Borneo

So, I'm really facinated by Borneo at the moment (among other things like echidnas and humpbacks... but that's another story). So a few facts... just so we're all on the same page... It's the worlds 3rd largest island, also the 3rd highest island. It's in Southeast Asia and is divided between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Ok, so down to business... This island has some of the densest, spectacular and oldest undisturbed areas of rainforest in the world making it the centre of evolution and mutation of many exclusive species of plants and animals. A good example is the snake and lizard species who have adapted to the unique formation of the jungle by learning to jump and glide from tree to tree and form the right muscles, skin and bone structure to have this ability.

I'm particulary intersted in the fact that new species of plant and animal are being found on a weekly basis. This isn't just things like small fish and fungus that might easily elude humans for hundreds of years, but things like small mammals, snakes and frogs to name a few.
In December 05 WWF scientists got a couple of photos of a red-haired domestic cat size carnivore mammal. They showed these photos to locals and Borneo wildlife experts, all of whom said they have never seen it before. If this is infact a new find it would be the first discovery of a new mammal species in South East Asia for over a hundred years... that's just freakin amazing.
Another amazing discovery is of a new Leopard species. The Borneon Clouded Leopard was offically named and classified this March. Until recent DNA tests, it was thought to be the same species of cat found on the mainland. It's also found on neighbouring island Sumatra. Take a look at this beautiful cat, it's bloody awesome!

This alone should be enough for people to wake up about the destruction of the rainforests of Borneo. You can always get involved with organisations like WWF (World Wildlife Fund), National Geogaphic and ofcourse Wildlife Warriors. I know that the money donated will go towards saving habitats and animals in places like Borneo. Australia Zoo is also affiliated with a group of people including ex keepers who help rehibilitate orphaned Orangutans in Borneo.

There's PLENTY of other unique animals found on Borneo that I want to share that I will get to another time. Like gibbons, rhinos, pygmy elephants, orangutans and a bunch of others... for now I need some sleep.

peace out
scottyxxx