Great hornbills in a tree in the Belum-Temenggor Forest Complex. The area is recognised as the largest Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas in the northern part of the peninsula, and part of the critical Central Forest Spine. (See more photos in gallery below story.) — YEAP CHIN AIK/Malaysian Nature Society
It's a sunny day in Perak’s Belum-Temenggor Forest Complex as the boat piloted by Roslan Carang, 49, gently skims the emerald green waters of Temenggor Lake. Seated in the bow is Yeap Chin Aik, 46, occasionally bringing a pair of binoculars to his eyes, scanning the multihued semi-deciduous forest surrounding the lake for signs of life.
Rich in flora and fauna biodiversity, the 339,143ha forest complex – 4.6 times the size of Singapore – is recognised as the largest Important Bird and Biodiversity Area in the northern part of the peninsula, and is part of the vitally important Central Forest Spine.
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The hornbill sleuths of Belum-Temenggor
Roslan Carang, a Jahai Orang Asli from Kampung Chuweh in Gerik, Perak, is the longest serving Orang Asli Hornbill Guardian. — LEONG HON YUEN
Brothers Azam Carang (left) and Roslan discussing where to search for new hornbill nests. — LEONG HON YUEN
Azam Carang (left) and Marisan Pandak measuring the circumference of a tree with a hornbill nest. — YEAP CHIN AIK/Malaysian Nature Society
Conservation biologist Yeap Chin Aik says the discovery of nests of several hornbill species in the Belum-Temenggor Forest Complex are landmark achievements. — LEONG HON YUEN
As Mustapa Ramlee (left) writes observation notes, Noordin Asu monitors a hornbill nest. — YEAP CHIN AIK/Malaysian Nature Society
The critically endangered helmeted hornbill is one of 10 species found in the Belum-Temenggor Forest Complex. Despite being Asia’s largest hornbill, it is extremely hard to observe in the wild so finding its nest and being able to observe it is one of the hornbill sleuths' remarkable achievements. — YEAP CHIN AIK/Malaysian Nature Society
Dedi Roslan (left) measuring a food tree with Marisan Pandak. — YEAP CHIN AIK/Malaysian Nature Society
If he spots a hornbill, Noordin Asu knows to look for a nest tree in the vicinity and can usually find it in two or three hours. — YEAP CHIN AIK/Malaysian Nature Society
Mustapa Ramlee says he's seeing fewer hornbills being killed for food. Previously, the Orang Asli would use blowpipes to hunt hornbills, he says. — YEAP CHIN AIK/Malaysian Nature Society
