Posted on July, 19 2011

Nearly half of Brunei Darussalam is still primary, untouched forest, however this coverage is steadily reducing and only 17% of the country’s area is officially protected.  Under the HoB Initiative, the Brunei government proposes the extension of Brunei’s protected areas, including enlargement of the ‘Bukit Teraja’ protection area.

Brunei’s current Protected Areas are located mainly in three regions; Temburong, the Ingai-Bedawan reserves and the Labi area (Teraja-Mendaram).  The proposed Protected Area extension of Bukit Teraja is a relatively small piece of land (2500 ha) but would be of particular value because of its high biodiversity, its potential for eco-tourism, and providing connectivity with the Mendaram conservation area. 

During 2010 and 2011, the Panaga Natural History Society organized a survey to gather information on the conservation value and ecotourism potential of the Teraja area.  The survey showed that this area has particular high biodiversity, a unique flora and fauna, and great eco-tourism potential. Bukit Teraja is a piece of fairly undisturbed forest. Its road access makes it an ideal sanctuary for tourists and adventurers seeking new hiking and adventure opportunities.  We have mapped many trails and 40 waterfalls in this area. The area’s variety of habitats including hill forest, peat-swamp, ridges, rocks, waterfalls and streams makes it an ideal home for a diverse range of unique and endangered flora and fauna and a site of great scientific value.  Local people still conserve the traditional knowledge & legends of this area, however continued developments form a threat. Following discussions with the Brunei Forestry department and HoB council, we propose to gazette the Teraja Conservation Forest, with the purpose to conserve the primary forests and its biodiversity and to develop low impact, small scale ecotourism opportunities that benefit the local communities.

The proposed Teraja Conservation Forest would also provide a connection from the existing Bukit Teraja Protection Forest to the Ulu Mendaram Conservation Forest (one of the last remaining intact peat-swamp forests in Borneo) which would create one large unified virgin rainforest, the connectivity of which is important for plants and animals living there.

Potential for Tourism
Within the proposed Teraja Conservation Forest, the small Sungai Teraja basin just upstream from the Teraja longhouse is of particular interest.  We have explored this area extensively and found it particularly diverse, with at least 11 waterfalls and many trekking opportunities on well trodden but unmarked paths to pristine locations.  These river scrambles, which involve climbing over rocks and swimming in the many pools are great fun for the adventurous trekker.

This eco-tourism potential as well as Teraja’s contribution to the greater surrounding forest connectivity make it an area of prime conservation significance to the HoB.  By extending the area’s protection status along with the other proposed Protected Areas, Brunei’s portion of protected primary forests would increase to above 20% placing the small nation well ahead of all its larger neighbours.

Stop press – The Brunei Government has recently announced that it will gazette the area as the Teraja conservation Forest. Congratulations to all involved in the raising of the profile of this area as a suitable conservation site.

Some sample observations in the proposed Teraja Conservation Forest.

Waterfalls and trails -We have found 40 waterfalls and many trekking opportunities in the Teraja area. Within the proposed protection forest extension, the small Sungai Teraja basin just upstream from the Teraja longhouse has at least 11 waterfalls.

Frogs - 36 species of frogs are recorded, including four species (Brown Bullfrog, Least Narrow-mouthed Frog, Peat Swamp Frog, and Cricket Frog) that are new to Brunei. This brings the total number of frog species in Brunei to 81.

Reptiles – More than ten species of snakes were recorded, including some Pitvipers (Bornean Flatnose and Waglers). These were spotted at streams, on ridges, and on the road along with the Softshell Turtle and Asian Leaf Turtle. Crocodiles are irregularly seen in the river next to the longhouse by the habitants. 

Mammals - Among the mammals encountered in the Teraja area were the Bornean Gibbon, Maroon Langur, Banded Palm Civet, Yellow Throated Marten, Longtailed porcupine, Slow Loris and Bearded Pig.  Several deer species are known from the area.

Plants – The Teraja area shelters 19 plant species that are only known from Brunei (endemic), including 7 that, of the whole world, are only found in Teraja itself (‘hyper endemic’). Six new species recently discovered in Teraja are in the process of being described, they will raise further the number of known endemic plants from the Teraja area.

Butterflies - A total of 233 butterfly species have been recorded from the study area. The most significant butterflies on the current list are Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing and Miranda Birdwing. These are both protected species according to the CITES treaty. Butterflies are known to be environmentally sensitive organisms, hence their use to assess the state of the forest.

Birds - A great variety of forest birds can be encountered in Teraja with a recorded diversity of well over 150 species, from the common to the more elusive and rare. The forests are not the easiest habitat for bird-watching. However, the Labi ridge allows good views on the forest edge, but also undisturbed and close views on the forest canopy.

Fishes & shrimps - Fish species were distributed unevenly along the course of the streams, reaching a maximum in shallow forest streams downstream of the waterfalls.  Diversity of fish decreased up stream above the waterfalls. Shrimps are abundant above waterfalls and less so below. This might be related to the presence of predatory fish species.