The Bornean Frog Race is back for its 10th edition

Nature enthusiasts are invited to participate in the 10th International Bornean Frog Race and Night Photography Competition on June 17, 2023, at the Sama Jaya Nature Reserve in Kuching.

This event is organized by the Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) to bring attention to the region’s rich amphibian fauna and raise awareness of the threats to their existence.

What is the Bornean Frog Race?

The Bornean Frog Race is an annual event that invites participants to see who can spot the most frog species during a stipulated time. In 2021, the event went virtual, allowing participants three months to photograph frogs all over Borneo, including Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan, Indonesia. The digital race included monthly webinars and a photographic competition that ran for a total of 90 days.

The objectives of the Bornean Frog Race are to draw public attention to Borneo’s forests, highlight the region’s threatened amphibians, educate citizens about the natural world, and promote the outdoors and tourism.

The event is organized by the students and staff of the Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation (IBEC) of the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak with the support of members from the Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, and the Sarawak Tourism Board.

What to expect at the 10th edition Bornean Frog Race

The 10th International Bornean Frog Race will take place at the Sama Jaya Nature Reserve, covering approximately 38 hectares, and is the first multi-purpose urban forest park in Sarawak.

Situated entirely in the suburb of Tabuan Jaya in Kuching, the park consists mainly of karangas forest trees. An urban home for different types of wildlife, the park provides a fresh breath of green for the city and has various educational and recreational facilities readily available for people.

The event will comprise talks, field visits, workshops, and the race itself, extending into midnight. This exposure is expected to bring a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors, nature conservation, and sustainable living. Participants will race along a pre-designated forest trail, trying to photograph the most number of frog species, the rarest frog, or photographically capture the most aesthetic image, using DSLR or compact cameras and smartphones.

The event includes talks by local and foreign experts on amphibian biology and conservation, an exhibition of frog-related memorabilia, and workshops on frog photography and drawing and painting, both by leading experts in the region. The one-of-a-kind event highlights the incredible abilities of the amphibians and is supported by Sarawak Forestry Corporation.

Two renowned speakers will participate in this event. Emeritus Professor Richard A Griffiths, from the University of Kent, UK, will give a talk titled “Around the world in 80 frogs: tales of saving endangered amphibians.”

Meanwhile, Elvy Quatrin Deka, an academician at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, will also speak about her experience in search of frogs and the Japanese Giant Salamander, in a talk titled “Land of the Rising Sun: in search of frogs and the Giant Salamander.”

The competition details

The 10th International Bornean Frog Race and Night Photography Competition, which will be held at the Sama Jaya Nature Reserve on June 17, 2023, is an excellent opportunity for nature enthusiasts to learn about amphibians, take part in a race, and contribute to the conservation of Borneo’s unique ecosystem.

There are several categories for the photo contest, including the Best Amphibian Photo, Best Photos (Camera Category), Best Photos (Mobile Phone Category), Most Number of Amphibian Species Found, Best Night Photography, and Best Photos (Night Photography).

The winners of the Camera Category will receive RM 500.00 for 1st place, RM 300.00 for 2nd place, and RM 200.00 for 3rd place. The winners of the Mobile Phone Category will receive RM 400.00 for 1st place, RM 200.00 for 2nd place, and RM 100.00 for 3rd place. The winner of the Most Amphibian Species Found will receive RM 900.

For the Best Night Photography category, participants may submit photos of any element of nature, apart from frogs. The winners of the Night Photography Category will receive RM 500.00 for 1st place, RM 300.00 for 2nd place, and RM 200.00 for 3rd place.

The entrance fees are as follows: Students pay RM 50.00, Malaysians pay RM 70.00, and foreigners pay RM 100.00. All registered participants will receive a race T-shirt, access to informative webinars and talks, an e-certificate, and a chance to win exciting prizes.

Register now via this link.