Biodiversity across boundary: Ethnoentomology among the Jakun of Kampung Peta, Mersing and the Malay, Chinese and Indian of Kahang, Kluang, Johor

Abstract

An ethnoentomological survey was carried out on the usage of insects in the culture of several ethnics: Orang Asli Jakun in Kampung. Peta, Mersing; the Malay, Chinese and Indian in Kahang, Kluang. Responses from these four communities were compared to understand the uses of insects in their life as well as gauged their views on ethnoentomology. Insects were either part of their spiritual beliefs or used as food, medicine, and entertainment. Four groups of insects were considered, namely Lepidoptera, Homoptera, Odonata and Orthoptera. For example, Dundubia vaginata is used by Orang Asli as a source of food, by Malay as entertainment, by Chinese as medicine and by Indian as part of their beliefs. In terms of percentage of insect recognized per ethnicity, Orang Asli accounts for 44.44%, Malay 22.22%, Chinese 16.67% and Indian 16.67%. It was discovered that among the four communities, Orang Asli Jakun were more knowledgeable and open about using insects traditionally. Many insects were integrated in their folklore and myths. Orang Asli Jakun also had more variety of uses for insects in their day to day life compared to the other three communities. Based on this study, it indicated that much of the Malaysian diversity are known and familiar to Orang Asli. Throughout history, Orang Asli plays important roles in maintaining and managing natural resources through traditional systems. The frequency of human interaction with insects has created a close culture between humans and insects.

Disturbance gradient and mosquito diversity pattern in areas surrounding Chini Lake - the second largest freshwater lake in Peninsular Malaysia

“…The aboriginal people and local Malay settlers carry out daily activities, such as collecting rattan, bamboo, wood, resin, roots and medicinal plants, hunting and fishing. They also engage in agricultural activities, such as rubber tapping, as some forests close to their settlement have been converted into rubber plantations ( Kemalok et al 2019 ). Intense mining activities have also been conducted by private corporations in the areas surrounding the Lake, where forests have been cleared, contributing to the pollution of the Lake ( Sujaul et al 2010 ).…”

Development of Odonata as A Nature Tourism Product for Peat Swamp Ecosystem in North Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Johor

“…This is a symptom of the sickness season, which includes fevers, colds, coughs, and headaches. The Jakun village prohibited the catching of dragonflies during the time, despite the fact that dragonflies were frequently used as children's toys [17]. Dragonflies are appreciated for their ability to serve as bioindicators in freshwater habitats.…”