Field Courses

DGFC hosts two permanent field courses throughout the year. Our courses contribute to and benefit from the monitoring efforts that are carried out in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. Students can learn biodiversity assessment and monitoring while contributing to the long-term data that are important for understanding the dynamics and stability of fragmented forests in this region. In addition, we also welcome field courses from institutions worldwide.

 

Related publications
Bornean caterpillar (Lepidoptera) constructs cocoon from Vatica rassak (Dipterocarpaceae) resin containing multiple deterrent compounds.

Dispatch from the field: ecology of ground-web-building spiders with description of a new species (Araneae, Symphytognathidae). 

Dispatch from the field II: the mystery of the red and blue Opadometa male (Araneae, Tetragnathidae, Opadometa sarawakensis).

Nest density of the Black-and-Red Broadbill (Cymbirhynchus macrorhyncos) along the Kinabatangan River, in Relation to Riverine Habitat Reduction.

Our field courses

Rainforest biodiversity assessment

This course is run by Cardiff University’ School of Biosciences for its second year biology, ecology and zoology undergraduate students. It is a two week course held during the first half of July.

The aim of this course is to acquaint students with biodiversity and its assessment in tropical forest; focusing mainly on mammals, birds, vegetation and invertebrates. Students will be working in a tropical climate and will be visiting areas with both large and small wild animals.

Topics covered:

  • basic sampling
  • GPS
  • collecting botanical specimens and vegetation inventory
  • animal tracks and trails
  • primate population censuses
  • plant and invertebrate taxonomy
  • bird census

Students also undertake a 5-6 day project, with a wide range of potential projects available.

To apply send your field course preference to the Field Course Coordinator (Dr Frank Hailer)  in the School of Biosciences at the beginning of the second year of study. The coordinator will allocate the students to the different field courses offered by the School each year.

Develop your own

We can discuss developing a bespoke field course for your Institution. If you would like information and advice on running a field course at Danau Girang Field Centre please see our FAQ section, download an application pack, and contact us when ready.

In addition, training in biodiversity assessment methods for trees, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians, birds and mammals is available by arrangement.

We also work closely with Fieldskills a local company who runs tropical forest safety and first aid training courses for a fee. If you would like to undertake one of their courses then you must request this before you start your field course.

In our ten years we have hosted:

  • Aberystwyth University
  • Leiden University
  • University of Kent
  • Miami University (Project Dragonfly)
  • Cornwall College
  • Oregon State University
  • Portland State University
  • University of South Wales
  • University of Veterinary Medicine (Hannover)
  • University of Hong Kong
  • University of Zürich
  • University of Glamorgan
  • University of La Verne
  • Ecology Expeditions
  • Earlham College
  • Ability Expeditions