Meet the hornbill detectives of Malaysia

Great hornbills in a tree in the Belum-Temenggor Forest Complex. The area is recognised as the largest Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas in the northern part of the peninsula, and part of the critical Central Forest Spine. (See more photos in gallery below story.) — YEAP CHIN AIK/Malaysian Nature Society

It's a sunny day in Perak’s Belum-Temenggor Forest Complex as the boat piloted by Roslan Carang, 49, gently skims the emerald green waters of Temenggor Lake. Seated in the bow is Yeap Chin Aik, 46, occasionally bringing a pair of binoculars to his eyes, scanning the multihued semi-deciduous forest surrounding the lake for signs of life.

Rich in flora and fauna biodiversity, the 339,143ha forest complex – 4.6 times the size of Singapore – is recognised as the largest Important Bird and Biodiversity Area in the northern part of the peninsula, and is part of the vitally important Central Forest Spine.