KOTA KINABALU: Three new species of spiny lobsters have been identified in Sabah, with two of them entirely new to Malaysia.
A team of researchers at the Borneo Marine Institute (IMB) of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), led by Assoc Prof Dr Chen Cheng Ann, together with Master of Science student Ng Wei-Ling, have identified Panulirus homarus homarus, P. polyphagus and P. femoristriga.
P. femoristriga and P. homarus homarus are new to Malaysia, while P. polyphagus is new to Sabah.
In a statement on Monday, Prof Chen said the discovery underlined Sabah’s status as a region of world-class marine biodiversity.
“Prior to this study, only three species of spiny lobster – P. ornatus, P. versicolor and P. longipes – had been known in Sabah since 2004.
“Our research has now doubled that number to six species, indicating that much of Sabah’s marine biodiversity remains unexplored.
“In related work, our team has also recorded P. stimpsoni from Peninsular Malaysia, further expanding the national checklist of spiny lobsters,” he said, adding that further research is needed to support the conservation and sustainable management of the newly recorded species.
He said the study was conducted under challenging conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic, which limited access to field sites and fishing communities.
The research team also suggested expanding biodiversity surveys, including the use of molecular tools such as environmental DNA (eDNA), as well as strengthening collaboration among government agencies, research institutions and local fishing communities to ensure the sustainable management of Sabah’s marine resources.
UMS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor commended the finding, describing the achievement as a significant milestone in marine science.
“I would like to express my appreciation to Dr Chen and Ng for their dedication and perseverance in carrying out this research,” he said.
IMB dean Assoc Prof Dr Faihanna Ching said the discovery reflects the quality and strength of research at the institute and added that IMB is expanding its research focus through the establishment of several new centres, including oceanography.
Sabah Fisheries Department director Datin Dr Shuhadah Mustapha said the discovery is significant in supporting fishery resource management.
“Spiny lobsters are among the most commercially valuable crustacean groups and the increase in known species diversity indicates that fisheries management protocols need to be updated.
“The Sabah Fisheries Department will take these findings into consideration in future management plans and looks forward to continuing collaboration with UMS,” she said.
Data on spiny lobster diversity in Sabah had not been updated since 2004 until the recent discovery.
Sabah Biodiversity Centre (SaBC) director Ken Kartina Khamis said the finding highlights the importance of continuous research and documentation of Sabah’s biological resources.
“SaBC encourages more researchers to conduct biodiversity studies in Sabah, as every new discovery strengthens efforts to develop more effective conservation strategies,” she said.
Sabah Parks director Datuk Dr Maklarin Lakim said the findings provide further scientific justification for strengthening conservation strategies in key protected areas, such as Tun Mustapha Park and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, with Sabah Parks committed to collaborating with UMS in protecting biodiversity.
