Cede Prudente Blog "Wildlife Photographer in Borneo"

Bornean green magpie (Cissa jefferyi) 'im no angry bird’'

2012-01-13T16:10:00.006+08:00

Bornean green magpie (Cissa jefferyi)

'im no angry bird’'

Short-tailed Green Magpie (Cissa thalassina) has been split into Javan Green Magpie C. thalassina and Bornean Green Magpie C. jefferyi.

The race Cissa jefferyi is endemic to the island of Borneo, found in foothill and true montane forest between 300 to 2,750 metres although rarely below 1,400 m elevation is dark and almost uniform apple-green with yellow wash on the forehead.The eyes are bluish-white to whitish with pale blue orbital ring and narrow red eye-ring. The black mask is broader above the eye than in nominate race, and tapers almost in a point, whereas it is flatter in C.t. thalassina. Its voice is sweet and musical with a series of 4-5 clear notes “swe-swi-swee-swi-swe-sweet” repeated after short pause with some variations. It also utters a penetrating “sweeeii” and a repeated “swe-swe-gurg” or “swe-gurg”.

The Short-tailed Green Magpie feeds mainly on snails, various insects and their larvae, small frogs, lizards, snakes, birds’ eggs and nestlings, some fruits and carrion. This species is often seen alone, in pairs or in family groups according to the season or even amongst a mixed flock of laughing thrushes, drongos and treepies. They forage in the dense undergrowth, on the ground, through shrub layers, clambering between the hanging vegetation, and sometimes reaching the upper canopy. It often feeds near the limit of the tree-line. They cross open areas from thicket to thicket, but it prefers the cover of vegetation.

MALAY VERSION

Short-tailed Green Magpie (Cissa Thalassina) telah dipecahkan kepada Javan Green Magpie C.thalassina dan Bornean Green Magpie C. jefferyi.

Spesis Cissa jefferyi adalah endemik kepada kepulauan Borneo, boleh ditemui di kaki gunung dan hutan gunung di antara 300 ke 2750 meter walaupun jarang di bawah ketinggian 1,400m, warnany adalah gelap dan hampir seragam epal-hijau dengan segelintir kekuningan pada dahi. Matanya seakan putih-kebiruan atau putih dengan orbit biru pucat dan cincin-mata berwarna merah yang nipis. Garisan hitam di atas mata adalah lebih tebal berbanding dengan spesis lain, dan kian hampir di mata, sedangkan ia mendatar dalam Ct Thalassina. Suaranya merdu dan berirama dengan siri 4-5 nota jelas "SWE-swi-Swee-swi-SWE-sweet" berulang selepas jeda pendek dengan beberapa variasi. Ia juga berbunyi "sweeeii" dan berulang-ulangan "SWE-SWE-gurg" atau "SWE-gurg".

Makanan utama Short-tailed Green Magpie adalah siput, serangga dan larvanya, katak kecil, cicak, ular, telur dan anak burung, beberapa buah-buahan dan sisa bangkai. Spesis ini sering dilihat bersendirian, berpasangan atau dalam kumpulan keluarga mengikut musim ataupun di kalangan kawanan spesis laughing thrushes, drongos dan treepies. Ia mencari makanan dalam semak padat, di atas tanah, melalui lapisan renek, antara tumbuh-tumbuhan gantung, dan kadang-kadang mencapai kanopi tinggi. Ia selalunya mencari makan berhampiran had garisan pokok. Mereka melintas kawasan-kawasan yang terbuka dari belukar ke belukar, tetapi ia lebih suka penutup tumbuh-tumbuhan.

Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Malaysia

500mm and Nikon D7000

Photographs are property of Cede Prudente © downloading is disallowed without written permission.

www.cedeprudente.com

Maligan Mountain Range, Sabah, Malaysia in the island of Borneo

2011-12-27T13:43:00.053+08:00

Maligan, Sabah's Hidden Mountain Range

Cede crossing the 'monster rocks', imagine how huge these rocks are!

2011… Our 5-star hotel was now eyeing on the passing clouds with phanoramic green view as its backdrop. Here the wind was not only soothing but also freezing our bones especially in the early morning. Dreaming of waking up in the coldest part of the world? Sabah has it too, up in Maligan Forest Reserve that lies in Sipitang district and some part lies near the border of Lawas District, Sarawak. It covers an area of approximately 9,240 ha of land and was gazetted as a Class VI Virgin Jungle Forest Reserve.

Our 5 tented camp with its single-open room set at 1800 metres above sea level

We were excited as little is known about the place and it would be a great adventure to be in there and get surprises. Just like our previous wildlife surveys, we did a lot of ground trekking but this time we were faced with road access problems, what a surprise! The ground was slippery and trails were thick with mud: a result of constant rainfalls. We used 4WD in hope of getting our equipments cross the other side but we got stock halfway. The picture below will best explain how we got freed.

1.2.3. GO Hamit!

Tiktak...tiktak…time rolled by and we were finally back on our feet, trekking down among the Trestanias and Ficus plants, counting the number of wildlife we encountered.

Forest understorey sceneries are 'decorated with mosses of green'

Never miss-out this sucker!

(left) Heading up an up...(right) then heading down..good to have the camera tripod.

Night drive in search of nocturnal wildlife

We were on our second day when the greatest of the great surprise blow us: the sighting of the Hose’s Grizzled Langur! For more than 15 years of visiting different jungles of Borneo, this was our 1^st time to get a glimpse of this specie and found out that the last sighting was around 1980’s but no photographs. What else were we waiting for then if not to take photos and videos? For those who love the primates, this will surely be a great discovery. Just hope that it will still be here on our next visit. (Photo of Langurs by Hamit Suban)

close-up but side view.. shy?

This is for real! Hose's Langur

a painting of Presbytis hosei in 1889 by J. Smit

With respect to Maligan’s complex habitats, we were able to accumulate a sustainable species list of birds and large mammals. A total of 92 birds have been identified that includes, Bornean barbet, Orange breasted trogon, Mountain Serpent Eagle, Rufuos-bellied Hawk-eagle, Rhinoceros Hornbill and Black-and-crimson Oriole.

Mountain Imperial Pigeon

Bornean leaf bird

Ashy drongo

Black and Crimson Oriole

Crested Serpent Eagle

12 large mammals have been confirmed either by direct observation, recent tracks or physical signs or community reports such as Clouded Leopard, Sambar Deer, Bearded pig, Malayan Sunbear, Pangolin, Smooth Otter, Bornean Gibbon, Long-tailed Macaque and Red Leaf Monkey among others.

Leopard cat

Sambar Deer

Based on the favorable results, it is safe to say that Maligan Forest Reserve has great potential in hosting a good number of varied bird species and mammals. Continuous conservation and management of its flora and fauna resources should be maintained and improved if desired number of existing list were to be multiplied. Its less unexplored forest and breathtaking landscape should be recognised as one of the best view of the Heart of Borneo.

Interesting flora of Maligan Forest Reserve

Pitcher Plant

Featured Species

Hose’s Grizzled Langur (Presbytis hosei ssp. Hosei)

-Current IUCN Red List category, this species is Data Deficient.

-it is now very rare and has been listed as one of the world’s 25 most endangered primates (Brandon-Jones D. 2006). All four subspecies of the Asian colobine monkey Presbytis hosli are endemic to Borneo. The western subspecies, Hose’s Grizzled Surili, p.h. hosei (Thomas, 1889), is even more likely to be extinct as most of its distribution coincides with that of the oilfields which straddle the frontier between Sarawak (East Malaysia) and Brunei.

Its less unexplored forest and breathtaking landscape should be recognised as one of the best view of the Heart of Borneo.

Thank you to:

Hamit, Joharin, Denis, Kenneth, Jali, Elmer, Byron, William, Dr. Reuben, Dr. Arthur

SFD Sipitang team, Sabah air, Rowena, Carol & Cede Prudente

Write-up:

Emelyn Asmawil

X-mas season

2011-12-22T08:38:00.000+08:00

Greetings to ALL!!!

Birding & Photography Expedition Kinabatangan

2011-11-22T12:30:00.071+08:00

‘My journey into the Kinabatangan Wetlands’
by: Emelyn Asmawil

Abai village is the nearest access to LOWER KINABATANGAN SEGAMA WETLANDS, located 40km or about an hour’s boat ride from Sandakan harbour. It borders the Lower Kinabatangan Floodplain, one of the most important wildlife refuge in Malaysia, which over the centuries has evolved 5 distinct habitats: waterlogged and dry forests, saline and freshwater swamps and limestone forests, each contributing towards some of the most diverse concentrations of wildlife in Borneo. The diversity of this area is unimaginable with a record of 1000 plant species, more than 250 bird species, 90 fish species and reptilia and 50 mammal species.

LOWER KINABATANGAN SEGAMA WETLANDS is Sabah’s First and Malaysia’s largest Ramsar site of 78,803 hectares (194,726.453acres) located within the Kinabatangan floodplains, comprising three Forest Reserves: Trusan Kinabatangan Forest Reserve, Kulamba Wildlife reserve, and Kuala Maruap and Kuala Segama Forest Reserve. The site is recognize as an internationally important wetland for its undisturbed ecosystem where a number of rare, endangered and threatened species lives such as Sumatran Rhinoceros, Proboscis Monkey, Borneo Pygmy Elephant, Oriental Darter and Rhinoceros Hornbill.

Where did I get all those facts? From my reading, from my web browsing and from stories shared by those who have traveled to this amazing place (as how it sounded to me). Did I get the chance to prove these facts myself? Well, my promising trip is just about to make its first step. Let’s travel together and see where we end up. Where do we begin? Mile 6, Sandakan.

In a group of 4 members and the only rose among the thorns, I was feeling so special not because of that rose and thorns thing but because this trip is under the supervision of an experts, Mr. Cede Prudente – a reputable Photographer and Wildlife Conservationist and Hamit Suban – a dedicated and erudite Birder and Guide, along with Jali- our driver. Our trip begin at 9:45 in the morning and the van will run for the next two hours at a speed of 80 kilometers per hour before stopping by at Gomantong Cave, the best known limestone outcrop in the lower Kinabatangan. It contains around nine caves and is the most important area for edible bird’s nest in all of Sabah.

From Gomantong we then proceed to Sukau Kinabatangan and take our sumptuous lunch at Barefoot Sukau Lodge. It rains and we decide to cruise the river to Abai after the rain stops. At about 2:30, we (Mr. Cede, Hamit, Joharin-Barefoot Sukau Lodge guide, and Achil, our boat captain) set off for the exciting cruise with our expectations stirring inside us.

After 30 minutes, my companions are hastily preparing their camera and the boat turns back. What happened? Everyone points to a tree on the riverbank. I try to look at it but I see nothing out of the ordinary. I heard someone triumphantly said Orangutan. Orangutan? I have never seen one and just hearing its name wakes all my senses. My eyes become vigilant and it widens as it catches a glimpse of a sleeping female Orangutan.

Her exquisite post depicts freedom and serenity, expressing “Welcome to the Wild”. This is the most preciouse greeting I have ever had in my whole life, considering the fact that this is my first ever river cruise and trip to the Wilds. I wonder if all 1^st timers receive the same compliment like I am having now.

After savoring the moment and so as not to disturb her, we continue and enter a small river where we see Long-tailed Macaques haft way crossing a rope bridge made by the Sabah Wildlife Department and the Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Project (KOCP) for Orangutan to cross the river. Did these Macaques seek consent from the Orangutans? Maybe they believe in the virtue of Sharing is Loving. We turn back to the main river and pray for a sight of the Bornean Elephants, the world’s smallest elephant and an endangered one. Well, luck is still on our side because few meters ahead we can see 2 of them silently bathing in the river bank when suddenly a loud cracking sound emits from our left side and five (out of the estimated herd of 25), starts emerging from the bushes. Lunch Time! or should I say Snack time? It’s 4:10 in the afternoon and we have to reach Abai before darkness creeps in. So guys, enjoy your meal the way in which I enjoy this momentum with you.

We pass by Kampung Abai an hour later and along the way to Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, stationed in one of the small river in Abai, we get the sight of different bird species including the rare Helmeted Hornbill. As the sun is setting in the horizon, the wilds are now occupied either to search something for dinner or to find the best branch for a comfortable night ahead. By now the nocturnals too are collecting their energy for their night adventure ahead.

Entering the small river to the lodge where we settle for the night. After dinner, we set off again for night cruises as promised. And what a surprise awaits us before we get the chance to step on the boat.

In one of the tall-slim tree just metres away from the lodge, a Slow Loris is tightly grasping on its branch, his eyes sharply flashing back as it collides with the light from the headlamps. Looking at it through the binocular, it is the most delicate creature I ever come across with. I feel like the luckiest 1^st timer as I hear Joharin comments “I have been guiding and river cruising for a year and a half but this is my 1^st time to see a Slow Loris”. Indeed, the memory of this once in a lifetime encounter is what we will bring to sleep tonight. We will surely have our sweetest dream.

My alarm rings and its 5:30, time to prepare for the morning cruise.

Along the river past swamps filled with mangrove and nipa, it guarantees exciting sightings of wildlife in the crack of dawn. During the first few hours of morning daylight the loud four notes call of the Indian Cuckoo can be heard accompanied by the giant hornbill that echoed for miles, in unaesthetic tones, across the roof of the forest. The high descending call of Ruddy Kingfishers (that is often heard than the bird himself) travels in pairs on the silent past as it rolled through the jungle in the forenoon.

Snow-white egrets abounded along the banks of the rivers, perched among the vary-colored orchids and the flowering exotic trees, with their narrow yellow beaks flashing in the sun, they make a most captivating sight. In their company we often see numerous small parrots with dazzling turquoise bodies and bluish-gray heads that terminated in ivory-white beaks and so as the common residence Green Imperial pigeons flocks on most of the treetop flapping their metallic green wings and tail. It is always the birds that make the riverbank so wonderfully beautiful.

A view that never fails to enchant and complete the morning is a glimpse of the playful proboscis monkeys. These huge-bellied, long-nosed primates with long white tails are especially active during these hours when they are socialising, crashing through trees or foraging for food.

Abai is undeniably a brilliant bird watching and photography area. We see different species of hornbills; the helmeted, black, oriental pied, wrinkled, and white-crowned hornbills. Other interesting species are the speedy Peregrine Falcon, the angled wings and rounded tail Brahminy Kite, Blue-eared Barbet, Scarlet-rumped Trogon, White-rumped Shama, Dollarbird, Jerdon's Baza, Crested Serpent Eagle, White-breasted Woodpeckers, Purple Heron, Oriental Darter (famously known as “Snake Bird”) and other bird species.

If you are an avid bird photographer like Mr. Cede, be surprised to photograph one of them perched ever so regardlly on top of a dead tree or on a nipa and have a superb view of its stature and plumage. Or maybe you could just sit back and pondered on the significance of this encounter just like what I have been contentedly doing on this entire river cruises.

When the sun starts to flare its rays on us, we decide to go back to the lodge for breakfast and then will cruise our way back to Sandakan. It is sad to think that we will soon be leaving Abai but nevertheless we feel thankful for all the wonderful creatures Abai have showed us. The colorful magnificent birds, the playful Proboscis monkeys and macaques, the Bornean Elephants, the delicate Slow Loris, the tranquil river outlined by its different vegetation, have never failed to let us experience nature at its best. It’s more than what we have expected and I personally call this experience as a fruity surprise gift from Abai. The worthy taste lingers forever.

Thanks Abai.. till we meet again.

Cruising our way back to Sandakan, Sabah

Special Thanks to Mr. Cede Prudente for making things possible especially for making me realize that Birds are not just about Wings. They are worth preserving and worth to be photographed for awareness and continuous support on wildlife conservation.

To Hamit, thanks for the patience because I keep asking for the name of birds each time I see one.

Out of the 74 bird species either seen or heard, I only know by name roughly 10 percent. The offshoot of the trip is education.

To Matthew Cheng for the maiden trip to Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort.

To Joharin, Jali, and Achil, thanks for sharing the adventurous ideas and so as for the laughter.

Borneo Bird Festival 2011 Photo Essay

2011-11-17T08:31:00.017+08:00

The Happenings and The Success of

Borneo Bird Festival 2011!

The Borneo Bird Festival (BBF) 2011 held at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) from 14^th to 16^th October was participated by more than 3,000 visitors, both local and international and was packed with challenging and educational activities and globally informative talks. The festival was jointly organized by the Sabah Tourism Board, Borneo Bird Club and Sabah Forestry Department with support from Nikon (Malaysia) and IJM. It was generally aimed to create public awareness of the various magnificent birds of Borneo and the importance of conservation and ecotourism activities. It was also meant to promote birdwatching in Sabah, which is relatively new and potentially essential in generating revenue for the state tourism sector.

Some 25 exhibitors from various government agencies, NGOs, private sector as well as individuals showcased their products and promoted their activities.

Booth activities

The General Manager of the Sabah Tourism Board, Datuk Irene Charuruks toured the exhibiting booths in the late afternoon on 14^th October.

Datuk Irene Charuruks touring the booths.

A dinner reception was held at the Keruing Café, RDC. Among the dignitaries was YB Datuk Zakaria Idris, the State Assemblyman for Gum Gum.

Welcome Everyone!

During the reception, BBF 2011 also paid tribute to the late Choo Tse Tsen and Lee Teck Seng who have contributed significantly to the birding activities in Sabah. (We say,“They are happily birding in paradise with its finest forest and featherly delights”.)

The rest of the days were furnished with birding activities such as bird race, guided birdwalk, bird photography, photo exhibition, digiscoping workshop and various displays of birdwatching equipment.

Ppppiiiiiittttt...let the bird race begin! from Mr. Gary Albert

(left) Under this misty surrounding, these guys looks exactly the same. Spot the difference!

(right) Mr. Birder 2011?

RDC canopy walk is one of the best locations for bird watching. The VIP's and the rest of the bird enthusiasts are busy with their cameras. click..click..click.. hear that?

A children bird camp was also organized for students from various schools in Sandakan to expose them to the birding activities and to learn about the diversity of birds in Borneo.

"You are young, you should learn". Have you heard that from your elders? You know what kids, they are always right.... never been left..... behind from providing you the best lesson. Today, you learn about Bornean Birds. Let's fly!

Besides that, various other activities were arranged for kids, such as bird colouring and painting contests, creative bird drawing, stone painting, sand art, bird tattooing, face painting as well as batik painting.

Alone or with someone's guidance, kids love learning while playing at the same time.

(left) this two lovely girls are happily and seriously doing sand art. (right) kids being assissted in bird colouring.

This year, the talks held at the RDC’s Kabili Theatre were equally interesting and informative, with speakers from UK, USA, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Philippines and Malaysia.

(That’s what we mean by Globally Informative Talks. Amazing!)

Venues for the talks - The newly finished Kabili theatre, a world class hall

(left) Mr. Steve Shunk talks about Bird Tourism as a major sector in Nature Based Tourism in the World & on Borneo’s Woodpeckers: Anatomy & Adaptation. (right) Mr. Samson Ho talks about IBAs in Hong Kong, an Experience on Conservation, Education and Management.

Mr. Quentin Philipps, UK, talks on Successful Swiftlet Farming by Understanding Swiftlet Ecology. The 2nd edition of his book featuring the spectacled Flowerpecker was published this year and sells it at this BBF.

(left) Mr. Alex Tiongco, Wild Bird Club of the Philippines talks about Philippine Endemic birds Species. (right) Mr. Wong Tsu Shi, Borneo Bird Club talks about Waders Migration to Sabah.

(left) Datuk Irene Charuruks presents a memento, a book "Birds of Borneo" to Mr. Cede Prudente of Borneo Bird Club, who talks about Birding and Wildlife Photography in Sabah.

The most awaited time was the awarding ceremony not because of the material prize, but the enjoyment and fulfillment it brought.

BIG THANKS to the untiring support rendered by everyone in making BBF 2011 a resounding SUCCESS!

Thank You Guys....

More Photos of Exhibitors...

Tabin Wildlife Holidays (left), Tribute to 'Chien and Ah seng' (right)

Borneo Nature Tours (left), Imbak Canyon and Maliau Basin Team from Yayasan Sabah (right)

Eco Institute Hongkong (left), Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (right)

Canon Marketing (left), Nikon Malaysia (right)

Borneon Sun Bear Conservation (left), Jason Reyes(right)

BBF 2011 Committee (left), Borneo Books (right)

Bird Photography Competition 1st public judging

serious...Bird Race Judging

See you at Borneo Bird Festival 2012!

Article Contributed by: Dr. Arthur Chung

Photos by : Jollence Lee

Borneo Bird Festival

2011-09-23T08:22:00.006+08:00

Borneo Bird Festival 2011

Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok, Sandakan

Sabah, Malaysia

14-16 October, 2011

2011-08-20T11:30:00.000+08:00

Mystique Semporna June 2011-An Island Photo Safari

2011-06-08T10:30:00.155+08:00

Thanks to God given weather during the trip...

Semporna was founded soon after the British North Borneo Company established Sandakan, and initially settled by Chinese traders.

The name Semporna means place of rest and was given after the British quelled resistance from the local Bajaus in the mid-1880s, changing it from Tong Talun. Another story is that Semporna was called place to settle or meeting place by four admirals – Panglima Kabogan, Panglima Bum-Bum, Panglima Simunul and Panglima Abdullah.

The majority of the population is Bajau, many of whom live in sprawling stilt villages over the water on the outskirts of town. Semporna is located at the tip of Semporna Peninsula and visited by tourists as a base for scuba diving or snorkeling trips to many nearby islands including Pulau Sipadan (Sipadan Island), Mataking, Kapalai, Mabul, Pom Pom, the Tun Sakaran Marine Park and more...Marine products are still the mainstay of the local economy. Pearl culturing is a major component of this industry.

'Coconut island' of Sibuan.

Morning sun in 'coconut island' of Maiga

Glorious ray awakens Bohey dulang island

Clouds over the seafarers

Generations of seafarers in Borneo

Sea gypsies of Borneo

Sea gypsies of Borneo in Semporna

Little boy bathing in the white sandy beach

Sea gypsies kids

Family of sea gypsies of Semporna

Maiga Island, Both Sea and Land gypsies halts the day in twilight

Starry nights...over coconuts of Maiga island

Galaxy in the equatorial Borneo

Aerial shot of Semporna Island

Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Bohey dulang island

Sabah Parks Station nestled on the foothills of the great Bohey dulang

Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Black-naped tern drift along the hills of Bohey dulang.

At the top of the Ocean! Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Bohey dulang island.

Startrail Semporna

Thank you to Muslianshah Bin Masrie for organising the trip and Rabbani Ayub for the introduction. As usual, great sharing of photography tips and techniques with everyone, particularly John Kong. Friends together in the trip: Agoes SK, Alexs Azlan, Arif Kaser, Chantek Eqal, Darmin Ladiro, Jimmy Omar, Khairul Azhar Ramli, Lano Lan, Lokman Yusof, Mohd Rizal Ismail, Nicole Fung, Nizam Daniel, Rosley Abdul Hadi, Ted Adnan, Yaman Ibrahim.

All photos are available for sale in Prints

Contact email: cedeprudente@gmail.com

www.cedeprudente.com

Wild Kinabatangan Photographic Expedition 2011

2011-05-26T09:19:00.002+08:00

Exciting 3Days 2night Photographic Expedition Sukau, KInabatangan, Sabah
Malaysia.

Designed by Wildlife Photographer for Photographers....

The Kinabatangan River is the longest river in Sabah. It flows for 560 km through eastern Sabah to the Sulu Sea on the east coast. Its water catchment area captures 16,800 square km, or about 23% of the total land area of Sabah. The lower 70 – 100 km of the river meanders through low-lying ground of late Pleistocene to Holocene age, forming a floodplain – the Kinabatangan Floodplain, which in the distant past, must have been almost 100% forested. It is arguably the last forested alluvial floodplain in Asia, a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna. It is one of the two places on earth where 10 primates species can be found together, including the orang-utan, proboscis monkey and the Bornean gibbon. It is home to over 250 bird, 50 mammal, 20 reptile species and 1056 plant species that have been identified in this area. In 2005, 26,000 hectares of the Lower Kinabatangan were gazetted as a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment of 1997.

PHOTOSAFARI EXPEDITION 2011 INTO THE HEART OF THE MIGHTY KINABATANGAN RIVER, SABAH, MALAYSIA

Learn the Tips and Techniques to Wildlife Photography...see the best of Borneo wildlife-watching destination...see Sabah's finest Conservation effort at work

Upper deck Catamaran Cruiser, Wonders of Nature Sabah!

Timelapse Photography at Work...

The Cruiser bading Berhala island, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia

Elephants in the curtain of sunset...

The elephants at dusk in Sukau, Kinabatangan

Flying fox along Kinabatangan river

Oriental darter favours catfish

Oriental darter 'catch'

Blue-eared Kingfisher luvs catfish too!

Some Tips and Techniques to shooting Wildlife from Cede Prudente

In the midst of night...

Storm's Stork

Palm civet - a resident and usually seen feeding on fig fruit

Stork-billed kingfisher 'in the mist'

Oriental darter
'lift-off'

Malaysian blue flycatcher
'its u again'

Black and Red broadbill - a resident along the many tributaries of the Kinabatangan river

Stork-billed kingfisher
'backlit'

A conspicuous bright beak from a distance, built for hunting larger fish and crabs!

Rhinoceros hornbill
'dusk flight'

Dawn at Bukit Malapi Lodge, Sukau, KInabatangan

Sabah, Malaysia

A young Orangutan greeted us on morning cruise
Fig fruit are one of the success of biodiversity in the Kinabatangan floodplains

Great egret in breeding plumage
'mi pink feet'

Great egret in breeding plumage

Wonders of Nature Sabah Catamaran cruising along Kinabatangan River

Croc dragging its prey
Sukau, Kinabatangan Floodplain

Happy Shooters!

Sighted the Elephants!

Gotcha!

Upperdeck of Wonders of Nature, Sabah Catamaran

Video clip

Photo : Cede Prudente

Contact email : cedeprudente@gmail.com

Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sabah, Malaysia in the Island of Borneo

2011-04-27T13:07:00.001+08:00

A TRAVELOGUE

It’s hard to believe that merely cruising along comfortably in an open boat can provide one of the most richly rewarding wildlife experiences you could ever hope for. But that’s the Kinabatangan, a floodplain in eastern Sabah which has arguably the greatest concentration of wildlife in all of Southeast Asia.

The fact that it can all be viewed from a boat is a great advantage for photographers, birdwatchers and nature lovers, who enjoy a clearer view than from within the forest, and also avoid having to trek with heavy equipment.

A morning ambience along the many tributaries of the Kinabatangan river

Always rewarding with good sighting to cruise along Resang, Menanggol or Tenegang river, a tributary of the Kinabatangan river

A pleasant afternoon along the main river.

Imagine being able to film a group of Asian Pygmy Elephants feeding on the bank just a few metres from your boat as they migrate in search of food.

The Lower Kinabatangan has more than 120 elephants and regularly migrate from both upstream and lower stream.

Tusker are often eluding and not a common sight

As you cruise along the river through the early morning mist or in the refreshing cool of late afternoon, it all seems to be happening.

A scenic cruise in the morning exposes the reflection of the swamp forests

Hornbills swoop overhead, bizarre Proboscis Monkeys crash noisily in the trees, a solitary orangutan prepares its tree-top nest for the night, and a huge monitor lizard feeds on the carcass of a dead pig.

Monitor lizard basking in the sun

Rhinoceros hornbill

Maroon langur or Red leaf monkey leaps

Acrobat male Proboscis monkey are a great sight!

Adult male Orangutan are regularly seen feeding on ficus fruit along the Kinabatangan river

The 560-km Kinabatangan, Malaysia’s second largest river, floods the banks of its lower reaches every

monsoon season, creating oxbow lakes and concentrating wildlife on raised patches of dry land.

The Oxbow lakes near Sukau

At the heart of this floodplain, Sukau is home to a number of comfortable wildlife lodges. Its major

attraction is a nearby tributary, the Menanggol, famed for its concentration of endemic Proboscis Monkeys and birds. However, a magnificent range of wildlife can be seen all along the Kinabatangan

and its oxbow lakes, and on trails through the forest.

Apart from Proboscis Monkeys, wild orangutans, gibbons and leaf monkeys are frequently sighted, while two species of macaque are virtually guaranteed. Crocodiles, monitor lizards, wild pigs and otters are also seen along the river, while at night, civets and leopard cats can often be spotted in the forest. Frogs abound, and both turtles and tortoises are found.

Long-tailed macaque feeding on ficus fruit

Ficus racemosa fruits frequently and an important source of food to many wildlife here

Bearded pigs offers a hearty meal for crocs

Fast swimmer Long-tailed macaque learns the survival skills avoiding crocs when crossing the river

Lurking always, Crocodile here are the cousin of the saltwater croc in Australia

Leopard cat is a sight here on a night cruise

The birdlife is spectacular and includes such rare species as the Storm’s Stork and Bornean Bristlehead. Slender white egrets, magnificent eagles and hawks, Brahminy Kites, several species of kingfisher, Buffy Fish Owls and Oriental Darters are all common, while several species of hornbill and two species of broadbill add further variety to the fabulous birdlife of the Kinabatangan.

Bornean ground cuckoo, an elusive endemic bird worth looking...

Asian paradise flycatcher, a very attractive bird regularly seen along the tributaries

Oriental darter favours cat fish, reqires patience in observing this bird, fish catching is not an easy job!

Blue-eared kingfisher, the 'blue jewel' of the Kinabatangan river

Stork-billed kingfisher are skittish, often seen zooming pass!

Buffy fish owl hunts for fish, frogs and forest rats along the river

Long-tailed parakeet seen 'harvesting' palm oil fruit...

Black-crowned night heron, uncommon sight, seen at night along the river fishing

Hooded pitta

Oriental Darter tossing a fish

White-crowned hornbill, a good population was observed around Sukau.

Storm's stork, threatened specie and the Kinabatangan is one of its last remaining habitat

Malaysian blue flycatcher, a 'melancholic singer'

Black and Red Broadbill , a common resident

PLACES TO STAY AT SUKAU

Sukau offers various accommodation from Lodges, B&B's and Homestays

Bukit Melapi lodge restaurant, Sukau

Bukit Melapi Lodge - large air-conditioned rooms and nice balcony, Sukau

website: http://proboscislodge.com/index.php/about/

Barefoot Sukau Lodge - a simple lodge which offers bed and breakfast facility, located by the riverbanks with good view of a limestone outcrop

website: http://www.barefootsukau.com/

All wildlife images were photographed at Sukau in the lower Kinabatangan from the boat.

Equipment used are, the Nikon D3s, D700, 500mm f.4 lens, and various shorter lenses.

Contact email: cedeprudente@gmail.com

Wild Kinabatangan Photographic Expedition 2011

2011-04-18T08:56:00.001+08:00

Embark on a photographic journey to Sukau, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary in the lower end of Kinabatangan River. It has the largest concentration of wildlife in Asia, including the Proboscis monkey, Crocodiles, Wild Orang Utan, Bornean Elephants, Storm’s stork, Hornbills, Kingfishers. Sightings of wildlife are comfortably viewed from a boat. A haven for avid photographers! and birders....

You will launch from Sandakan, on board the Catamaran Cruiser, on the upper deck is a great way to view the sceneries and wildlife as you cruise to the upper reach of the Kinabatangan river.

Cede Prudente will travel with you and share the techniques on improving your skills in Wildlife and Nature Photography.
His website: www.cedeprudente.com

Day 1
8.00am – Meet at Sandakan Yacht Club jetty. Load your gears i.e DSLR Lenses and good Binoculars, tripods or Monopod and board the ‘Wonders of Nature, Sabah’ catamaran cruiser.

Sit back and relax while your Photographer Guide takes you on this journey through Sabah’s longest river ~ the Kinabatangan river.

The mangrove and riverine vegetation along the river is home to a diverse wildlife and birdlife.

Great chances to photograph the Borneo’s Proboscis monkeys, Red leaf monkeys, wild Orangutan, the Bornean Elephants, Otters, Crocodile, Hornbills, Kingfishers, Darters, wetland waterbirds, and the diverse wildlife in the area.

Fantastic Birdwatching experience from the Cruiser!

Photography is made simple by setting up your gears on the upper deck and get eye-level with your subjects.

Check in and dinner at Barefoot Sukau Lodge. At night we have time to look at your shots of the day and critique for improvement. (Meals: Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2
Fullday shall be spent in search of more wildlife. The trip takes us river cruising along the tributaries of the Kinabatangan river and photographing on boat and land, aiming for Proboscis monkeys action shots, hornbills, kingfishers, the many species of wetland birds, the pig tailed or long tailed macaque. Good chances of seeing Bornean elephants and wild Orang utan. Over night at Barefoot Sukau Lodge (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 3
On your last morning, we start off early with a cruise along the river. Shoot more sceneries and wildlife.
After breakfast, check-out and say goodbye to Barefoot Sukau Lodge. Travel by land to Sandakan. End of service.
(Meals: Breakfast)

ADVENTURE LEVEL: Leisure

RM 880 per person

*Minimum of 15 paying adult

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT SHOULD BE MADE BEFORE 11 MAY 2011

INCLUDE:
Basic lodge accommodation
Meals stated in itinerary
Activities stated in itinerary
4 private river cruise in Kinabatangan;
Boat & Land transfers as stated in itinerary
Specialist Guide

EXCLUDE:
alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages, tips, porterage and others not stated above.

WHAT TO BRING:

a. Essential camera equipment & accessories
• DSLR camera body
• Telephoto lenses : 70 to 200mm, 100–400mm, 500mm, 600mm, 800mm
• Wide-angle lens: 10 to 35mm or the equivalent zoom
• Various Filters
• Teleconverter
• Camera remote cable
• Sturdy Tripod with Ball head
• Laptop
• Extra External Hard-disk
• Card reader
• Good pair of Binoculars
• Flash
• Backpack camera bag
• Lens tissue and cleaning fluid
• Blower for dust & Microfiber cloth
• Extra camera battery & charger
• Rain covers
• Insect repellant

b. Essential Personal effects:
• Lightweight clothing or Cotton shirts
• Long sleeves
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight rucksack
• Personal Toiletries
• Hat
• Headlamp
• Water bottle
• Sun block lotion
• Birds of Borneo and Mammals of Borneo books

The Wild Ones

2011-02-01T16:19:00.011+08:00

Rhinoceros Hornbill

Rhinoceros hornbill feeding on Fig fruit (Ficus racemosa family) in the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS).

Sabah has a remarkable range of habitats from montane forest to peat swamp, lowland rainforest to interior plains, and from the largest floodplain in Malaysia to coastal regions and islands. More than 622 resident and migratory species of birds have been recorded for Borneo, with 54 ENDEMIC species. Of major interest is the fact that 24 of these endemic species are found on either Sabah’s hills or in its montane forest. The number of montane species is so significant that Mt Kinabalu, at 4,095m and one of the highest mountains in South East Asia is regarded as a distribution centre for all Borneo’s montane birds.

Bornean Bristlehead Black and crimson pitta

Orang Utan

ONLY ME AND MY DURIAN!

While Wallace cautions that "the smell of the ripe fruit is certainly at first disagreeable", later descriptions by westerners are more graphic. British novelist Anthony Burgess writes that eating durian is "like eating sweet raspberry blancmange in the lavatory."Chef Andrew Zimmern compares the taste to "completely rotten, mushy onions."Anthony Bourdain, a lover of durian, relates his encounter with the fruit as thus: "Its taste can only be described as...indescribable, something you will either love or despise. ...Your breath will smell as if you'd been French-kissing your dead cat"

Brit and month old baby, the latest addition at Sepilok Orang utan Centre, Sandakan, Sabah

Proboscis Monkey
The Young Bachelor Group, Proboscis Monkeys usually lives in a harem which comprises one adult male, several females, and their offspring, but sometimes the male and female Proboscis Monkeys move between social group. The Proboscis Monkey is mostly arboreal.

Human-like features...although longer nose!

The Proboscis monkey of Borneo
Labuk bay, Sandakan, Sabah

Proboscis Monkey in the group

The endemic Birds of Borneo

2011-01-19T13:13:00.006+08:00

A total of 622 resident and migratory species of birds have been recorded for Borneo, with 54 endemic species. Of major interest is the fact that 24 of these endemic species are found on either Sabah’s hill slopes or in its montane forest. The number of montane species is so significant that Mt Kinabalu, at 4,095m and one of the highest mountains in South East Asia is regarded as a distribution centre for all Borneo’s montane birds.

Thanks for looking...

IMBAK CANYON PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPEDITION 2011

2011-01-13T17:32:00.022+08:00

SIMPLY ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS!

Gear up for a 4WD adventure into the great IMBAK CANYON!
Join Cede Prudente to uncover the secrets of the Canyon. Optimise the capability of your digital camera, learn the techniques in rainforest photography and bring home stunning images!

Participants can show their best Photo of the Imbak Adventure and win a signed copy book entitled "TABIN - the Sabah Greatest Wildlife Sanctuary"

We will be joined by Jollence Lee, Sabah's prominent Landscape photographer.

On this trip, we will visit the filming site of the famous BBC Documentary entitled EXPEDITION BORNEO

ITINERARY:
Day 1 – Drive from Sandakan or Kota Kinabalu to our meeting point at Institut Perhutanan Sabah, Telupid. Muddy tracks and river-crossing awaits you! Welcome briefing by Imbak Ranger and Cede Prudente at Tampoi camp. Then, explore the trails around the camp, look-out for birds and wildlife. Photograph the scenic Imbak river and evening ‘Star trail’. Over night at Tampoi camp. (Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2 – Early morning photography, then breakfast. Explore to Big Belian Camp (BBC camp), trek through the forest and photograph some of the tallest trees in the tropical world, the scenic waterfalls and rivers, the diversity of plants and unique insects. Return to Tampoi camp for overnight. More star trail and Timelapse Photography. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 3- Early morning photography, after breakfast, pack up and head back to Telupid and onward trip to Sandakan or Kota Kinabalu. End of trip. (Breakfast, Lunch)

ADVENTURE LEVEL: Fit and Leisure

RM 880 per person
For the adventurous, drive your own 4WD vehicle for
RM 680 per person

*Minimum of 6 pax and Maximum of 15 pax*

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT SHOULD BE MADE BEFORE 10TH FEBRUARY 2011

INCLUDES:
Basic hostel accommodation
Meals stated in itinerary
Activities stated in itinerary
Conservation fees
Camera fee
Land transfers as stated in itinerary
Specialist Guide and Ranger

EXCLUDE:
alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages, tips, porterage and others not stated above.

WHAT TO BRING:

a. Essential camera equipment & accessories
• DSLR camera body
• Medium telephoto lenses : 70 to 200mm, 100–400mm zoom or equivalent
• Wide-angle lens: 10 to 35mm or the equivalent zoom
• Macro lens : 105mm or 200mm
• 300mm, 500mm telephoto lenses (optional)
• Various Filters
• Teleconverter
• Camera remote cable
• Sturdy Tripod with Ball head
• Laptop installed with Adobe Photoshop CS4
• Extra External Hard-disk
• Card reader
• Binoculars
• Flash with automatic TTL fill flash capabilities
• Backpack camera bag
• Lens tissue and cleaning fluid
• Blower for dust & Microfiber cloth
• Extra camera battery & charger
• Rain covers
• Insect repellant

b. Essential Personal effects:
• Lightweight clothing or Cotton shirts
• Long sleeves
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight rucksack
• Personal Toiletries
• Hat
• Headlamp
• Leech socks
• Water bottle
• Birds of Borneo and Mammals of Borneo books

Borneo Bird Festival 2010

2010-11-11T11:26:00.030+08:00

2nd Borneo Bird Festival 2010

Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok, Sandakan

Sabah, Malaysia

15-17 October, 2010

Launching speech by YB Datuk Masidi Manjun, Minister of Tourism,Culture and Environment Sabah.

Speech by Tengku Datuk Zainal Adlin, Chairman Sabah Tourism Board

Speech by Borneo Bird Club Pro-tem President~ Cede Prudente

Children's Presentation

Official unveiling of Borneo Bird Club

Flag-Off : Bird Race

Signing of Datuk Masidi Manjun for Life Member of Borneo Bird Club

Tea Reception at Keruing's Cafe

Guided birdwalk with visiting School Children

Bird photography and Digiscoping at Bornean Bristlehead by the lakeside

Children's Activities during the Borneo Bird Festival, Colouring, Birdwatching Basics, Bird Sculpture, and more

Guided Walks (top) and Awarding ceremony to Bird Race Winner to Participants to Children's Bird Camp

Painting Booth

Talk 1: Hornbills of The World and Their Status

by Professor Pilai Poonswad, Project leader, Thailand Hornbill Project

Talk 2: Monkey Eating Eagle of the Philippine

by Mr Dennis J.I. Salvador, Executive Director, Philippine Eagle Foundation

Talk 3:‘Biogeography of Bornean Forest Birds: recent evidence of Sabah’s unique history”

by Professor Frederick H Sheldon, Museum of Natural

Science and Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, USA

Talk 4: Promoting Sabah for Birding & Eco-Tourism

By Quentin Phillips

Talk 5: “Shorebirds and Why they Migrate”

by Mr David Bakewell, MNS Bird Conservation Council Waterbirds Group

Event venue - Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok

Photo contest prizes giving

Bird Photography Contest

1st Prize Winner - Denis Ikon and Winning Photo

2nd Prize Winner - Jordan Sitorus and Winning Photo

3rd Prize Winner - Jolence Lee and Winning Photo

Digiscope Contest

1st Prize Winner - Karim Madoya and Winning Photo

2nd Prize Winner - Andrew Siani and Winning

3rd Prize Winner - CK Leong and Winning Photo

Bird Race contest prize giving

Bird Race 1st Prize Winner - Danum's Borneo Rainforest Lodge Team

74 species sighted

Bird Race 2nd Prize Winner - Bee Eater Team

72 species sighted

Bird Race 3rd Prize Winner - Taman Negara Flycatcher Team

67 species sighted

The Organizing team with friends and fellow birders

Photos: Jollence Lee

The Blue-headed Pitta, Borneo

2010-09-17T18:26:00.002+08:00

The Blue-headed Pitta, Pitta baudii

Found only in the Lowland forest of Borneo, given its apparent restriction to lowland forest in an area that has suffered extremely rapid destruction of this habitat as a result of conversion to agriculture, this species is suspected to have undergone rapid population declines that are likely to continue. An elusive bird that requires patience to obtain view and photographs, seen along the tributaries of the Kinabatangan river and Danum Valley forests.

PHOTO: CEDE PRUDENTE

Blue-headed Pitta

Male (left) and female (right)
Conservation status
Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Pittidae
Genus:	Pitta
Species:	P. baudii
Binomial name
*Pitta baudii* Müller & Schlegel, 1845

Extracts from Wikipedia

Sabah Parks Photography Workshop

2010-08-25T13:46:00.002+08:00

Photo Alami Workshop

8th to 15th May 2010, Mesliau Nature Resort, Sabah, Malaysia,

Photo Alami merupakan Bengkel Fotografi yang telah diadakan di Mesilau Nature Resort ,

Taman Kinabalu. Aktiviti ini dibuat bertujuan untuk mempelajari penggunaan kamera DSLR dengan cara penggunaan yang betul dan tepat, selain dari itu juga mempelajari cara-cara mengambil gambar dengan mengunakan kamera DSLR. Dalam Program ini yang mempunyai 40 peserta dari berbagai unit dan stesen Taman-Taman Sabah dan telah dirasmikan oleh Pengarah Taman-Taman Sabah, En Paul Basintal.

Photo : Cede Prudente Mount Kinabalu

Outing (Landscape, Flora & Fauna)

Photo : Cede Prudente Bornean whistling thrush

Photo : Cede Prudente Stick Insect

Photo Cede Prudente

Photo : Cede Prudente Melastoma Malabathricum

Tawai Forest Reserve

2010-06-09T09:55:00.244+08:00

BIRDS AND MAMMALS SURVEY

TELUPID FOREST RESERVE COMPLEX

This project involves conducting a bird and large mammal field survey in Tawai Forest Reserve to determine an overall species list birds and large mammals in Tawai Forest Reserve and acquire additional information from the field if unavailable from secondary data sources.

Survey Methodology
Due to the need to rapidly establish as comprehensive a species list as possible, a variety of methods have be utilised to assess the Study Area. Time spent in the field, and undertaking aerial surveys has also given a greater understanding of past, present and future threats.

Forest Edge Surveys
Using agricultural roads through surrounding areas, forest edge environments have been surveyed by drive through, and stationary surveys. Suitable locations for surveys were found at the interface between forest and agricultural landuses to allow identification of birds in the forest edge, and birds and mammals passing between forest and farmland.Surveys were undertaken during the day, and at dawn and dusk.

Bordering Plantations
Surveys through plantations where food is plentiful (oil palm, fruit orchards, rice fields, etc.), and the terrain is more open have helped to identify biota present in the wider area. Species identified in agricultural areas are expected to also be found in nearby forests. Surveys were undertaken during the day, and at dawn and dusk.

Under-Canopy Surveys
Surveys within forests were undertaken to look for forest birds such as pittas and Great Argus. Mammal species such as mouse deer, maroon langurs, pangolins and gibbons were targeted.Where required, survey lines were cleared in advance to aid the survey team in accessing the forest, especially at night when looking for nocturnal mammals.

Viewpoint Scoping
The Forest Reserves of the Project Site are fragmented but not over large distances. Many birds have been observed travelling between forest reserves. Viewpoints were therefore established in locations with a good vantage point to see birds moving between Forest Reserves. During survey periods, the forest canopy was also investigated with telescopes to assist in locating features such as Orang Utan nests.

Interviews
Informal interviews with local residents were be conducted with 25 local residents in the Telupid area to clarify the past and current presence of large characteristic mammals such as elephants, tembadau and rhinoceros, as well as cryptic species such as nocturnal mammals.

Hunting is known to be a common activity in the Telupid area; ascertaining the scale and location of hunting activities, and impacts on rare or protected animal species is important in preserving the wildlife resource of the area for sustainable multiple use.

Informal surveys of local markets and stalls indicated the level of hunting, and demand for wildmeat in the local area.

During the survey, surveyors will record any bird and large mammal detected either by direct sighting, sound, footprints, or other physical evidence. Photographs were taken where possible to provide a record of the area, and allow preparation of a field guide for monitoring use in the future.

Birds
Throughout the surveys, a total of 105 birds have been identified and are listed in the Table 4 below.

Mammals
During the field survey, the recent presence of some 26 large mammals have been confirmed either by direct observation, recent tracks or physical signs, or from community reports.

Most have been identified by direct sighting and some identified by foot print, signs, sounds or nests. The list of the identified large mammal can be seen in Table 5.

by:

North Borneo Safari Sdn Bhd

Bornean Elephant Rescue and the documentary film

2010-06-07T19:00:00.013+08:00

Sabah is home to an estimated of 2040 individual wild Borneo Pygmy Elephants, including around 200 to 300 individual that range along the banks of the Kinabatangan river. Sabah’s endangered elephants are a distinct species found only in Borneo and not, as once thought, a sub-species of the Asian elephant. Unfortunately, as much of the land used for generations by elephants migrating in search of food has been increasingly converted to oil palm plantations, resulting in conflict between man and animal.

Injured elephants, generally those who have been caught in traps and who still have thick rope bound around their leg or trunk, are in need of help and greater awareness. The rescue of one such elephant became the subject of a documentary filmed by the Japanese NHK company. In 2005, NHK Broadcasting, Sabah Wildlife Department and WWF Malaysia collaborated in the making of the film.
Sabah Wildlife Department at Sepilok are some of the most experienced wildlife rangers in the country, with more than 25years of experience in the field of wildlife management including, rescue, translocation, the reintroduction of Sabah's Orangutans and other wildlife. WWF-Malaysia have been proactive in many wildlife and marine conservation work in Sabah.

This Young elephant has a string of rope on its right leg...caught on those many traps in the forest or bordering oil palm plantations

Injured wild elephants observed and photogrpahed

Cede Prudente acted as coordinator, obtaining the cooperation of both Sabah Wildlife Department, Headed by Dr. Rosa and Ranger Chani and WWF Malaysia- Headed by Raymond Alfred.

The crew spent 14 days trying to locate an injured elephant called "TALI" that had been spotted in the oil palm estates and secondary forest in Kinabatangan region. Finally, when the elephant was located, a massive rescue operation swung into gear.

The search on land and rivers was frustrating.....many days have passed and no signs of elephants!

Finally...the injured elephant, 'Tali' came into sight! Elis is a Sharpshooter...darted wt tranquiliser

Elis is Sabah's FINEST in translocation and wildlife rescue mission

The daily CARE by Rangers and Dr. Rosa supplying variety of fruits n grass

The Transportation for treatment to Sepilok Centre in Sandakan

Before and After Treatment of "Tali"

The Release of 'Tali' back to the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary

The injured elephant named "TALI" was darted with a sedative, then carefully guided into a specially built container which was lifted by crane onto a truck. The truck took the elephant to the edge of the river, where it was transferred onto a barge and taken by truck to Mile 14 at Sepilok. Here, the medical team at the Sepilok Orangutan Centre worked to cut and remove the thick rope that had been deeply embedded in the flesh of the elephant’s right leg. After antibiotic injections and other treatment, the animal was finally well enough to be transported back to be reunited with its family group.

Other similarly injured elephants have been identified in the region, and it is hoped that they too will be rescued, treated and then returned to the wild. To date, many injured elephants were treated and greater program for conservation and awareness is needed. Congratulations to the team!!

'Tali' and the successful Rescue was in New Straits Times

2010-06-04T17:21:00.006+08:00

Canopyworld - BBC

Charlotte Uhlenbroek explores the CANOPY - the high frontier and the powerhouse of the

rainforest, She climbs up into this remarkable world using ropes, balloons and platform, with raw climbing skills she searches for spectacular concentration of canopy wildlife of Borneo! All location shoot in Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia.

Cede and Charlotte

Thank you for your support: Yayasan Sabah and Danum Valley Field Centre staff, Sabah Air

2010-06-04T15:12:00.035+08:00

Deep Jungle
Granada

This series uses the newest science and filming technology to cut through the dense undergrowth. Spectacular wildlife images and stories of explorers from 500 years ago to today. In Sabah, Roman Dial an expert tree-climber uses his skill to explore the canopy of Borneo.

Filmed in the rainforests of 14 countries, Deep Jungle follows researchers as they climb more than 200-foot-high jungle canopies, confront bizarre species, unravel mysteries of animal behavior, and probe archeological sites that harbor clues about lost civilizations. "It's all accomplished with a remarkable element of fearlessness and the inventive use of cutting-edge technology," said Mr. Kaufman. The three-hour miniseries reveals how technology is changing the nature of jungle exploration, providing intrepid scientists with the means to unlock secrets that vastly enlarge our understanding of rainforests and the role they play in planetary ecology.

see the gallery here: http://www.cedeprudente.com/gallery.php?cat=18

Thank you for your support: Yayasan Sabah and Borneo rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley

2010-06-04T11:04:00.024+08:00

Expedition Borneo - BBC
Imbak Canyon

One of the most remote and challenging locations in all of Sabah — the Imbak Canyon Conservation Area, situated roughly in the centre of the state — was chosen for a BBC documentary on the wildlife recorded by a group of UK scientists during their expedition.

The formidable logistics of setting up and maintaining the camp in a region visited so far by less than 200 people, as well as the task of choosing and co-coordinating specialised local naturalists, was handled by Cede Prudente of North Borneo Safari. After surveying the area by helicopter, a camp site was selected and 25 helicopter shuttle trips organised to bring in the material to build the camp, plus all the scientific and filming equipment necessary for the month-long expedition in April-May 2006. Altogether, some 2 tonnes of equipment was involved.

Some 20 team members from the UK, plus 20 locals, were involved running the camp as well as locating, studying and filming as many different types of animals as possible. The 300-sq km Imbak Canyon — a pristine valley enclosed by high sandstone ridges and with imposing waterfalls — is known for its magnificent lowland dipterocarp forest with some of the tallest tropical trees in the world. The forest, the largest such untouched region in Sabah, is rich in medicinal plants and a potential botanical gene bank for forest rehabilitation.

During the course of the expedition, Cede Prudente supervised the specialised naturalists who helped the UK scientists track and film the wildlife; part of these activities involved setting up a DV camera trap and the construction of two filming platforms close to fruiting fig trees, where it was hoped to film orangutans.

Among the 32 mammals noted were the Borneo Gibbon, the very rare Clouded Leopard, a Tarsier (the tiniest of local primates) and a Binturong or bear cat. Although the call of a male orangutan was heard, it was not possible to catch this iconic animal on camera.

The birdlife recorded including some 46 species, including four different hornbills, the rare Borneo Bristlehead and some spectacular flycatchers and pittas. Scientists specialising in reptiles and amphibians noted 16 of each family. An abundance of moths were trapped at the camp, with more than 53 species recorded, while spiders and insects including a number of colourful butterflies were seen.

2010-06-04T11:00:00.030+08:00

Expedition big Trees in Borneo
National Geographic

What and Where is the is the tallest Tropical Tree? The expedition calls attention to one of the remaining lowland forest in Sabah by finding and climbing its tallest tree. The hunt is on for Shorea and Kompassia species.Imbak valley was known to have the tallest tropical tree in the world.The team includes the world’s respected Canopy Scientists headed by Roman Dial and Tree Climbers Brett, Tom and James. The local Scientists from Sabah - Alex Karolus and Wildlife Photographer and Logistics Coordinator - Cede Prudente. Expedition was conducted in a series of visits from 2005 to 2008. The trip was Sponsored by National Geographic Expedition Council US.
Tawau Hills park has the tallest tropical tree in the world measuring 88.3 metres, the Shorea faguetiana is the tallest.

See the link below:

http://www.etawau.com/PlacesInterest/TawauHillsPark/World_tallest_trees.htm
http://www.nativetreesociety.org/worldtrees/sea_ei/malaysia/sabah2005.htm
Thank you for your support: Sabah Parks Office and Rangers, Yayasan Sabah Office and Field Scientists and Sabah Air and Pilots

The Green Turtle of Selingan Island in Sabah

2010-05-25T19:57:00.010+08:00

Malaysia is fortunate to host four species of marine turtles: Leatherback, Green, Hawksbill, and Olive ridley turtles. These gentle reptiles of the sea swim great distances and come on land only to nest. They are known for their longevity among local cultures. Sadly, the number of marine turtles in most places has plummeted and some populations are on the brink of extinction. Selingan island off Sandakan is one of the best places to see the Green turtle conservation program. See this website for more info:

http://www.sabahparks.org.my/pages/tip_intro.html
Photographed in the beach of Selingan island at sunrise. Nikon 14mm-24mm D3s

Nikon Photography Birdwatching Workshop

2010-05-14T16:16:00.042+08:00

Nikon Photography Birdwatching Workshop

7th to 9th May 2010, Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Malaysia,

In conjunction with Sabah Fest 2010.

7th May 2010 (Friday)

The first session of the workshop saw the participants engaged by Mr Cede Prudente on Nature Photography. Cede’s lively presentation together with his mesmerizing images and moving videos of nature and widelife of Sabah had the participants’ full attention.

The participants were then split into two groups. The photography group was taken on a guided photography walk in the Park area, with the speakers mentoring them and giving hands on tutoring on photographic technique on site. The Birding group was taken for a guided bird walk along the well laid trails of the Park.

Mr Kelvin Chan spoke on Travel Photography, he elaborated on the choice of subjects, composition, lighting and lenses to use under each circumstance. He also showcased his excellent collection of images from his vast travel and commercial assignments to the participants.

Photo : Raymond Low

Photo : Jollence Lee

Photo : Cede Prudente Ashy Drongo

Photo : Cede Prudente Chestnut-crested Yuhina

8th May 2010 (Saturday)

After the 6 a.m. breakfast, participants were again split into 2 groups, however, the photography group was further divided into a bird photography group, the groups were than led by the various speakers to photography and bird watching field trip.

Mr John Kong presented a talk on Discovering A World Of Subject With Nikon Lenses after the field trip. He elaborated in depth on the available Nikon camera bodies and lenses and how to utilize them in real life photography assignments. His presentation included breathtaking images taken with the assortment of lenses. 

Miss C S Ling, a young lady from Singapore spoke on Nature and Wildife Photography from her perspective. She has travelled to northern Japan and remote China to make thought provoking images of nature and wildlife. Being a lady, she shared with the lady participants on the challenges of being a lady nature photographer.

Mr T S Wong than spoke on Birds of Borneo, he briefed the participants on the number of species and endemics birds of Borneo, bird migrations and ethics to be observed in bird photography. He also shared beautiful images of wild birds of Borneo taken by him.

 After the talks, the photography group led by various speakers went to Kundasang market to do hands on photography of people, landscape and travel. The birding groups was stranded at the conference venue due to the thick mist.

Photo Review was carried out after dinner, participants shared images captured during the field trips with other participants with critiques, comments and encouragements from the speakers.

Photo : Raymond Low

Photo: Cede Prudente Chestnut-hooded Laughing-thrush

Photo : Cede Prudente Mount Kinabalu

Exhibition at Kinabalu park

   9th May 2010 (Sunday)

At 5.00 am the photography group was taken by the various speakers to photograph the spectacular sunrise over Kinabalu. The birding group was led by the Tengku Adlin to walk in the Park area.

Jason Bugay Reyes spoke on Birdwatching and Digiscoping after breakfast, he elaborated in depth on the working of the Nikon Binoculars and Fieldscopes. He also demonstrated the Nikon system of Digiscoping where you can achieve 1300mm focal length without breaking your bank and back. Images taken by Jason using the Digiscoping set-up were also displayed.

Tengku Adlin later witnessed the signing of the MOU by the donors of photographs for the benefit of Sabah Cheshire Home. The prints will be for sale all over Sabah with the proceeds donated to Sabah Cheshire Home.

Closing Ceremony by Tengku Adlin representing Datuk Masidi Manjun, Minister of Tourism, Sabah.

Participants, Speakers, Guests with Tengku Adlin

Thank you to TSWong for the write-up and contributing Photographers

Sabah ' The land in the Clouds'

2010-05-04T16:12:00.006+08:00

Sabah has some of the most spectacular rainforest sceneries, combined with diverse ecosystem it is home many endangered species such as Orangutan, Sumatran rhino, Sunbear and more. Flora and insect world are in thousands, some are yet to be identified. The timelapse scene showcases the passing of time and evolution in the process....

Most shot were taken with 2 to 5 seconds interval on Nikon DSLR camera system

Buffalo at Dusk

2010-05-04T11:34:00.004+08:00

Oriental Pied Hornbill

2010-04-26T20:47:00.002+08:00

The 'dance' of the hornbills
Oriental pied hornbills are one of the most common hornbill specie in Borneo, often seen in village orchards and gardens, flocks of more than 20 can be observed during breeding season. This 'dancing' pair were photographed at Sukau, Kinabatangan, Sabah.

Banded Kingfisher

2010-04-26T20:26:00.002+08:00

The male (left) and female (right) Banded Kingfisher Lacedo pulchella
A tree kingfisher found in the lowland tropical forests of South-east asia.
It has a sturdy red bill and a short crest which is slowly raised and lowered. It shows striking sexual dimorphism compared to most of its relatives. The nest is a hole in a rotting tree trunk, hunts large insects and occasionally small lizards, usually taken in the trees, but sometimes from the ground.

White-crowned hornbill

2010-04-26T19:39:00.005+08:00

The male (left) and female (right) White-crowned hornbill (Buceros comatus)
One of Borneo's rarer hornbill, although recently have been seen regularly seen in Sukau, Kinabatangan.The most prominent feature of this bizarre looking bird is its spiky white crown feathers. The blackish casque is hollow and serves no function, but is believed to be the result of sexual selection.

Blyth's Hawk Eagle 'young'

2010-03-31T17:08:00.014+08:00

The Blyth's Hawk Eagle

Prefers forest edge, It builds a stick nest in a tree and lays a single egg. The common name commemorates Edward Blyth (1810–1873), English zoologist and Curator of the Museum of the Asiatic Society of Bengal.

Photographed along Sipitang-Tenom highway, Sabah.

Distance was reasonable to view this cropped image. Captured with Nikon Scope EDG 65 and D3s

2010-03-31T17:05:00.005+08:00

Bornean Falconet
At 15cm, its the world's smallest bird of prey, found in primary forest clearings and the forest edge. It is found in Sabah only, feed on large insects, small birds and small lizards. Photographed at Gunung Lumaku, Sipitang Tenom Highway, Sabah, Malaysia
Still capture using Nikon D3s and 500mm and rendered with iMovie.

Rare scene of 'flanged' male wild Bornean Orangutan making nest!

2010-03-14T20:12:00.002+08:00

it was 6pm along Danum road. this flanged male 'necklacing' with branches, i wondered...then I realised the storm was closing-in. Its my second observation on male Orangutan accumulating leaves for 'umbrella'! indeed, interesting wild behaviour rarely seen. Supposedly, enlarging the scope of cultural variants available on Pongo pygmaeus morio. Recorded with Nikon D3s with 500mm lens

Rhinoceros Hornbill, Adult female and Young feeding on fig fruit

2010-02-13T14:21:00.025+08:00

One of the largest hornbills, the courtship and bonding of these birds are critical, as the female must trust the male to provide her with everything when she is incubating and raising chicks. These Hornbills lay their eggs inside tree trunks, the females stay inside with the eggs, while the male will bring her and the young food. Feeds mainly on fruits, insects and smaller birds..
Captured on Nikon D3s and 500mm lens at Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sandakan, Sabah. February 2010

Shooting Tips: I find it essential to have a sturdy tripod and good ballhead to maintain stability,particularly on video capture. ISO was set to 800
as there is lovely morning light, prefocus before hitting the record button. Recording duration can vary from 20seconds to 2minutes, depending on the subject's behaviour. In this case, the hornbill feeding lasted more than 20minutes, so, I recorded a variety of interesting position. Wildlife shoot can be unpredictable, understanding their behaviour is useful to anticipate the 'moment' of your next capture.

Pied Hornbill 'in slow motion flight'

2010-02-12T11:03:00.006+08:00

Captured on 300 frames per second mini camera

Labuk Bay, Sandakan

Sabah, Malaysia

Bornean Bristlehead " in the rain"

2010-02-12T10:48:00.004+08:00

Endemic to Borneo and can be observed at Danum Valley and Sepilok Forest reserve

Captured on Nikon D90 and 500mm

Bornean Orang utan feeding on Terminalia fruit

2010-02-12T09:52:00.006+08:00

Omnivorous, Orangutans eat both plants and animals but feed mainly on fruits, young leaves, bark and insects. By about the age of ten, an orang-utan can recognise over 200 different food plants. Wild Durian fruit are some of its favourite.

Captured on Nikon D90 and 500mm lens
Danum Valley Field Centre, Sabah, Malaysia

2009-05-25T21:18:00.001+08:00

2009-05-25T21:00:00.004+08:00

The Whitehead's Trogon - one of Borneo's most beautiful bird.

An endemic to Borneo, found in the montane forest of Kinabalu Park.

Sightings at silau silau and liwagu trails.

Nikon D700 and 500mm f4

2009-05-25T19:31:00.002+08:00

My first attempt to blog today, big thanks to Jollence Lee! Sabah's outstanding Photographer. It took almost a year to convince me... We will get those links sorted out later Jollence!
A celebrated Bird in the forests of Borneo - the Bornean Ground Cuckoo.

Shot at Sukau, Kinabatangan on one drizzling afternoon. Info courtesy of Kenet and Ah Seng

Nikon D700 and 500mm f4 on ISO 2500 on 1/80th of a sec shutter. Why didnt Nikon made the ISO wonders 10years ago! Shooting from a boat in extremely low light, is not a pleasant situation, a challenge to equipments n photographer... nevertheless, patience and perseverance a must have!