After participating in Indonesian Carnivore Conference (KKI) last year, currently, Borneo Nature Foundation’s scientist, Karen Jeffers, attended a Clouded Leopard Meeting in Jakarta. Together with the other scientists, Karen discussed the possibility for the data sharing on that Neofilus diardi (a Latin name for Bornean Clouded Leopard). The meeting was initiated by Iding from Forum Harimau Kita, the same organization that hosted KIK conference in Banyuwangi last year.
“We hope through this meeting that we could establish communication with the other scientists to have one door to access the data. It would bring the benefit for the organizations with the same interests on clouded leopard…”
Karen has been involved in camera trap research project in Sabangau peat-swamp forest in which we have captured many species including bears, wild cats, birds, the big ape of Borneo (Orangutan), and Bornean Clouded Leopard (a threatened wild cat of Borneo). Last year, with Adul (camera trap project coordinator) she attended Indonesian Carnivore Conference to spread the news about the project carried out by BNF through camera trap.
Because the increase of poaching and live trade of that wild cat has rocketed in the global market, the existence of clouded leopard is vulnerable. This is supported by many studies which have shown the species into vulnerable extinction. For instance, the land conversion in Kalimantan has caused the fragmented area of the forest bringing the habitat of clouded leopard into isolation.
Looking at the above issue, the scientists should come together to collaborate. This can be realized by opening the door for future collaboration. One way to do this is by sharing the data of clouded leopard.
“During the meeting, we tried to communicate with the other scientists to create one space to access the data” Karen added.
The data sharing is more efficient for the researchers in a way that it does require them into time-consuming activity conducting the research. It also helps them to establish connection for the new research findings that may support on the on-going research. (AE)
