Mastwatch

The forests of Southeast Asia mast fruit every 2-9 years, and these `masts' are one of the natural wonders of the world. Most of the species of large trees only fruit during these events, and their successful reproduction depends on fruiting with all the other species. Yet there is great concern that these masting cycles are breaking down.

We have very little information on the real pattern of mast fruiting in the area, even though there are many biologists and amateur naturalists spending time in the forest. This web-based project is an attempt to solicit and record observations about masting events in Borneo.

The procedure is:

1. Register as a `mast observer.' We want as many observers as possible, but will require a little information about your biological experience.
2. Record your observations. Information about a lack of reproduction in the forest is as important as recording a mast. Please make an observation whenever you can. If you are sure of the details, observations in the past are also useful
3. You will be sent an automated email every two months, to encourage you to record an observation.
4. View/download the results (CSV format, open with Excel)! This is an open database. No one owns the data. The project (`Mastwatch') should be cited as the source of data in any publications, and the Observers are credited here (soon). We hope to automate the production of summary statistics and maps soon.
5. You will be sent an email in the event of a large mast taking place.

Thank you for your participation. This is what the web is for! Let's hope we can play a small part in saving these forests, by helping to understand them.