Borneo (Kalimantan) is the third largest island in the world. It is rich with a variety of indigenous orchid species that grow in the forests. Borneo's rain forests are also home to some extremely rare species of orchids, all highly valued for their exotic aromas and aesthetic beauty. It has been estimated that 2500 to 3000 orchid species grow in the forests of Borneo.
Borneo's orchids are also endangered, a result of the loss of natural habitat from fire, forest damage, and illegal logging. Increased exploitation of the forests of West Borneo, including gold mining and illegal burning, has led to the certain extinction of hundreds of orchid species. According to a Global Forest Watch 2002 report, Indonesia is experiencing one of the most dramatic losses of forestland in the world. Reports showed that at the current rate of loss, Borneo's forests could vanish completely by 2010.
Economic factors, including illegal collecting and selling of wild orchids by domestic or foreign "orchid hunters", along with increasing consumer demand for orchids, also contribute to the endangerment of Borneo's native orchids.
Compelled by concern for the demise of Borneo's native orchids, Chairani Siregar of the College of Agriculture at the University of Tanjungpura (Indonesia) undertook a 3-year study to locate and record endangered native orchid species in West Borneo. According to Siregar, "until recently, there were few records kept of the orchids native to West Borneo. For this reason, research was conducted to identify and create an inventory of all orchid species that exist (in West Borneo) before they and their habitats become extinct. The study was done in 10 counties and one municipal city in West Borneo. Orchids found were identified and recorded by species. A total of 197 species of orchids were identified.
Siregar is committed to cultivating all vulnerable and endangered species of orchids before they become extinct, adding that "local government intervention and participation in conservation, cultivation and marketing of orchids are necessary" for the popular flowers' survival.
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Text :
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717110241.htm
Chairani Siregar. Exploration and Inventory of Native Orchid Germplasm in West Borneo, Indonesia.
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One of the most diverse areas in the word, Danau Sentarum National Park in home to more than 250 species of freshwaterfish, 336 species of birds (avifauna), and several distinct crocodile species: Tomistons, Crocodylus porosus, Crocodylus Siamensis, and Bangau Storm/ Cloona Storm, and Harimau Akar/Neofilis Nebolusa.
The Super Red Arwana Fish (Solecoropages Formosus), called ikan silok or ikan kayangan by the natives, is a highly prized fish known for its beautiful coloration. More than 80% of local fisherman live in floating houses, from September to February, the wild be honey harvest attracts visitors from all over.
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In Kapuas Hulu and bordering on Sarawak, Malaysia, this park spans 132,000,000 hectares.
The cost of Danau Sentarum offers excellent opportunities for fishing and boating; see the floating houses that dot the coast and head inland through meandering waterways that take you through the silent, brooding forests. Don’t miss the chance to experience the beuty of this park !
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Right in the heart of Sintang city, Baning Nature Tour Garden is easily accessible for visitors and residents alike.
With is unique ecosystems, virgin tropical rainforest and breathtaking panoramic view of Bukit Kelam, this nature tour garden offers the visitor a quiet oasis.
Many varieties of orchids and Kantong Semar Merah (Nephentes sp) flower create the setting for a beautiful nature work.
Borneo is the third largest island in the world and is located at the centre of Maritime Southeast Asia. Administratively, this island is divided between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Indonesians refer to the island as "Kalimantan." However, for people outside of Indonesia, "Kalimantan" refers to the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo. Malaysia's region of Borneo is called East Malaysia or Malaysian Borneo. The independent nation of Brunei occupies the remainder of the island. Brunei is the wealthiest nation on the island of Borneo.
Geography
Borneo is surrounded by the South China Sea to the north and northwest, the Sulu Sea to the northeast, the Celebes Sea and the Makassar Strait to the east, and the Java Sea and Karimata Strait to the south. It has an area of 743,330 km² (287,000 square miles). To the west of Borneo are the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra. To the south is Java. To the east is the island of Sulawesi (Celebes). To the northeast is the Philippines.
Borneo's highest point is Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia, with an elevation of 4,095 m (13,435 ft) above sea level. This makes it the world's third highest island. The largest river systems are the Kapuas River, with approximately 1,143 km (710 mi) the longest river in Indonesia, the Rajang River in Sarawak with some 562.5 km (349.5 mi) the longest river in Malaysia, the Barito River about 880 km (550 mi) long and the Mahakam River about 980 km (610 mi) long.
Borneo is also known for its extensive cave systems. Clearwater Cave has one of the world's longest underwater rivers. Deer Cave, thought to be the largest cave passage in the world, is home to over three million bats and guano accumulated to over 100 metres (330 ft) high.
