UNIMAS News

The 7^th International Bornean Frog Race 2018 is a public event that is held annually by the Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation (UNIMAS) and in partnership with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation. The event is focused on promoting awareness, interest and education about amphibians and amphibian conservation around the world and engages participants in many fun and worthwhile activities, presentations and group workshops.

Held on 28^th April 2018 at Matang Wildlife Centre, Kuching the 7^th International Bornean Frog Race 2018 begins with the Junior Programme which provides station-based learning activities on various conservation themes, artwork activities and offers an opportunity for SMK students to explore what Matang Wildlife Centre has to offer in terms of captive animals, forest walks and plant life.

Following the Junior Programme, the Frog Race kicks off with is a series of notable presentations including various workshops on photography and frog call acoustics. Art workshops will also showcase some of UNIMAS’ best artists as they teach participants different methods and techniques to create unique and worthwhile artwork.

The climax of the Frog Race is the photo competition, which allows participants to venture into designated forest trails to photograph wild amphibians. All participants are eligible to submit their photos for various prizes and awards including categories such as the most number of species and the best photo for each of type of photographic device (i.e. DSLR, compact camera or mobile phone). Winners walk away with cash prizes and specially-designed certificates.

The highlights of this year’s event are the two international speakers; one of whom is Dr. Arvin Diesmos of the National Museum of the Philippines, who is one of the foremost amphibian conservationists and researcher in the Asia region. The other speaker is Mr. Kueh Boon Hee, a herpetologist and biologist with Universiti Malaysia Sabah. Further details of the event can be found at http://internationalborneanfrograce.weebly.com

Thanks to the sponsors who support this year’s Frog Race. They are:

1) Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Youth and Sports, Sarawak

2) Sarawak Tourism Board

3) Sarawak Convention Bureau

4) Sarawak Timber Association

5) Sarawak Shell 

6) Samling Sdn. Bhd.

7) Shin Yang

8) KTS Holdings Sdn. Bhd.

9) Win Digital, and

10) Natural History Publications