THF Research Grant Photo by Peter Ong #projectmonyet Macaca Nemestrina Project is a long-term behavioural and ecological study of Southern pig-tailed macaques which has been conducted near the Segari Melintang Forest Reserve (SMFR), Perak, Peninsular Malaysia since 2013. Here, two groups of habituated macaques, numbering approximately 80 individuals move between the forest reserve and the oil palm plantations bordering its South-Western edge. Researchers supervised by Dr Nadine Ruppert of the School of Biological Sciences at … [Read more...] about Macaca Nemestrina Project
Research Grant Recipients
The hidden diversity of subaerophytic cyanobacteria on Penang Hill
THF Research Grant During the Penang Hill BioBlitz in October 2017, many rare and relatively unknown cyanobacteria species were detected among the algae samples collected. To understand their contribution to ecosystem functioning, and potential role in biotechnological developments, further study is necessary. This research, led by Dr Faradina Merican of the School of Biological Sciences at USM will compare the diversity of cyanobacteria at the study site with existing records from comparable environments. It is expected to draw … [Read more...] about The hidden diversity of subaerophytic cyanobacteria on Penang Hill
Ethnomycological study of local wild edible and medicinal fungi
THF Research Grant A research team from the School of Biological Sciences at USM, led by Dr Rosnida Tajuddin, has been awarded a THF Research Grant to document the historical uses and sociological value of local wild edible and medicinal fungi. They will also analyse the mycotoxin potentially present in wild fungi growing in association with the roots of dipterocarp trees, to help determine whether it is safe for human consumption. This study will enhance our understanding of the conservation status of mushrooms in Malaysia … [Read more...] about Ethnomycological study of local wild edible and medicinal fungi
Diversity and ecological characteristics of terrestrial freshwater crabs on Penang Hill
THF Research Grant The endemic vampire crab of Penang Hill is about the size of your thumbnail. Little is known about this species and its conservation needs. This research will answer questions about its population and ecology. For her Master’s degree in Ecology at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Siti Khadijah is conducting a 12-month study on the diversity, ecological characteristics and habitat selection of freshwater crabs that are endemic to Penang Hill. She is being supervised by a leading authority on crustaceans in Malaysia. … [Read more...] about Diversity and ecological characteristics of terrestrial freshwater crabs on Penang Hill
Connecting cats: assessing the population connectivity of apex predators
THF Research Grant 2019/2020 This study led by Kate Allberry of The Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), University of Kent working with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) will evaluate the genetic diversity of tigers, leopards and clouded leopards in Peninsular Malaysia to assess how effectively designated forest corridors are facilitating gene flow and movement between small populations. If wild carnivores cannot move between habitat patches they will likely become functionally extinct due … [Read more...] about Connecting cats: assessing the population connectivity of apex predators
