Climate and Landscape Change in Borneo's Rainforest 2013

Terrain
Animals/Insects
Plants
Climate/Weather
In/Near Water
The terrain at field sites can be rough or uneven and is mostly covered dense forest and
fallen trees; it is likely to be very slippery due to regular rainfall. There is risk of injury due
to falling over fallen trees, slipping, or tripping on uneven ground. You will be briefed
on risks of walking over rough terrain. You must wear hiking boots. Be aware of your
surroundings and watch where you step at all times when in the forest. Field sites will
be prepared with cleared access as much as is possible. Terrain at the field camps can
also be uneven and very slippery. Always wear appropriate footwear and use a torch
when walking around at night.
Sabah is home to a number of potentially dangerous animals. There is risk of attack
by large mammals (e.g., elephant, wild boar), as well as risk from venomous snakes,
scorpions, and other stinging and biting invertebrates (e.g., centipedes, wasps, hornets,
mosquitoes, sand flies, leeches, and ticks), many of which carry the risk of disease
transmission (e.g., malaria, dengue fever). Wear long-sleeved, lightweight clothing,
use insect repellent with DEET, and use mosquito nets when appropriate to protect
from insects. You will be briefed on appropriate cautions in the forest and on how to
avoid insects and other invertebrates (e.g., by shaking out shoes in the morning and
self-inspecting on a daily basis).You’ll be provided with anti-leech socks, and will be
made aware of the risks from dangerous animals and disease and the need to restrict
entrance to field sites if dangerous animals (e.g., elephants) are thought to be present.
Staff members are trained in treating snakebites and will train participants on how to
avoid snakes. They will carry a medical kit at all times in the field and are trained to
recognize and treat anaphylaxis. Those with allergies should bring along medications
(antihistamines, at least two EpiPens, etc.) as appropriate to relieve symptoms. Make
any allergies known to Earthwatch scientists and inform staff of your treatment needs
and location of any medication. Also note allergies on your Earthwatch Health Form.
Many plants have irritating sap, thorns, spines, or large and heavy fruits. You will be
briefed on potentially dangerous plants, how to recognize them, and the hazards posed
by falling fruits, branches, and trees. Fieldwork stops during windy conditions or heavy
rain when fruit, branch, and tree falls are more likely to occur.
The climate in Sabah is moderate for a tropical country, but the hot, humid climate in
combination with strenuous physical work can cause physical exhaustion, dehydration,
heatstroke, sunstroke, and sunburn. Acclimate slowly, carry and drink sufficient water
during fieldwork, and take precautions to avoid sun exposure: wear long-sleeved,
lightweight clothing and a hat and apply high-factor sunscreen. If you begin to feel
hot or ill, alert the Earthwatch scientists or project staff, cease strenuous activity, cool
down in the shade, and receive first aid if necessary. Intense rainstorms are common;
fieldwork and travel to field sites will stop during extreme weather conditions. If you
are sensitive to heat or humidity, you will find participation in this expedition difficult or
impossible. Many common prescriptions, including malaria prophylaxis, can increase
your sensitivity to sun and heat.
Because of the high humidity, persons using a hearing aid device may find it doesn’t
work properly. You should consider purchasing a hearing aid dehumidifier.
The team may need to wade through rivers or streams during fieldwork. Earthwatch
scientists are trained in river crossing protocols, and will verify that participants
can swim. Field staff will monitor weather conditions constantly and will not attempt
crossings or will modify research locations if there is a likelihood of high water. The team
will not cross water that is deeper than below the knee of the smallest person on the
team. Always wear shoes to cross rivers and streams; we will let you know when this
may occur so that you can pack sandals if necessary.
Climate and Landscape Change in Borneo’s Rainforest 2013
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