Building a resilient social-ecological system: A case study in Borneo

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The tropical forests of the world are teeming with diversity. More than half the world's species of plants and animals are found in tropical forests and life-sustaining processes are regulated by these ecosystems, including storing immense quantities of carbon. Despite their global importance, the tropical forests have entered a critical state of decline. Borneo boasts some of the most biologically rich tropical forests on the planet, yet many areas remain poorly described, including the Wehea Forest in East Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. This study will examine the sustainability of a model of conservation implemented by the Wehea Dayak community. Tools to analyze the sustainability of such models using notions such as robustness, vulnerability, and risk are paving the way for new approaches to biodiversity conservation. To strengthen the interactions between the various components of this model, I will use a study of Bornean cats as a vehicle for engaging the Wehea Dayak community. Despite being the top predator of Borneo and potentially critical for ecosystem resilience, there is a distinct lack of information on clouded leopards and even less on the other secretive Bornean cats. Accurate data on the status, distribution and ecology of cat populations is needed to develop scientifically sound conservation and management plans. Camera trapping, radio telemetry and observational data will be used to learn more about the wild cats of Wehea. The use of selecting a culturally appropriate flagship species to increase interactions between key elements within Wehea will also be studied. Examining the sustainability of a model of conservation within Borneo, will provide important information that may help mitigate future damage and losses to biodiversity. The information learned from this study should be broadly applicable to other regions of the world in achieving a shift toward new approaches in building sustainable models of biodiversity conservation.