Tiny frog discovered in Borneo

Microhyla nepenthicola was discovered in Borneo

Scientists from the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and the University of Hamburg in Germany have found a new species of frog on an expedition in Borneo. 

The very cute Microhyla nepenthicola reaches just one centimetre in length and was first discovered in Kubah National Park in 2004; this discovery how now been described in the journal Zootaxa. 

The miniature red and orange creature lives and breeds on a pitcher plant, laying its eggs in the decomposing organic matter that gathers on the plant. Scientists believe the tiny size and reduced webbing of the frog could be the result of negotiating the slippery plant on which it lives.

Celebrating the beauty of the Cotswolds with a photography competition

Arlington Row in the Cotswolds, on a February misty morning

With the travel bug well and truly rooted in our systems here at Audley, it seems only natural that many of us also have a passion for photography. But while some of us are happy with the results of our trusty point and click cameras, others are a bit more practiced with a lens. 

Sarah Howard, one of Audley’s Southeast Asia specialists, is able to combine her love of travel with her passion for photography, and as a professional landscape and travel photographer she also holds photography workshops in the Cotswolds through Image Seen, a company she runs alongside Photoshop expert Martyn Ferry. 

Image Seen is currently running a competition which celebrates the beauty of the Cotswolds and prizes up for grabs include one to one photography tuition with Sarah, a fabulous Ricoh R10 compact camera, accessories from Morris Photographic, and a fantastic 2 night stay at the historical White Hart Royal hotel in Moreton-in-Marsh. 

The Cotswold Scene competition is open to all amateur photographers, including the under 16′s, until 15th October 2010 and will culminate in a six week long exhibition at O3 Gallery in Oxford Castle at the end of the year. This is an excellent opportunity for budding photographers to show off their skills and see their work exhibited in one of Oxfords best galleries. 

With Sarah reaching the final of Travel Photographer of the Year in 2008 and 2009 and the competition being judged by renowned landscape photographer Charlie Waite, and Steve Watkins, editor of Outdoor Photography magazine, this is a competition not to be missed.  

To find out more about visit the Image Seen website.

Orang-utan video guide

Using a combination of photographs and maps two of our Southeast Asia specialists – Pat and Sarah - describe their own experiences of seeing orang-utan in Malaysian Borneo and Indonesia.

Simply click on the video play button above to view it in full.

Continue reading »

The world’s rarest otter has been rediscovered in Borneo

The hairy-nosed otter was pictured in the Deramakot Forest Reserve in Sabah.

From elephants to orang-utan, Borneo is one of the world’s jewels in terms of wildlife. Unfortunately, a sizable portion of this wildlife – much of it endemic – has become endangered or even extinct due mainly to habitat loss. However, thanks to a camera trap set by conservation scientists, at least one rare otter has been rediscovered.

Continue reading »

‘Orangutan Rescue’ on Sky TV

The Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre in Sepilok, Malaysian Borneo.

If you’re lucky enough to be a Sky subscriber you might like to know Orangutan Rescue premieres tonight and highlights the plight of these magnificent but very much endangered animals.

Continue reading »

Singapore’s new ‘eco-friendly’ airport lounge opens

Singapore is a popular stopover destination.

As I’m sure you’ll agree spending time in an airport these days is something to be endured rather than enjoyed, but thanks to the new “green” premium lounge in at least one, this no longer needs to be the case.

Continue reading »

Vietnamese Contemporary Art

A montage of contemporary Vietnamese art from the exhibition.

If you have an interest in the cultural side of Vietnam, then you might be interested in a forthcoming art exhibition showcasing contemporary art from that country. 

Four of Vietnam’s most talented artists will be displaying their work in a range of mediums, including oil, watercolours and even ink. 

The exhibition runs from the 29 June – 10 July 2010 and will be held at the Lennox Gallery in London. For more details you should visit the Modern Art Vietnam website.

BBC’s Panorama Reports a New Threat to Borneo’s Rainforests

Male orang-utan at Semenggok Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Borneo

Tonight at 8.30pm the BBC’s Panorama programme will report on the destruction of  Borneo’s pristine rainforests in order to grow palm oil crops, which in turn, is used in products we buy like biscuits and toiletries.

The bottom line is: the rainforests being destroyed are home to some of the last and greatest wildlife havens in Southeast Asia and species like the orang-utan are now threatened more than ever.

Audley efforts to stem Borneo’s deforestation
Here at Audley our Southeast Asia team will be raising funds through various events and initiatives to help the World Land Trust (WLT) continue with land purchases in the lower Kinabatangan River basin.

Continue reading »

Interested in Vietnamese Culture?

Image: From the film 'The Story of Pao' which was filmed in Vietnam's Ha Giang region.

Between now and the end of this month there will be a series of events in London’s South Kensington, celebrating the Vietnamese arts and culture. 

You might find the film offerings of particular interest if you have been or are contemplating visiting Vietnam, and in particular The Story of Pao, which was filmed in the remote and fascinating Ha Giang region of the country.

For more information and to book tickets visit the Vietnamese Festival of Culture website.

DEC appeal for Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam

Appeal on behalf on the Disasters Emergency Committee.

In one week from Saturday 26 September the East Asia region was hit by 3 separate natural disasters; Typhoon Ketsana swept through the Philippines that day and onto Vietnam on the 29th causing extensive damage and flooding; on 30th September in Indonesia an earthquake registering 7.6 on the Richter scale struck western Sumatra followed by an aftershock of 6.6 a day later.

We are now a week on from the devastating disasters that struck East Asia and the full extent of the damage caused is starting to become clear.

Continue reading »