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Dr. Lim Boo Liat (Part II) interviewed by Dr. Lee Hooi Ling
Photo credit: Merdeka Award
Q1. You have been credited with the development of “ecological labeling by parasite pattern”. Can you please explain what this term means? In zoology, the word “indicator” is used to group specific state of wildlife in nature. For example, habitats, such as lowland, hill and mountain forest types are often applied to define residential group of species diversity in each of these habitat types.
preference of the animal in their natural environment (niche-habitat, specific type of preferred food). For example, in our studies we came across a rare insectivore (Moonrat) about the size of the house cat. Being in the order insectivore, the Moonrat was thought to feed on insects exclusively.
In research study on host-parasite relationships in relation to disease transmission cycle, it is essential that more in-depth knowledge of the niche habitats of the host and behavioural activity of the animal are gathered. I have found that parasites in particular are a good indicator.
However, the parasites in the intestines were parasitic to fish only. Based on this finding, we were able to trace the Moonrat to its riverine habitat. From then onwards, we found that the so-called “rare animal” is very common indeed. This concept of “ecological labelling” by parasite pattern has since been accepted by animal behaviourists and mammalogists throughout the world. The result of this paper was published in [1].
In the study on the food habits and endoparasites of small mammals, I came up with the concept of “ecological labelling” by parasite pattern. Examination of stomach contents and endoparasites helps to establish certain facts as to the behaviour and food
Q2. We understand that it took 50 years of effort from 1947 to 1997 to produce the Red List of Mammals of Peninsular Malaysia and it is considered as the first national Red List. What is the Red List of Mammals of Peninsular Malaysia?
S C I E N T I F I C M A L AY S I A N
