounds produced by guard bees during intrusions, the research demonstrates how machine learning can be used for intrusion detection. Using a Jetson Nano equipped with a microphone and camera, bee sounds were recorded and processed with Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs). Among classification models tested, the K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) classifier achieved the highest accuracy (95.54%), proving the effectiveness of sound-based detection as a cost-efficient alternative to image-based monitoring.

This study highlights the potential of bioacoustics and AI in pollinator research, with future applications for real-world colony monitoring under diverse environmental conditions.

#UBDResearch #PollinatorEcology #StinglessBees #Bioacoustics #MachineLearning #IBERResearch

Big thanks to His Excellency Michael Hoy, the Aust

Big thanks to His Excellency Michael Hoy, the Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, for kindly inviting IBER to the Australian High Commission's Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House!

Dr Hussein Taha and Dr Salwa Khalid represented IBER at the event — and a special highlight: Dr Salwa had the opportunity to share our newly launched 'Waterbirds of Brunei Darussalam' poster with His Excellency!

@duta.oz.bn

🌱 TREx 2025 Registration is Now Open! Embark o

🌱 TREx 2025 Registration is Now Open!

Embark on a scientific journey deep into Borneo’s untouched rainforests. Gain hands-on research experience, explore diverse ecosystems, and discover the rich flora and fauna of this pristine habitat.

📢 Limited spots available—sign up today! UBD students may be eligible for support.

📌 Swipe to the next image for quick-access QR links!

✉️ Enquiries? Reach us at office.iber@ubd.edu.bn

See you soon! 🥾

#TREx2025 #TropicalResearch #Biodiversity #IBER #UBD #Brunei #Borneo

When we asked ChatGPT to generate a Ghibli-inspire

When we asked ChatGPT to generate a Ghibli-inspired image based on a photo of the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre...

Thrilled to join UBD team in attending today’s O

Thrilled to join UBD team in attending today’s Open House at Istana Nurul Iman for the royal family’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri meet-and-greet! This annual tradition is a special occasion where citizens, residents, and international visitors come together to meet His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam and the royal family.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!

🌙✨ Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir dan Batin! ✨🌙

Wishing everyone a blessed Eid filled with joy, peace, and prosperity. May this special occasion bring happiness to you and your loved ones.

Best wishes from the Vice Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam, the Office of Assistant Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement), and the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (including the UBD Botanical Research Centre, and the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre).

Wildlife of Brunei Darussalam: Malay Civet (Viverr

Wildlife of Brunei Darussalam: Malay Civet (Viverra tangalunga)

The Malay Civet (Viverra tangalunga) is a nocturnal carnivorous mammal native to the forests of Southeast Asia. With a slender body, long tail, and striking markings, it is easily recognizable by its pale, streaked fur and dark, well-defined spots along its back and sides. This civet has a cat-like appearance but is more closely related to the mongoose.

It is an opportunistic feeder, preying on small mammals, birds, insects, and fruits. Known for its strong, musky scent, the Malay civet is primarily solitary, hunting alone at night in search of food.

Video: Salwa Khalid and Ulmar Grafe

We are excited to share the latest publication co-

We are excited to share the latest publication co-authored by AP Dr Rahayu Sukri from IBER, which explored into how lineage traits influence species richness in lowland wet tropical forests. This study, which incorporated data from the IBER Forest Plots, examined 463 genera of wet tropical forest trees across diverse biogeographical regions, exploring the relationships between traits such as mortality rate, breeding system, and maximum diameter with species richness and range size.

The findings revealed that lineages with faster life-history strategies (higher mortality rates) tend to have larger ranges. These lineages also exhibit smaller maximum diameters and greater species richness due to their larger range sizes. This research highlights how dispersal plays a crucial role in the evolution of tropical forest flora.

#UBDResearch #TropicalForests #Ecology #SpeciesRichness #EnvironmentalScience #IBERResearch

🌸 Jacaranda Blooming at UBD Campus 🌸 The st

🌸 Jacaranda Blooming at UBD Campus 🌸

The stunning Jacaranda mimosifolia, commonly known as the Jacaranda, is in full bloom at UBD Campus! 🌿✨ Native to South America, this sub-tropical beauty is celebrated for its vibrant, long-lasting violet flowers that add a burst of color wherever they grow. 🌺💜

Though beloved around the world for its striking appearance, this species is listed as Vulnerable in its native habitat by the IUCN. It's a gentle reminder of the importance of preserving our natural landscapes. 🌍💚

In conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan, th

In conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan, this week we feature bees. Chapter 16 of the Quran, Surah An-Nahl, is named after the bees. The verses 68-69 mention the nature of bees in their different habitats and also their honey production.

In Brunei Darussalam, stingless bees are popular due to their honey, known as kelulut honey, which has been reported to contain unique properties earning its reputation as a high value functional food. Kelulut honey has a lower sugar content and is highly valued for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It has been traditionally used to support immune health, aid digestion, and promote wound healing.

The honey industry is an example of a successful natural-products based economy where globally there is an increasing honey market as consumers are inclined towards natural based sweeteners and the utilization of honey in health products. As bees are important pollinators for a wide range of plants, it is important to safeguard bee populations, their natural habitats and practice sustainable honey production.

World Meteorological Day 2025! At IBER, we are p

World Meteorological Day 2025!

At IBER, we are proud to contribute to the global effort of #ClosingTheEarlyWarningGapTogether. Our research in Brunei’s peat swamp forests plays a vital role in understanding climate change impacts and contributing towards climate action.

Through strong research collaborations with international partners, such as the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore, and local agencies, such as the Forestry Department, we strive to enhance scientific knowledge and drive meaningful climate action. Let’s continue working together for a more climate resilient and sustainable future.

#WorldMeteorologicalDay #ClimateAction #PeatlandResearch #Sustainability #IBERUBD #sdg15 #biodiversity #reforestration #peatswamps #climatechange #collaboration #IBER #UBD #UBDResearch #UBDSustainability

Happy International Day of Forests 2025! This ye

Happy International Day of Forests 2025!

This year’s theme, "Forests & Food," highlights the crucial role forests play in sustaining life. From wild fruits and edible plants to pollinators supporting our food systems, forests are essential for food security, biodiversity, and livelihoods.

Brunei’s forests are home to thousands of flora and fauna species across seven unique forest types. Our forests contribute crucial ecosystem services, ecological balance, a resilient climate and support our economy, communities and our own well-being.

The IBER Forest Ecology Group, led by Principal Investigator, Associate Professor Rahayu Sukri, comes from diverse backgrounds — biodiversity, plant science, tropical ecosystem ecology, biological sciences, ecology, biomedical sciences and even geology — but we share one common goal: to study, conserve, and protect Brunei’s forests for future generations.

📽️ Watch our latest video to explore Brunei’s diverse forests and their role in food security!

Let’s cherish and protect our forests—our lifeline for generations to come!

@forestry.brunei
@ubd.botanicalgarden

#ForestDay #ForestsAndFood #Biodiversity #Conservation #FoodSecurity #Research #BruneiForests

Exploring the stunning canopy of the heath forest

Exploring the stunning canopy of the heath forest (locally known as Kerangas forest) at UBD campus. A hidden gem of nature, where the beauty of the heath forest takes your breath away.

We are thrilled to present the "Waterbirds of Brun

We are thrilled to present the "Waterbirds of Brunei Darussalam" poster to the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism! The poster was accepted by Ms. Nurul Ashira Kathereen, a representative from the Rice Industry Division.

This initiative is a part of IBER's outreach efforts to promote awareness about biodiversity conservation.

@agriculture.gov.bn

In conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan, th

In conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan, this week we feature fruits mentioned in the Quran and Hadith. The fruits featured here include dates, pomegranates, grapes, figs, lemons, bananas, and watermelons.

In the Quran, fruits are referenced in several verses, highlighting their significance as blessings, divine providence, and mercy. Dates are mentioned more than 20 times in the Quran, reflecting their importance not just for sustenance but also for healing, as cited in Surah Maryam 19:25-26. Grapes are mentioned 11 times, often alongside other fruits. These fruits not only provide sustenance for mankind but also showcase the wonders of divine creation and craftsmanship.

A few of the featured fruits can also be found in the living collections at the UBD Botanical Research Centre’s Al-Hadeeqah Al-Mubaarakah zone.

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