More research is crucial to understanding the implications of the trade in Tokay Geckos on wild populations. Research findings will educate public on the real story. Without research people are cheated, animals are continously harvested, conservation fail, locals remain poor and scientists frustrated. Government must be quick before all of this gekko are eaten.

 Since 2009, demand for Tokay Geckos in South-East Asia was reported to have sky-rocketed following rumours that extracts from the lizard could cure HIV/AIDS, a claim refuted by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Tokay Geckos are widely consumed in traditional medicine in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Viet Nam. In mainland China and Viet Nam, Tokay Geckos are reportedly bred in captivity, however; the supply does not meet demand and the industry relies predominantly on wild caught individuals. This has led to reported population declines in parts of the species’s range, notably in Thailand and Java, the primary source locations for Tokay Geckos in trade.

According to Customs records, Taiwan has imported an estimated 15 000 000 dried Tokay Geckos since 2004. Over two thirds (71%) of these Tokay Geckos, came legally from Thailand. The remainder were from Java, Indonesia, where national legislation only permits the export of live Tokay Geckos for the pet trade. In 2011 a shipment of 6.75 tonnes (an estimated 1 200 000 individuals) of dried Tokay Geckos, illegally harvested in Java, was intercepted en route to Hong Kong. 

 Following such reports, TRAFFIC examined the Tokay Gecko trade in the region, including a case study in Peninsular Malaysia, the purported centre of demand in the NMC trade, but found that while such trade had been substantial, it has declined massively. In contrast, the trade in Tokay Geckos for traditional medicines was found to be booming according to the new study jointly funded by WWF-Malaysia and Wildlife Reserves Singapore: “The Trade in Tokay Geckos Gekko gecko in South-East Asia: With a case study on Novel Medicinal Claims in Peninsular Malaysia.”

People like to hear rumours rather scientific evidence. I all aspects rumours are more attractive at all levels including professors. Any news should be followed by investigation and proof. Proven data will be discussed and tested. BUT how many are able to do that. Finally many are cheated. poor people look for money, not many look for knowledge. This make conservation is a tough one. A great challenge to the scientists.

http://www.wwf.org.my/media_and_information/updates__former_newsroom_main_/?uNewsID=15600

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/11/21/nation/9943851&sec=nation

Gekko is a genus of colorful and diverse Southeast Asian geckos commonly known as true geckos or calling geckos. Although species such as the Tokay Gecko are very widespread and common, some species in the same genus have a very small range and are considered rare or endangered. Now high demand for research, medicinal values,

Gekko gecko
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Lacertilia
Family:	Gekkonidae
Subfamily:	Gekkoninae
Genus:	Gekko Laurenti, 1768

Cooperate involvement in conservation, rehabilation and nature protection need to be serious, consistent and long term. NOT just a ceremonial. May be they can focus on one activity or area or specific organism or habitat and protec them,rehabilatate or conserve them. Do not forget to involve the experts too.

http://beta.thestar.com.my/Lifestyle/2013/05/28/Preserving-paradise.aspx

We need more innovation and creativity among scientists to bring Malaysia towards high technology country and high thinking culture society

Still many interested in algae culture for biofuel and pharmaceutical products. Mass production remain as an issues because of demand. Why we dont want to invest for the future? typical malaysian wait and see.

 

A unique area of sea grass bed need to be protected and conserve for biodiversity, fishing products, ecotourisms, education and research. BUT how far the authorities, politician and local residents understand the important of seagrass bed in Merambog? They need to refer to the scientists.

I try to explain  about diversity of seagrasses and fauna in sea grass bed of Merambong to Prof Harino from Kobe, Dr Inoue from The University of Tokyo and Dr. Ohji from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology.

What wrong with our education system. Malaysia is very small, preUniversity students should know how to draw roughly and the most important know the location of each states and important cities in the country.

Look at Pahang at the west coast, Selangor at the center and Kuching at the north of Borneo. need to review the approach of teaching.

Big crowd at Pakatan rally at Dataran PJ: may be better this crowd join Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) to plant trees. If two trees are planted enough to supply oxygen to one human being OR help to collect rubbish OR recycle materials.

Professors must contribute ideas to public and peer researchers. They must encourage their students to write in journals. BUT in Malaysia which professors peoples look at???

Malaysian Buddhists celebrate Wesak Day: try to understand and respect no harm not one sided but BOTH. Just for peace, maintain biodiversity (races, genetic and habitat)

Malaysian Buddhists celebrate Wesak Day

Buddhist devotees around Malaysia commemorated Wesak Day on Friday. Devotees presented flowers, lit candles, sought blessings and made offerings to the monks to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.

Riots in Sweden enter fifth day: Why? look for the same topics when we are talking, look for same need when we are searching. May be we are competing but we look for the same things. a lot to discuss about not fighting. BUT when we are fighting for our own benefit some others might not like it. So be united and live together. Race issues are sensitive. Do not show that you are the hero.

STOCKHOLM: More than a dozen cars were torched and schools, shops and a police station were set ablaze as riots swept through Stockholm's immigrant-dominated suburbs for the fifth straight night, police and firefighters said Friday.

Research is not like making cup cake. may be creativity can be compared to making cup cake. Research is long and sometime uncertain way. BUT when the results are positive then benefit all. Research in basic sciences especially when involve living organism will take long time and sometime uncertain results. We need to promote more research on basic biology

Never stop. Contiuous campaign until UPM is cycling campus. Not that easy to change habit and not easy to change mind set...great challenge!

Continuous campaign on Recycle to cycle: Very tough. Not many supporting the campaign. Many said we have bus, weather is hot, Malaysia not like europe, not suitable to use bicycle, parent said to their children better use bus, dont use bicycle,...many more. Not easy to change people habit. BUT is we are concern about environment then we should cycle on campus.

Basic sciences among public, schools teachers and local agriculture deparment may help to promote local fruits and easily available along the road side for travellers from cities with cheaper prices

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees: Malaysia too will have to establish this kind of regulation so that our reseach will be accepted worldwide. We have to get ready with better than USA and EU countries.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees are of central importance to the application of laws to animal research in the United States. Most research involving laboratory animals is funded by the United States National Institutes of Health or other federal agencies. The NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare has been directed by law to develop policies that describe the role of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees.

Every institution that uses animals for federally funded laboratory research must have an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Each local IACUC reviews research protocols and conducts evaluations of the institution's animal care and use, which includes the results of inspections of facilities that are required by law.

Every year UPM celebrate alumni week. The activities are forum, golf, rugby and dinner. The activities bring alumni together. BUT how many alumni joined the activities. More activities, ideas, creativities needed to bring alumni together.