The rainforests of Borneo have been a hotbed for the discovery of new species in the last decade with over 400 distinct species recorded in that time, 52 of them in the last year alone. 30 species of fish, 16 new ginger plants and 3 tree frogs and even a new species of mammal were discovered. Now the separation of the Borneo and Sumatra clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi) from the mainland species adds to the argument for protection of the island’s rainforests.
Threats to Borneo's Rainforest
The incredible number of new species being found is largely due to concentrated efforts by conservation groups to expose the immense biodiversity of the island before it disappears. Borneo’s rainforest is nearly half gone as logging for wood for furniture and deforestation for palm oil plantations are presently driving the island’s economy.
These activities mean losses of critical habitat, affecting not only the newly separated clouded leopard species but also Sumatran tiger and rhino, pygmy elephants and orang-utan. And that’s just the large mammals. All of the last decade’s newly discovered species could disappear with the loss of more rainforest.
Ways to Protect the Rainforest Ecosystem
By focusing on new species and their potential contribution to the health of both humans and ecosystems, unique habitats, especially islands such as Borneo, can be more easily protected. Alternative means of income, including rainforest ecotourism, can then be promoted to ensure the support of local people. So far the effort on Borneo has resulted in an agreement between Indonesia, Malaysia and Bruneii, who share the island, to protect the Heart of Borneo, a critical rainforest region.
The clouded leopard of Borneo and Sumatra is as different from mainland Southeast Asia’s clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa) as it is from tigers or lions. Beyond obvious physical characteristics such as the size, color and shape of the cloud-like spots, there are 40 distinct DNA differences between the two species. Scientists now speculate that they diverged around 1.4 million years ago.
The loss of more of Borneo’s rainforest could mean the loss of 1.4 million years of biodiversity, including species we haven’t even discovered yet.
Photo Credit: The Brit-2
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