|
About | Contact | Mongabay on Facebook | Mongabay on Twitter | Free newsletter |
|
|
New book series hopes to inspire research in world's 'hottest biodiversity hotspot' Jeremy Hance mongabay.com January 17, 2012  Pristine coastal vegetation: Misool island, Raja Ampat. Photo by: Dimtry Telnov, 2009.
"This territory is described as one of the most diverse, least explored and most endangered (both in cultural and natural aspects) regions on our planet, the 'hottest' biodiversity hotspot," says Telnov in a mongabay.com interview, adding that, "generally, [the region] covers less than 1 percent of the world’s total land area but holds the world’s highest biological diversity both in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, in addition to an amazing diversity of human cultures and languages."
"After the famous Dutch-Indonesian magazine of 1950-60s 'Nova Guinea' was discontinued there has been no alternative centralized discussion board available for scientists and nature conservation specialists working in the Indo-Australian transition region. As for local scientists from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor and the Solomon Islands, they have very limited opportunities to present the results of their studies in peer-reviewed issues. My idea of the book is like for a 'central organ' of communication between the world's most famous experts in various biological disciplines and our colleagues from the region. With the first volume I also aim to inspire colleagues from around the world to pursue research in the Indo-Australian transition zone." Given that the region is rich in natural resources—including timber, minerals, and fossil fuels—many of the islands have suffered large-scale environmental damage. Indonesia has one of the world's highest deforestation rates due to the pulp and paper and palm oil industries, leading to less than half of the country remaining under forest cover. A study in 2008 found that nearly a quarter of Papua New Guinea's forests were degraded or lost between 1972 and 2002, a number far higher than expected. East Timor's forests have also been cut by a fourth from 1990-2010. "The threats [to the region] are more or less equal to those of any tropical region," Telnov says. "Global warming, rushed deforestation, booming population growth, the introduction of numerous non-autochthonous species, poverty in rural areas, the availability of high-value resources (timber, oil, gas, gold, nickel, copper), overhunting, oil palm plantations, collecting for animal breeders (especially—birds, reptiles and amphibians as well as large insects), lack of rangers, and lack of real control instruments (for example, many internationally protected species are being legally sold under other—i.e. non-protected—common names to Europe and USA). In addition, remoteness of the area, difficulty of controlling and monitoring the situation, local corruption, and unemployment are also important. Local inhabitants have to understand the value of their natural heritage, which could be done by increasing the level of education in this region"
"I find it important to demonstrate to the public, and also to the scientific community that absence of funding should not stop us from doing something important and necessary for nature conservation and scientific research," he says. He hopes future volumes will incorporate more input from conservationists and homegrown scientists. For inquiries and ordering information see bottom of the interview. INTERVIEW WITH DMITRY TELNOV  Unidentified frog, Fakfak mountains, New Guinea. Photo by: Dmitry Telnov, 2010. Mongabay: Will you tell us about the Wallacea and New Guinea region? Dmitry Telnov: The region of Wallace and New Guinea is an area of thousands of tiny to very large islands lying in the equatorial latitudes between the Asian and Australian mainland. This territory includes the eastern parts of Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Generally, it covers less than 1 percent of the world's total land area but holds the world’s highest biological diversity both in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, in addition to an amazing diversity of human cultures and languages. Moreover, the territory of Wallacea (an area between Greater Sunda Islands and New Guinea) is the "birth place" for the biological discipline, biogeography. The famous British naturalist and evolutionist Alfred Russel Wallace (Wallacea was named after him) was so fascinated by the deep differences in the fauna of this territory compared to Greater Sunda Islands, that he produced the world’s first biogeographical monograph The Malay Archipelago after many years of traveling and observing nature in this part of the world. Currently, this territory is described as one of the most diverse, least explored and most endangered (both in cultural and natural aspects) regions on our planet, the "hottest" biodiversity hotspot. Mongabay: What makes the Wallacea and New Guinea unique in terms of biodiversity?
The main postulates on what makes the Indo-Australian transition zone so unique were postulated by Rreichholf in 2003:
NEW BOOK  A scene from a coral reef off the island of Halmahera in Indonesia. Photo by: Dmitry Telnov, 2007. Mongabay: The new book is described as an "attempt for starting a new era in research and nature conservation in the region of Indo-Australian transition." How will this book help jump start more research and conservation efforts in the region? Dmitry Telnov: Since Indonesia’s political and social situation, the main country of the region, was stabilized in 2000s, the number of scientific and nature conservation activities in this part of the globe are growing rapidly. After the famous Dutch-Indonesian magazine of 1950-60s "Nova Guinea" was discontinued there has been no alternative centralized discussion board available for scientists and nature conservation specialists working in the Indo-Australian transition region. As for local scientists from Indonesia, Papuan New Guinea, Timor and the Solomon Islands, they have very limited opportunities to present the results of their studies in peer-reviewed issues.
The second aspect of this activity is to "supply" the book (with volumes published on a regular basis) to scientific conferences devoted to different aspects of biology and geography in Wallacea and New Guinea. Conferences (also planned on a regular schedule about once every two or three years) are absolutely vital for mutual communication. We also hope to invite more colleagues from around the world to contribute to the forthcoming volumes of the book. Increasing the amount of published information is crucial for the conservation of the region (if we have no data—there is no background to preserve anything). Any input to the book made by scientists (faunal, ecological, whatever) will finally have an output in proper nature conservation. Mongabay: What can readers of the book expect to discover about the region? Dmitry Telnov: The chapters vary depending on submissions. Readers of the first volume will be intrigued by a biogeographical review devoted to Philippine vertebrate fauna and confirming that the Philippines is a part of Wallacea. Readers may also enjoy a study on the modern and effective methodology of wildlife conservation based on Papuan traditions and beliefs. And, of course, new species publications form the largest part of the book and should be of interest to all readers. The book includes numerous black & white text illustrations, several maps and 92 A4 color plates. What I originally imagined was a combination of scientific analysis (faunistic, biogeography, evolution and history of the fauna, taxonomy) with the nature conservation. So the “ordinary” reader should be attracted by the number of surprising new discoveries, which logically switches a reader’s attention to the reasons behind the need to preserve this biodiversity hotspot. Mongabay: The book includes the descriptions of many new species in the region. How well-sampled is wildlife in Wallacea and New Guinea?
Exactly 150 new species are described by contributors in Volume 1 of the book, a huge amount for a single issue. Much hard work by world-class specialists “behind the scenes” ensured these sensational results. One example is my own revision of the genus Macratria: 4 years of scientific activity with 19 museums around the world resulted in a revision, it takes a lot of time and energy! As for me personally, I am actively working on the family of ant-like flower beetles (Anthicidae) for almost 20 years. My personal list of new discoveries (genera and species) includes over 400 newly described taxa, among them almost a third are from the Indo-Australian transition which includes both Wallacea and the Papuan region. Biological diversity of this region is fascinating and continues to surprise biologists of various disciplines for many years. The diversity of many groups of animals (sadly, my competence doesn’t allow me to comment on plants or fungi) in this area is surely very underestimated. Especially in terms of invertebrates, many large groups are almost completely uncovered by both historical and recent reviews. I am happy to say that my group —the Anthicidae—is among the most well-studied taxonomic groups of animals in this biodiversity hotspot, including not only taxonomy and faunistic, but also biogeography. For sure, Wallacea and New Guinea will continue to attract scientists. Results are now dependent on environmental conditions: deforestation is causing the extinction of enormous quantities of species who have never been by a scientist and will be lost prior to being described – a sad but true fact. PERILS AND POSITIVES IN THE REGION  One of many "daily trucks" on countryside roads of Halmahera. Photo by: Dmitry Telnov, 2007. Mongabay: What are the primary threats to biodiversity in the region? Dmitry Telnov: Volumes have been written and perhaps tons of paper already spent on this issue. The global threats are more or less equal to those of any tropical region. Global warming, rushed deforestation, booming population growth, the introduction of numerous non-autochthonous species, poverty in rural areas, the availability of high-value resources (timber, oil, gas, gold, nickel, copper), overhunting, oil palm plantations, collecting for animal breeders (especially—birds, reptiles and amphibians and large insects), lack of rangers, and lack of real control instruments (for example, many internationally protected species are being legally sold under other—i.e. non-protected—common names to Europe and USA). In addition remoteness of the area, difficulty of controlling and monitoring the situation, local corruption, and unemployment are also important. We can also speak of global-scale protection (saving large patches of forest from illegal logging or satellite control of deforestation) and local scale protection (saving individuals). But it is almost impossible to find a balance between these aspects of conservation and describe them properly. Another (very important!) threat: for many conservation institutions and NGOs, nature conservation is only important on paper or in digital format to apply for more and more donations and support. Many of these organizations very occasionally go into the field for a real (hard, sweat, hot) work! And almost no effective mechanisms to control local branches of these NGOs are known to me! Mongabay: Are conservation efforts strong in the region?
I would like to avoid speaking about the main efforts of nature conservation on a large scale (REDD efforts, establishing new protected areas etc.). These have described enough and are the most visible part of the iceberg. What I can try to comment are the local aspects of this "battle of Evermore." Many things should be clarified to the broader public and must be accepted as they are: none of us has any legal right to prevent countries in the region from further development, from using their natural resources (in an appropriate manner of course) or the population of these countries from achieving better living standards. Any attempts to offer a "special way" of development for tropical countries will be smashed by appealing to our own example (Europe has almost no primeval nature left after a long period of industrialization). As a traveler to the region, taking trips to areas considered "wild" or "unvisited," I see some practical results of conservation activities. To my surprise I have met ranger patrols even in remote and tourist-free areas like Seram. We were informed by locals that they are only allowed to kill and consume marine turtles for cultural traditions (like marriage ceremonies) in a coastal Papuan village on Misool Island. Even in small Papuan villages, surrounded with rainforest, aborigines have noted they are not shooting Birds of Paradise and cockatoos anymore. I saw many wooden plates with text like “if not we than who? If not yet than when?” referring to protecting forests around towns and cities.
So what I currently see is increasing international pressure on local governments, increasing interest of local societies and government to preserve at least parts of their natural heritage, and the burgeoning of understanding the value of nature by local communities, even very remote ones. Only education will help to preserve this natural bonanza from disappearing. Well my book is one of these educational organs distributed globally! UP NEXT  Midday fog coming down from Manusela Ridge, Central Seram. Photo: Dmitry Telnov, 2009. Mongabay: This is the first volume of a planned series. Will future volumes look at different issues or be a continuation of the first? Dmitry Telnov: The main concept will remain the same, but contents will vary depending on the aspects highlighted by future authors in forthcoming volumes. Two things I find to be important are a) to involve more conservationists in the next volumes and b) to give a good chance for the perspective of scientists from the region (particularly from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Timor) to publish their studies in a respectful, peer-reviewed international publication. Investments both in nature conservation and developing local knowledge are priorities. Mongabay: This is not a commercial book, so where has funding come from? Dmitry Telnov: You are completely right about the non-commercial character of this book series. It could be described as very atypical in our totally pragmatic and profit-driven century, but all the costs (editing, layout, printing etc.) of Volume 1 were covered from my purse. I find it important to demonstrate to the public, and also to the scientific community that absence of funding, should not stop us from doing something important and necessary for nature conservation and scientific research. It may really sound strange to many of my colleagues that I am ready to do so many altruistic activities stimulated by a deep interest in and love of nature, and biological science, in particular. Of course, I am selling the book. The main reason for this is to understand possible demand on this series and also to collect some financial “pillow” for the Volume 2. I am not offering my book through Amazon, eBay or other commercial structures but mostly distributing it myself, firstly through friends and colleagues. Since Volume 1 has come out, several positive reviews and lot of warm comments have come in from around the world, which should be good enough to apply for partial funding for the volume 2! I would like to use this moment to express my deep gratitude to all the contributors and other persons assisting in preparing and advertising this book! For inquiries and ordering information: Dmitry Telnov, PhD (anthicus@gmail.com) Book’s website: http://leb.daba.lv/book Order form in English (MS Word format): http://leb.daba.lv/book/order.doc  Red-clawed crab (Perisesarma bidens) is widely distributed in coastal areas of eastern Africa, southern and eastern Asia . Photo: Dmitry Telnov, 2010.  Neurothemis stigmatans is one among the most common Halmaheran dragonflies. Photo: Dmitry Telnov, 2007.  Pristine rainforest around Lake Kamakawalar, New Guinea. Photo: Dmitry Telnov, 2010.  Traditional Papuan house on piles: southern coast of Misool island, Raja Ampat. Photo: Dmitry Telnov, 2009.
Related articles
Tags: new guinea papua new guinea indonesia conservation new species species discovery marine conservation marine animals rainforests rainforest destruction komodo flores east timor rainforest Rainforest deforestation forests tropical forests biodiversity biodiversity crisis birds mammals insects invertebrates Beetles Solomon Islands Sulawesi asia pacific Pacific Islands islands biogeography interviews palm oil parks protected areas poverty poverty alleviation plantations politics plants rainforest animals rainforest conservation pulp and paper rainforest agriculture rainforest logging rainforest people saving rainforests saving species from extinction threats to rainforests threats to the rainforest wildlife wildlife trade wildlife trafficking environment green endangered species education deforestation governance herps interview jeremy hance oceans Roads hunting Environmental news index | RSS | News Feed | Twitter | Home Advertisements:
|
|
|
DON'T LIKE ADS? Become a mongabay supporter WEEKLY NEWSLETTER RECENT FEATURES
POPULAR PAGES Photos
CALENDARS 
BOOKS BY MONGABAY AUTHORS
FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 
HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOS / PRINTS 
|
| | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(01/12/2012) How small can you be and still have a spine? Scientists are continually surprised by the answer. Researchers have discovered a new species of frog in Papua New Guinea that is smaller than many insects and dwarfed by a dime. The frog trumps the previously known smallest vertebrate—a tiny fish—by nearly 1 millimeter.
(11/10/2011) A new species of snail with a bizarre shell has surprised scientists. Discovered near massive waterfalls in pristine lowland rainforest in New Guinea, the tiny new species' shell is shaped like a cornucopia, spirals flying freely instead of fused together like most shells. Latvian malacologist (one who study molluscs) Kristine Greke, who described the new species, named it Ditropopsis mirabilis, meaning miraculous or extraordinary. To date, scientists are uncertain why the super small snail—2 to 6 millimeters (0.07 to 0.23 inches)—would have evolved such a strange shell.
(11/08/2011) Re-examining beetle specimens from 19 museums has led to the discovery of 84 new beetle species in the Macratria genus. The new species span the islands of Indonesia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, tripling the number of known Macratria beetles in the region. "Species of the genus Macratria are cosmopolitan, with the highest species diversity in the tropical rainforests. Only 28 species of this genus were previously known from the territory of the Indo-Australian transition," Dr. Dmitry Telnov with the Entomological Society of Latvia, who discovered the new species, told mongabay.com.
(08/28/2011) A new species of warrior wasp has been discovered on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi that is so large and, frankly, terrifying-looking that it has been dubbed the 'Komodo dragon' of the wasp family. Bizarrely, the male of the species has jaws that outstretch its limbs. "I don't know how it can walk," said the wasp's discoverer, entomologist Lynn Kimsey of the University of California, Davis and director of the Bohart Museum of Entomology, in a press release. "Its jaws are so large that they wrap up either side of the head when closed."
(12/06/2010) More species are threatened with extinction in Indonesia than any other country on Earth. If we are to save them, it will take more protected areas, radical shifts in deforestation, and better anti-poaching efforts, but in many cases it will also take species-specific conservation efforts that work directly with local people. The Alliance for Tompotika Conservation (AlTo) is a model organization for this method, founder Marcy Summers describes it as 'very small, community-based, and efficient, with very low overhead.' By focusing on the wonderfully bizarre maleo, a ground-dwelling bird on the island of Sulawesi, the organization has succeeded in protecting a vital nesting area while initiating a moratorium on the egg-harvesting, which once devastated the species.
(12/06/2010) The babirusa of Sulawesi may be one of the world's oddest looking—and acting—mammals. Literally meaning 'pig-deer' the babirusa, which includes four species, belongs to its own genus 'Babyrousa' in the pig family. Males are especially unique, sporting four tusks, two of which appear to come right out of the animal's snout. To make it to the top of the babirusa hierarchy, males will combat each other in an activity dubbed 'boxing' where they will rear up on their hind legs and club at each other. Despite their many oddities, the babriusa were not formally studied until the late 1980s when Dr. Lynn Clayton spent four years in Sulawesi's forest observing them.
|
Copyright mongabay 2010 Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated from mongabay.com operations (server, data transfer, travel) are mitigated through an association with Anthrotect, an organization working with Afro-indigenous and Embera communities to protect forests in Colombia's Darien region. Anthrotect is protecting the habitat of mongabay's mascot: the scale-crested pygmy tyrant. |
