Mysterious carnivore discovered in Borneo's forests
07 Dec 2005
WWF researchers may have discovered a new, mysterious carnivore species in the dense, central forests of Borneo. The animal, a mammal slightly larger than a domestic cat with dark red fur and a long, bushy tail, was photographed twice by a camera trap at night. This could be the first time in more than a century that a new carnivore has been discovered on the island.
However, WWF researchers have not yet established whether this is an entirely new species or if it is a new species of marten or civet cat, which looks like a cross between a cat and a fox. They are hoping to be able to confirm more about the discovery by setting cage traps and catching a live specimen.
"We showed the photos of the animal to locals who know the wildlife of the area, but nobody had ever seen this creature before," said Stephan Wulffraat, a biologist who is coordinating WWF's research on this species. "We also consulted several Bornean wildlife experts, some thought it looked like a lemur, but most were convinced it was a new species of carnivore."
WWF stresses that the strange animal, which also has very small ears and large hind legs, might remain a mystery for ever, if its habitat is not protected. Kayan Mentarang National Park in Kalimantan, Indonesia, where the carnivore was photographed, is located in the "Heart of Borneo", a mountainous region covered with vast tracks of rainforest.
But plans announced by the Indonesian government in July to create the world's largest palm oil plantation in this area would have a devastating impact on the forests, wildlife and indigenous people. The proposed scheme, funded by the China Development Bank, is expected to cover an area of 1.8 million hectares, equivalent to about half the size of The Netherlands.
Infertile soil and steep areas, such as those in the Heart of Borneo, prevent the development of oil palm plantations. According to experts, it is not recommended to plant oil palm in areas 200 metres above sea level, because of low productivity. Most of the Heart of Borneo is between 1,000 and 2,000 metres high.
WWF's Heart of Borneo initiative aims to assist the island's three nations (Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia) to conserve more than 22 million hectares of rainforest in the area.
"This discovery highlights the urgent need to conserve the unique forests in the Heart of Borneo, as this creature - whatever it is - hasn't been seen since the pictures were taken and is therefore likely to occur in very low numbers," said Stuart Chapman, WWF's International Coordinator of the Heart of Borneo Programme. "What other secrets do these remote forests hold?"
It is extremely rare nowadays to discover a new mammal species of this size, particularly a carnivore, WWF says. The potential new species of carnivore in Borneo would be the first since the discovery of the Borneo ferret-badger in 1895.
For more information
Stuart Chapman, International Coordinator - Heart of Borneo Programme, WWF International
Phone: +62 21 576 1070
Mobile: +62 813 155 003 14
Email: schapman@wwf.or.id
Nita Irawati Murjani, International Communications Officer - Heart of Borneo Programme, WWF International
Phone: +62 21 576 1070
Mobile: +62 815 532 510 01
Email: nimurjani@wwf.or.id
Olivier van Bogaert, Senior Press Officer, WWF International
Phone: +41 22 364 9554
Email: ovanbogaert@wwfint.org
Notes
The enigmatic carnivore is described in a new WWF publication, which highlights the results of the long-term research on flora and fauna in this part of Borneo. The book Lalut Birai - The ecology of a rainforest in the Heart of Borneo by Stephan Wulffraat is available upon request (see contacts above).
The first two pictures of the animal were taken in 2003. WWF researchers have since then tried to take additional photographs but without success.
The pictures and a drawing are also available upon request.
