KOTA KINABALU: Spiders often make one’s skin crawl, while reptiles are either scary or tend to repulse many people.
However, with Sabah’s rich biodiversity, understanding the various species of these diverse fauna is vital not only for coexistence but conservation and other initiatives.
With that in mind, a naturalist and a reptile expert have each penned a guidebook of the various species of spiders and reptiles for easy understanding and hopefully, help people overcome the fear and misunderstanding they may have towards these species.
Both guidebooks were launched at The Sabah Society Secretariat near here on Monday (Jan 26).
"A Naturalist’s Guide to the Spiders of Borneo" features 280 spider species from 26 families and 154 genera recorded in this region.
Wong Tsu Shi, author of the guide, said the book was intended as an easy-to-use introduction to identify 280 of the most commonly seen spider species in Borneo, described at species or genus level, with clear information on identifying features, habitat and distribution.
It is suitable for both residents and visitors with an interest in nature and aims to raise awareness of Borneo’s spiders, a group often overlooked despite their ecological importance, he added.
High-quality photographs show spiders in their natural habitats, including images of both sexes where available.
Each species account is accompanied by concise descriptions covering nomenclature, size, habitat and distribution, as well as Borneo’s geography and climate, spider biology and life history, observation and identification, and a glossary.
It also addresses common concerns, including whether spiders in Borneo are dangerous, said Wong, a Sabah-based nature photographer specialising in birds, spiders and insects.
The "Field Guide to the Reptiles of Borneo" is a reference covering all 321 currently valid reptile species known in Borneo, including crocodiles, turtles, lizards and snakes.
Author Prof Indraneil Das of the Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, said this guide is dedicated to the memory of pioneering zoologist and herpetologist Dr Lim Boo Liat.
The launch underscores the value of collaboration between conservation organisations, researchers, and publishers in promoting education, public engagement and the conservation of Borneo’s unique wildlife, he said.
Reptile species are presented under their respective orders and supported by photographs, illustrations and distribution maps.
The guide includes common English names, scientific names and vernacular names in Bahasa Malaysia and Bahasa Indonesia, as well as information on maximum size, identifying features, habitat details and conservation status.
The launch was hosted by The Sabah Society and co-organised by John Beaufoy Publishing, Natural History Publications (Borneo), and Pansing, bringing together publishers, scientists, photographers, conservationists and the public.
The Sabah Society president Edwin Liew said at the launch that Borneo is globally recognised for its extraordinary biodiversity, yet much of this richness remains unfamiliar to the wider public.
These two field guides are important contributions that make scientific knowledge more accessible while encouraging greater awareness, appreciation and stewardship of the region's natural heritage, he said.
