Choosing outfit for tropical forest expedition: A Preparation

 

Choosing an outfit for fieldwork, in this case, in a tropical forest, is indeed a matter of personal preference. Here is my version, based on my experiences. Perhaps this can also serve as a suggestion for you.

1. Choose Quick-Dry Materials: Since rain can occur at any time, opt for clothing made from quick-dry fabrics. These materials will dry faster, keeping you comfortable and preventing health issues from wearing wet clothes for extended periods.
2. Top: I usually prefer polyester or nylon running shirts as a base layer. Then, for the outer layer, I opt for a breathable vest that is windproof, waterproof, and has plenty of pockets to store various frequently used items, such as writing tools and other field essentials. Avoid wearing black tops, as they tend to attract many insects, especially mosquitoes.
3. Pants: Choose quick-dry, durable pants designed for outdoor activities. Convertible pants that can turn into shorts are versatile for varying weather conditions.
4. Footwear: I also choose boots that are sufficiently high to protect my ankles, shielding my feet from leeches and also waterproof. These boots also provide good traction for navigating slippery terrain and rugged rocky areas. Pair them with moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable. I usually use soccer socks 😊.
5. Hat: Ensure the hat has a wider brim to provides ample shade for your face, neck, and ears, reducing the risk of sunburn and offering better protection from insects. Choose a hat made from lightweight, breathable, and quick-dry materials, crushable or foldable, making it easy to pack in your backpack without damaging its shape. Choose the hat with a chin strap to keep the hat secure in windy condition.
6. Raincoat: Choose a lightweight raincoat that can also be used as a sitting mat. A sitting mat is important in the forest to protect us from ticks that emerge from the forest floor. Otherwise, throughout your activities, you will be tormented by itching from those ticks. Select raincoat that is large enough to cover down to your shoes to prevent rain water from getting into your shoes.

 

 

Rafflesia Expedition in Teluk Sumbang, Berau, Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia

 

From our exploration in the forest of Kampung Teluk Sumbang, Berau we found populations of Rafflesia sp. in various stages: copula, bractea, perigone and post-bloom. The Rafflesia sp. individuals found in the perigone stage were severely predated, with some organs starting to rot, and are unlikely to reach the blooming stage. By the last day of our fieldwork, the two perigones had not shown any signs of blooming, preventing us from identifying the species through morphological observation. We set camera traps to obtain evidence and further study the predation phenomenon affecting Rafflesia and how this predation impacts the sustainability of its population.

 

 

However, we did find another genus from the Rafflesiaceae family, Rhizanthes sp., which had not been previously reported in this forest area. We successfully collected four species of Tetrastigma spp. living in the area, two of which are hosts for Rafflesia sp. and Rhizanthes sp. Additionally, we collected Mangifera pajang, an endemic mango species with vulnerable conservation status, to conserve ex-situ at the Purwodadi botanical garden.

 

At the end of our activities, we conducted a knowledge-sharing session with the Teluk Sumbang community about the importance of Rafflesia and its conservation, encouraging them to maintain and conserve the habitat. Conserving Rafflesia is a significant challenge, but collaborating with the local community and all stakeholders makes it possible to achieve this goal step by step.