Institut Biologi Tropika dan Pemuliharaan

05/06/2026

🌍 HAPPY WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2026! 🌱✨

Hari ini, 5 Jun, mari kita bersatu hati demi satu-satunya rumah yang kita kongsi bersama—Planet Bumi!

Melalui poster bertemakan cat air (watercolor) dan lukisan garisan (line drawing) yang indah ini, kita diingatkan tentang keindahan ekosistem dunia serta tanggungjawab besar yang dipikul di bahu kita untuk melindunginya.

✨ INSPIRED BY NATURE. FOR CLIMATE. FOR OUR FUTURE. ✨

Setiap tindakan kecil kita hari ini akan mencorakkan masa depan generasi akan datang. Apakah peranan yang boleh kita mainkan?

👇 5 Langkah Hijau Untuk Bumi Kita:

🐾 Protect Wildlife - Melindungi kepelbagaian bio dan hidupan liar daripada ancaman kepupusan.

🌱 Restore Ecosystem - Memulihkan semula hutan, sungai, dan kawasan hijau yang terjejas.

♻️ Reduce Waste - Mengurangkan penghasilan sisa dan mengamalkan budaya kitar semula.

☀️ Choose Renewable Energy - Beralih kepada sumber tenaga bersih dan mesra alam demi mengurangkan jejak karbon.

👂 Listen to the Planet - Lebih peka terhadap isyarat alam dan perubahan iklim yang sedang berlaku.

Masa untuk bertindak adalah SEKARANG! Ayuh kita mulakan langkah perubahan dari rumah dan komuniti kita sendiri.

03/06/2026

Congratulations to Our Director!

The Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah, extends its warmest congratulations to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fiffy Hanisdah Saikim, Director of ITBC, on successfully securing a research grant from the Ministry of Economy worth RM328,167.00 for the project:

“Exploratory Study on the Development of the Borneo International Biodiversity Research Centre.”

This achievement reflects her unwavering commitment to advancing biodiversity research, conservation, and scientific excellence in Borneo. The project is expected to serve as a strategic catalyst in strengthening Sabah’s and UMS’s position as a leading international hub for tropical biodiversity research.

May this success inspire greater research excellence, foster impactful collaborations, and further strengthen ITBC’s mission in conserving and understanding Borneo’s extraordinary biodiversity for future generations.

Congratulations and best wishes for the successful implementation of this important initiative.

03/06/2026

FROM BORNEO’S HIDDEN “ZOMBIE FUNGI” TO FUTURE AGRICULTURAL SOLUTIONS: UMS POSTGRADUATE MAKES BREAKTHROUGH DISCOVERY

Researchers from the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), have successfully discovered and described a new species of entomopathogenic fungus, Leptobacillium geminatum sp. nov., alongside five species recorded for the first time in Malaysia, further demonstrating that Sabah’s forests remain one of the most important frontiers for biodiversity discovery.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that the discovery forms part of the PhD research of Muhammad Shahbaz, a postgraduate student at ITBC, UMS. His work exemplifies how young researchers are contributing directly to global scientific knowledge while uncovering the extraordinary diversity hidden within Borneo’s ecosystems.

The study revealed one species new to science, Leptobacillium geminatum, and documented the first Malaysian records of Simplicillium formicae, S. puwenense, Leptobacillium leptobactrum, L. symbioticum, and L. coffeanum. These findings significantly expand Malaysia’s fungal biodiversity records and provide new insights into the ecology and evolution of entomopathogenic fungi associated with spiders and wasps.

Beyond taxonomy and biodiversity documentation, Shahbaz’s PhD research explores the untapped potential of these fascinating “zombie fungi” for real-world applications. His work investigates the development of novel antifungal compounds derived from entomopathogenic fungi and enhanced through nanotechnology approaches, with the aim of combating plant pathogens and crop diseases in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. This demonstrates how biodiversity research can contribute not only to scientific discovery but also to food security, sustainable agriculture, and future biotechnological innovations.

At ITBC, UMS, we believe that every new species discovered is more than just a name. It represents new knowledge, new opportunities, and new solutions for humanity. Discoveries such as these remind us that we cannot protect what we do not know exists, and that the forests of Borneo continue to hold biological treasures with the potential to transform science and society.

This achievement also reflects ITBC’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of mycologists and biodiversity scientists, providing opportunities for young researchers to pursue world-class research while addressing global challenges through local discoveries. Through continuous investment in talent development, research excellence, and international collaboration, ITBC is helping position Sabah and Borneo as emerging centres of excellence for fungal biodiversity research in the tropics.

As often highlighted by UMS Vice Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor, Borneo is a living laboratory for the world. This latest discovery strengthens UMS’s role as “The Brain of Borneo”, where groundbreaking discoveries continue to emerge from one of the planet’s richest biodiversity hotspots.

At ITBC, UMS, we remain committed to exploring the unknown, empowering young scientists, and transforming biodiversity discoveries into knowledge, innovation, and conservation impact for future generations.

For research collaboration, fungal identification services, postgraduate opportunities, and biodiversity-related enquiries, please contact [email protected].

To read more about the new species, click: https://rsnz.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/nzb2.70107

03/06/2026

🌍 SELAMAT HARI LAHAN GAMBUT SEDUNIA 2026! (WORLD PEATLAND DAY) 🌾

Sempena sambutan pada 2 Jun, jom kita selami keunikan dan kepentingan ekosistem tanah gambut global yang sering kali dilupakan!

Melalui poster berkonsepkan lukisan garisan (line drawing) dan cat air (water color) ini, kita dapat melihat betapa kayanya kawasan tanah gambut dengan hidupan liar yang eksotik dan fungsi alam semulajadi yang luar biasa.

Kenapa Tanah Gambut Sangat Penting Kepada Bumi? 🤔

🫁 Penyimpan Karbon (Carbon Storage): Bertindak sebagai "paru-paru tanah" yang menyerap dan menyimpan karbon dalam kuantiti yang besar demi mengawal perubahan iklim dunia.

🧽 Pengawal Atur Air (Water Regulation): Berfungsi seperti span gergasi semula jadi yang menyerap air untuk mengekalkan kesihatan ekosistem dan mencegah banjir.

🐾 Syurga Biodiversiti (Biodiversity Home): Menjadi rumah dan habitat unik bagi pelbagai speisies flora dan fauna yang jarang ditemui.

Antara Khazanah Unik Di Dalam Poster Ini:

Haiwan Ikonik: Orangutan, Beruang Madu (Sun Bear), Tapir Malaya (Malayan Tapir), Buaya Senyulong (False Gharial), dan Ikan Kelisa (Arowana).

Tumbuhan Unik: Periuk Kera (Pitcher Plant) dan Lumut Sphagnum (Sphagnum Moss) yang menjadi pelindung semula jadi ekosistem ini.

Ayuh kita bertindak sekarang demi masa depan bumi kita: Pulihkan • Lindungi • Hormati (Restore • Protect • Respect)!

01/06/2026

🌊 OCEAN CELEBRATION 2026 🌊
“Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet”

In conjunction with World Ocean Day 2026, Institut Marin Borneo (IMB), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is proud to host Ocean Celebration 2026 from 1-30 June 2026. The month-long celebration will take place at IMB, UMS, and various locations across Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

This year, we bring together 15 exciting activities designed to engage students, researchers, industry partners, government agencies, NGOs, and local communities in celebrating and protecting our oceans.

Activities include beach clean-ups, webinars, conservation talks, an aquaculture summit, an underwater videography talk, a coastal fun run, and community outreach programs, offering meaningful opportunities for everyone to participate, learn and enjoy.

Our oceans provide food, livelihoods, climate regulation, and countless ecosystem services. Through Ocean Celebration 2026, we aim to raise greater awareness and encourage collective action to protect marine ecosystems and enhance marine protected areas for future generations.

💙 Join us throughout June as we learn, engage, and take steps toward a healthier and more sustainable blue planet.

🌎 Together, we can make a difference for our ocean.

Kementerian Sumber Asli dan Kelestarian Alam (NRES)
Universiti Malaysia Sabah






🌊🐢🐬🐠💙

01/06/2026

FIRST IN MALAYSIA: ITBC, UMS DISCOVERS NEW INDIGO-BLUE MUSHROOM SPECIES IN KINABALU PARK

Borneo continues to reveal its hidden wonders. Researchers from the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) have successfully discovered and described Calocybe kinabaluensis sp. nov., a striking indigo-blue mushroom species found in Kinabalu Park, marking the first recorded discovery of its genus in Malaysia. This remarkable finding not only enriches the nation’s biodiversity records but also highlights the immense scientific value of Sabah’s forests, which continue to hold countless biological treasures waiting to be uncovered. Through the integration of advanced DNA analysis and detailed morphological studies, the discovery demonstrates how biodiversity research remains crucial for understanding, conserving, and protecting our natural heritage for future generations. The holotype specimen is now preserved in the BORNEENSIS Collection at ITBC, UMS, further strengthening Borneo’s role as a global living laboratory for biodiversity science.

At ITBC, UMS, we remain committed to advancing world-class biodiversity research, conservation, education, and scientific discovery in Borneo and beyond.

For research collaboration, postgraduate opportunities, and partnerships, please contact: [email protected]

https://www.utusan.com.my/nasional/2026/05/kulat-biru-indigo-pertama-malaysia-ditemui-di-taman-kinabalu/

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/05/30/rare-indigo-blue-mushroom-discovered-in-kinabalu-park

https://malaysiagazette.com/2026/05/30/ums-temui-kulat-biru-indigo-baharu-di-taman-kinabalu-pertama-di-malaysia/

https://www.chinapress.com.my/20260530/%e7%a5%9e%e5%b1%b1%e5%85%ac%e5%9b%ad%e5%8f%91%e7%8e%b0%e6%96%b0%e5%93%81%e7%a7%8d-%e9%9d%9b%e8%93%9d%e8%89%b2%e8%98%91%e8%8f%87/

Bidang sains negara mencatat sejarah menerusi penemuan spesies kulat biru indigo baharu di Taman Kinabalu, Sabah yang merupakan pertama kali direkodkan di Malaysia.

01/06/2026

The Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah, is deeply saddened by the passing of Dato’ Dr Mikaail Kavanagh, a respected conservation leader whose contributions have left an enduring mark on biodiversity conservation in Malaysia and beyond.

Dato’ Dr Mikaail dedicated much of his life to advancing environmental stewardship, conservation awareness, and sustainable development. His visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to protecting nature, and tireless efforts to strengthen conservation initiatives have inspired generations of researchers, conservation practitioners, policymakers, and environmental advocates.

As we mourn this profound loss, we also celebrate a remarkable life devoted to safeguarding our natural heritage. His legacy serves as a reminder that meaningful conservation is built upon passion, perseverance, and a deep sense of responsibility towards future generations.

On behalf of the ITBC family, we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire conservation community. May his contributions continue to inspire us in our collective mission to conserve and protect the rich biodiversity of Borneo, Malaysia, and the world.

Dato’ Dr Mikaail Kavanagh, your legacy in conservation will never be forgotten.

31/05/2026

BORNEO STILL HAS SECRETS: ITBC RESEARCHERS DISCOVER NEW MUSHROOM SPECIES IN KINABALU PARK

Borneo continues to remind us that even in places that have been explored for decades, nature still holds secrets waiting to be discovered.

Researchers from the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) have successfully discovered and scientifically described Calocybe kinabaluensis sp. nov., a striking indigo-blue mushroom species found in Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark. This discovery marks the first recorded species of the genus Calocybe described from Sabah and Malaysia, adding a new chapter to the nation’s scientific history.

ITBC proudly congratulates Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jaya Seelan Sathiya Seelan and his team on this outstanding scientific achievement. Discoveries such as this demonstrate the importance of long-term biodiversity research and reaffirm Sabah’s status as one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots.

Why does discovering a new species matter?

Every species is a piece of the puzzle that makes ecosystems function. This newly discovered mushroom plays an important ecological role as a natural decomposer, helping recycle nutrients and maintain healthy forest soils. More importantly, the discovery highlights how much of Borneo’s biodiversity remains undocumented and how much we still have to learn about the natural world around us.

We cannot protect what we do not know exists. Species may disappear before they are even discovered, taking with them unique ecological functions, genetic resources, and potential benefits for future science, medicine, agriculture, and conservation. Every new species discovered strengthens our understanding of biodiversity and provides critical knowledge for conservation planning.

At ITBC, UMS, we remain committed to advancing world-class biodiversity research, uncovering the hidden treasures of Borneo, and ensuring that future generations inherit a richer understanding of our natural heritage. As our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr Kasim Hj. Mansor often emphasizes, Borneo is a living laboratory, and UMS is proud to continue its role as The Brain of Borneo in generating knowledge that benefits Sabah, Malaysia, and the world.

📖 To read more about this newly discovered species:
Read the full scientific paper here,
https://phytotaxa.mapress.com/pt/article/view/phytotaxa.759.3.3

For research collaboration, postgraduate opportunities, or biodiversity-related enquiries:
📧 [email protected]

30/05/2026

What was once an unidentified plant specimen collected from Sabah’s rainforest has now been confirmed as a species new to science after 12 years of careful research, verification, and collaboration.

At the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah, we remain committed to uncovering, documenting, and conserving the extraordinary biodiversity of Borneo for future generations.

For collaboration opportunities, please contact: [email protected]

30/05/2026

Biodiversity is not just our heritage, it is our future.

At the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah, we remain committed to advancing research, conservation, and sustainable management of Borneo’s extraordinary biodiversity. Our work goes beyond scientific discovery and knowledge generation. It is about safeguarding ecosystems that support livelihoods, strengthening environmental resilience, preserving natural heritage for future generations, and ensuring that people and nature can thrive together.

Every species matters. Every ecosystem counts. Every action taken today shapes the future of Borneo.

Through research, conservation action, education, and community engagement, ITBC continues to contribute towards protecting one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots.

Protecting Biodiversity. Empowering Communities. Securing the Future.

For research and collaboration opportunities, please contact: [email protected]

Satu spesimen tumbuhan misteri yang ditemui di Taman Bukit Tawau pada 2014 disahkan sebagai spesies baharu dikenali sebagai Ardisia Condensiflora.

Institut Biologi Tropika dan Pemuliharaan (IBTP) Universiti Malaysia Sabah dalam kenyataan di sini hari ini memaklumkan penemuan dan pengesahan spesies itu dilakukan penyelidik IBTP Dr Avelinah Julius bersama penyelidik Taman Botanik Singapura Dr Timothy M.A Utteridge.


Baca lanjut di : https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/spesies-baharu-tumbuhan-ardisia-condensiflora-ditemui-di-tawau