o_19ko2dt161ng2j4e1tgnoqv1s45a.pdf

ARTHUR Y.C. CHUNG (2007)
There are very few researchers that work on beetles in Malaysia and it is, therefore, difficult to
achieve an adequate knowledge of this insect group. Abang and Ghazally (2001) noted that
there were only about 17 insect taxonomists in the entire country, a number that is far too
small to provide the substantial effort needed to alleviate the problem of a shortage of taxonomic
information on insects. Basic information on beetle taxonomy and diversity is very important,
as this can contribute valuable information that can guide the formulation of measures to
ensure sustainable environmental management. Furthermore, many beetles are important from
an ecological and economic perspective. For example, the pollinating weevil, Elaeidobius
kamerunicus, has contributed significantly to the palm oil industry in Malaysia.
In view of the immensity and importance of the task, there is a need to encourage more
researchers to work on beetles. Adequate funds need to be channeled towards such research to
encourage more work on beetle diversity and taxonomy. Having good and well-managed
collections of beetles is crucial in enabling research on beetle diversity and taxonomy. In
addition to this, the use of information technology, such as databasing and imaging (e.g.,
digital images of specimens), will enhance such efforts. There is also a need for networking
and collaboration within agencies in Malaysia, as well as with foreign institutions, as a platform
for the sharing and exchange of information that will further contribute to our understanding
of beetle diversity at the local, regional and global level. Since many of the good collections
of beetles are in the developed countries, it is important for local scientists to liaise with
foreign counterparts and work together with them. ANeT, established under the DIWPA network
for social insect collections, is a good example of networking of researchers who are working
on ants, through meetings, seminars and via the Internet.
In summary, my recommendations to enhance research on beetle diversity in Malaysia are
similar to those highlighted for the roles of collections in biodiversity conservation (Abang &
Ghazally 2001, Chey 2001), and they can be summarized as follows:
• Increase the number of beetle specialists in Malaysia;
• Provide training on beetle diversity and taxonomy for inexperienced curators and auxiliary
staff;
• Provide funding and other incentives to encourage research on beetle diversity and
taxonomy;
• Encourage beetle specialists to publish identification manuals and monographs to benefit
more para-taxonomists and students;
• Increase the use of information technology to enhance research on beetle diversity and
taxonomy;
• Establish networking and collaborative work; and
• Establish a directory for researchers working on beetles in this region.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author would like to thank Dr. Chey Vun Khen (Sabah Forestry Department), Lucy Chong
& Paulus Meleng (Sarawak Forestry Corporation), Prof. Fatimah Abang (UNIMAS), Dr. Rosli
Hashim (UM), Prof. Zaidi Mohd. Isa & Azman Sulaiman (UKM), Dr. Laurence Kirton &
Shawn Cheng (FRIM) for providing information regarding collections in their respective
institutions.
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