Sumatra – Rimba

Contrary to today’s Western-influenced perceptions of bats being scary or spooky, research by Project Pteropus has uncovered a treasure trove of positive bat symbolism in numerous cultures across the Asia-Pacific region! In this part of the world, our ancestors traditionally revered and celebrated bats, recognising how amazing and inspirational these animals really are.

We really wanted to find a way to highlight and share the multitude of positive beliefs around bats that we found in the many cultures within the region. The result is this stunning map by Malaysian artist Reimena Yee.

Facebook: @reimenaashelyee
Instagram: @reimenayee
Twitter: @reimenayee

We’ll be making this available as a poster very soon, so watch this space – but in the meantime, it will be included in our BAT WEEK GIVEAWAY, so for those in Malaysia: don’t forget to follow us, share this post and include the right hashtags, PLUS tag 3 friends to stand a chance at winning it!! And remember: if you don’t follow ALL 3 instructions then we can’t include you in the giveaway!

October 27, 2020October 27, 2020 by Rimba Categories: Home, Project UpdatesTags: ASEAN, Asia, Asia-Pacific, Asmat, Australia, bat conservation, bats, Borneo, Bowi, China, cultural symbolism, culture, Dayak, flying fox, folklore, Iban, India, indigenous peoples, Indochina, Indonesia, Irian Jaya, Japan, Kali, Kalimantan, keluang, Kenyah, Kinjinmbunduo, Leutogi, Mah Meri, Malay, Malaysia, Mary-Ruth Low, Myanmar, mythology, Orang Asal, Orang Asli, Papua New Guinea, Peranakan, Philippines, Polynesian, Project Pteropus, Pteropus, Samoa, Sarawak, semawa, Sheema Abdul Aziz, siku keluang, Singapore, Southeast Asia, Sumatra, symbolism, Taiwan, Tamil Sangam, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Trobriand, usung dian, Vietnam, Wat Mahatup, Wik, wu fu lin men, zapin, Zhong Kui

Now Or Never — click image to download paper. Copyright notice: Cambridge University Press

We’re sure many of you know that one of the world’s most magnificent and docile creatures, the Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis), is in deep trouble.

But just how bad is it? From a population of around 320 estimated in 1995, experts now say it could be down to as low as 216 individuals.

One of Rimba’s researchers, Reuben, was involved in a review published recently in the international journal Oryx. This paper was led by Ahmad Zafir Abdul Wahab (currently doing his PhD based at Universiti Sains Malaysia; ahmad.zafir@gmail.com) to find out what needs to be done to save this species from extinction. The consensus is that: Continue reading →

May 9, 2011March 12, 2013 by Rimba Categories: Home, PublicationsTags: Ahmad Zafir Abdul Wahab, Bukit Barisan Selatan, conservation, Danum, Gunung Leuser, International Rhino Foundation, James Cook University, Junaidi Payne, Malaysia, Oryx, Reuben Clements, rhino, SAFE index, Sumatra, Sumatran rhinoceros, Tabin, Taman Negara, Universiti Malaya, Way Kambas, WWF, WWF-Malaysia 1 Comment

Tag: Sumatra

Bat Week 2020: A Celebration of Bats in Asia-Pacific Cultures

Publication update 4: What will it take to save the Sumatran Rhino?