The Kiarsuii’s tail is shorter than that of Prionailurus bengalensis borneonsis and has no ring at the tip, while its head is longer when compared to the same species.
Kiarsuii’s back has three dark stripes. — Photo by forest guard Marzuki Bujang
Scaphochlamys depressa is a new ginger species recorded in the Lundu area.
Photo shows the flower of the Paracostus shardiniana — a new ginger species recorded in the Miri area.
KUCHING: The state Forest Department recently recorded a new wildcat species known scientifically as Kiarsuii as well as a ginger species known as Scaphochlamys depressa near the Gunung Gading National Park area in Lundu.
The new findings at the wildlife sanctuary famous for its Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower, came after long-term work by the Research Development and Innovation Department (RDID) to identify and record new findings of flora and fauna species in the state.
Through intensive observation referring to animal ecology and behaviour, the Kiarsuii was found by a group of researchers led by Forest Department research officer and biologist Dr Ahmad Ampeng at 1,126 metres above sea level.
The wildcat weighed 1.1kg, with a body length of 44 centimetres and a tail measuring 14 centimetres.
Photo shows the rare Rhizanthes or Pakma Bintang growing in groups in Lundu.
“Based on the differences of its shape (measurements), it is confirmed that Kiarsuii is different from other wildcat species that have been found and recorded in this state by our team of researchers.
“Records from previous studies conducted on thisanimal species shows five wildcat species that almost resemble the Kiarsuii found to be inhabiting the jungles of Sarawak,” Ahmad told The Borneo Post in a statement.
The species are Neofelis diardii, Prionailurus bengalensis borneonsis, Prionailurus planiceps, Pardofelis marmorata and Pardofelis badia. He said Pardofelis marmorata and Prionailurus bengalensis borneonsis closely resemble the Kiarsuii in terms of morphology.
“Even though these two species have the same tail length but their body structure is different from the Kiarsuii species. The most obvious differences that can be seen are the shape of the head, spots and black stripes on its body and tip of the tail.
“To ensure the validity of this finding, our researches worked very hard in implementing various genetic research, especially DNA analysis to fully confirm the findings,” he revealed.
Research work on the state’s flora and fauna done in the Lundu area involved collaboration between researchers from the state Forest Department and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).
Also found was a new species from the ginger plant group scientifically known as Scaphochlamys depressa.
Ahmad described the ginger plant as having beautiful leaves which have the potential to be used as decorative plants.
“What makes the plant unique is that it can only be found in the Lundu area. This species has been published in the Folia Malaysiana journal as a new species in the ginger group,” he said.
Other species newly recorded to be growing in the Lundu area are Rhizanthes or commonly known as Pakma bintang and Velanofora.
Ahmad said further research is being conducted on the two species.
In addition, the Forest Department also reported that similar research is being carried out in the northern area of the state, which has recorded a new ginger species known as Paracostus shardiniana.