Talk on endangered species in Tutong
By Huraizah Ahmad

Officials at the talk on protecting endangered wildlife
Photo courtesy Brunei Museum

Several issues on the protection of several wild species were discussed during a talk attended by several 'Ketua Kampungs' (village heads) of Tutong District on 'APBL' (Akta Perlindungan Binatang Liar) and 'CITES' (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) held in Tutong last week. The talk was presented by Awang Samhan bin Nyawa, Curator of Natural History as Secretary of CITES Management Authority (BCMA) Brunei. It was attended by several officers from the Brunei Museums Department, Forestry Department and the Tutong District Office.

The talk on APBL and CITES, as well as the presentation of posters were part of an awareness programme organised by BCMA and Brunei Museums Department to give knowledge and understanding to the general public on endangered wild species in Brunei Darussalam as well as overseas.

Several other official activities held by the committee include the CITES exhibition and 'Pelongan-Pelongan' which was held March 2003, as well as a colouring contest for primary school students held since February.

Issues that were touched on during the talk included crocodiles and monkeys that are increasing in number around village areas, posing danger to humans and destruction to village farms.

Alternative ways of capturing these species were also mentioned, such as processes of capturing without endangering the species.

Other facts that were discussed included the issues of provision, capacity building, preparation of expenses, preparation of protected areas for the species and lack of manpower to help protect the endangered species, among others.

At the end of the talk, it was hoped that the general public would be made more aware of the endangered species and that they will help to conserve and protect wildlife from extinction for the future generations.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin