Borneo is the third largest island in the world, covering an area of 743,330 square kilometers (287,000 square miles), or a little more than the twice the size of Germany. Politically, the island is divided between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Indonesian Borneo is known as Kalimantan, while Malaysian Borneo is known as East Malaysia. The name Borneo itself is a Western reference first used by the Dutch during their colonial rule of the island.
Geographically the island is divided by central highlands that run diagonally from Sabah state (Malaysia) in northeastern Borneo to southwestern Borneo, roughly forming the border between West and Central Kalimantan (Indonesia). The range is not volcanic — the whole of Borneo has only a single extinct volcano — but does feature the highest mountain in Southeast Asia: Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, which reaches 4,095 meters (13,435 feet). The mountain range keeps animals on one side of the island.
Annual rainfall can range from 500 to 10,000 mm/year and mean temperature between 8 to 20 °C. The plants don`t have to save water like do in the desert. it usually around 50 degrees and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It's hot so the plants grow faster.
The tropical rainforests of Borneo are
one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth.
By creating a network of protected areas and leveraging the support of businesses, WWF's aim is that the island’s natural treasures are sustainably used, well into the future.
By creating a network of protected areas and leveraging the support of businesses, WWF's aim is that the island’s natural treasures are sustainably used, well into the future.
There is only one place remaining
in Southeast Asia where tropical rainforests can still be conserved on a grand
scale. This is the dense forest that straddles the borders of Brunei,
Indonesia and Malaysia on the island of Borneo.
Exotic wildlife is Borneo's number one
tourism draw card, but the region is also home to some of the world's most
endangered species.
Here one finds such endangered species as the:
as well
as thousands of other animal and plant species. There are also many species yet
to be discovered.
This natural treasure trove, however, is threatened by a number of threats: logging, plantation agriculture, mining and hunting.
The forests and its biodiversity are at risk of disappearing if it doesn't get the protection it deserves.
This natural treasure trove, however, is threatened by a number of threats: logging, plantation agriculture, mining and hunting.
The forests and its biodiversity are at risk of disappearing if it doesn't get the protection it deserves.
Like many
tropical areas around the world, the Borneo forests are being cleared rapidly
for commercial uses, including rubber, palm oil and wood production. The
threats posed by logging and land clearing for agriculture are worsened by a
growing illegal
wildlife trade.
WWF is working with the 3 Borneo nations to conserve 220,000 km2 of rainforest - almost 1/3 of the island - through a network of protected areas and sustainably-managed forests.
Source: WWF
WWF is working with the 3 Borneo nations to conserve 220,000 km2 of rainforest - almost 1/3 of the island - through a network of protected areas and sustainably-managed forests.
Source: WWF
On september 15, 2012 Prince William and Kate, the royal couple visited the Borneo Rainforest Research Center in Danum Valley Lahad Datu, Sabah. Danum Valley his one of the oldest and richest rainforests in the world.
They traveled by helicopter deep into the forest, covering an area of 43 800 hectares and an ecosystem with
approximately 125 species of mammals, over 300 birds, 72 reptiles and 56
amphibians.
Source: Borneo Post
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