High hopes among the branches
What began in June 2017 as a focused effort to save Sabah's dwindling hornbill population by installing artificial nests has since evolved into a broader initiative benefiting a range of forest-dwelling species.
'This project is like my baby,' said Pengiran Mohd Sahlan Salam, 32, head of the Wildlife Research Unit at the Forest Research Centre in Sepilok.
Mohd Sahlan spearheaded the initiative under the Sabah Forestry Department soon after he joined the team that year.
Inspired by conservation pioneer Dr Robert Ong, the project was initially aimed at addressing the habitat loss of hornbills, which rely on large, mature trees with natural cavities to breed.
'We needed to find a way to increase their chances of breeding. The idea was to replicate these natural cavities through artificial nests,' Mohd Sahlan explained.
So far, 26 nest boxes have been installed specifically for flying squirrels, and 16 for hornbills, with encouraging results.
All squirrel-designated nests are now occupied, while five hornbill boxes have been successfully used by Asian Black Hornbills, Bushy-crested Hornbills and Oriental Pied Hornbills.
Mohd Sahlan ascending a 30m high Parashorea malaanonan tree at the centre in Sepilok, Sabah.
'A strong indicator of success is when a female hornbill seals herself inside a box to nest, remaining inside for months while the male feeds her.
'This tells us the boxes are working.
'We have even observed nesting cavity shapes and seen baby squirrels, confirming breeding cycles,' he said.
Beyond hornbills, the project revealed that the nest boxes also attract other small forest birds and flying squirrels, some even taking over spaces intended for hornbills.
This interspecies rivalry, while natural, highlights the delicate balance within forest ecosystems.
'Understanding each species' behaviour is crucial.
'Once flying squirrels dominate a nest, it is difficult for hornbills to use it.
An artificial hornbill nest ready for installation.
'That is why we conduct year-round behavioural studies, camera trapping, and habitat assessments to fine-tune placement,' Mohd Sahlan noted.
The Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sepilok remains the project's core site, but expansion plans are in the pipeline.
'We are looking at Tawau, Lahad Datu and Kinabatangan next,' Mohd Sahlan revealed, though these are still in the planning stages.
Each artificial nest costs about RM3,000 to build and install, a modest investment considering its impact on conservation and ecotourism.
Visitors to RDC now get a rare glimpse into the lives of some of Sabah's most elusive species, turning the area into a research hub and a public education platform.
Yet, it has not all been smooth sailing.
Curious orang utan have been known to dismantle some of the boxes, while limited data on pre-project population sizes makes it difficult to draw firm statistical conclusions, for now.
The Red Giant Flying Squirrel looking out from its box.
'We cannot declare full success just yet. More data is needed. But the signs are promising,' Mohd Sahlan cautioned.
Beyond his role as a wildlife researcher, Mohd Sahlan is also a passionate environmental advocate.
Growing up in a coastal village surrounded by Sabah's natural beauty, he was deeply affected by the deforestation and pollution he witnessed.
He has since founded various environmental efforts, from tree-planting and beach clean-ups to educational workshops focused on waste management and marine conservation.
One of his proudest contributions is working with indigenous communities to encourage eco-friendly practices that align with traditional knowledge and bring economic benefits.
'For me, conservation is not just about saving animals or trees. It is about ensuring a better future for our children. Every small action matters,' he said.
A pair of Oriental Pied Hornbills enjoying their nest.
His dedication has earned recognition from both local and international organisations, but Mohd Sahlan measures success in the impact he sees in communities and ecosystems.
Whether it is a child learning to recycle or a hornbill nesting in a wooden box high in the canopy, every moment fuels his mission.
He has even personally scaled trees up to 38m tall to install the nests.
'It is exciting... but also extremely tiring,' he laughed.
Ultimately, his goal is simple yet profound, to become a driving force for wildlife conservation and to inspire others to care for nature.
And so, from a modest wooden box, a much larger story takes flight, of hornbills, squirrels, and small birds, yes, but also of human hope, ingenuity, and the enduring power of one person to make a difference.
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