Publications
Community structure and diversity of tree species in a lowland dipterocarp forest of Sungai Lalang Forest Reserve, Selangor, Malaysia
Lowland dipterocarp forests, vital for carbon storage and biodiversity, face growing threats from logging and land conversion. A study in Sungai Lalang Forest Reserve (SLFR), Selangor, Malaysia, reveals significant carbon storage potential—304.86 t/ha—while highlighting uneven species distribution and the presence of seven threatened tree species, including critically endangered Hopea auriculata and Palaquium burckii. The research, using ten 3-hectare plots to enumerate trees with diameters ≥5 cm, found Fabaceae as the most diverse family and Elateriospermum tapos (Euphorbiaceae) as dominant. Moderate diversity and low evenness suggest conservation challenges, but SLFR emerges as a critical refuge for endangered taxa. Urgent management strategies—such as stricter recreational activity regulation, enrichment planting, and threatened species protection—are recommended to balance biodiversity conservation with climate mitigation, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 15.
Freshwater fish diversity and assemblage patterns in reforested streams of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia
A study of reforested streams within the Forest Research Institute Malaysia revealed that urban forest landscapes can support diverse freshwater fish assemblages, with species composition and ecological stability varying significantly among streams. The conservation-buffered stream exhibited the highest diversity (H′=1.582), while a recreationally impacted stream showed lower evenness and dominance by opportunistic species. Environmental factors, including water quality and habitat complexity, played a limited but notable role in shaping assemblage structure. These findings underscore the potential for urban forests to contribute to biodiversity conservation, even amid human influence.
Unveiling the Diversity and Ecological Roles of Macrofungi in Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Selangor, Malaysia
Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Malaysia, hosts a diverse array of macrofungi, with Basidiomycota being the dominant phylum. The study identified 27 species from 14 families, predominantly saprophytic (81.5%), alongside mycorrhizal and parasitic fungi. Polyporales emerged as the most abundant order, contributing significantly to the forest's fungal diversity. This research highlights the ecological significance of macrofungi in tropical lowland dipterocarp forests, offering critical insights for conservation efforts amid urbanization pressures. The findings were derived from field surveys and morphological and molecular analyses of 333 sporocarps, emphasizing the influence of substrate richness and microclimates on macrofungal community structure.
Estimating the visitor’s willingness to pay towards biodiversity conservation at Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park, Malaysia, using the Contingent Valuation Method
Visitors to Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park, Malaysia's oldest and most biodiverse urban forest, demonstrate significant willingness to pay (WTP) for biodiversity conservation, with a mean WTP of MYR3.81 per visit and a median of MYR2.58. This finding, derived from a Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) study involving 250 domestic and international tourists, provides critical economic insights to support future conservation funding strategies. Factors such as religion, marital status, income, employment, and education were found to influence WTP, suggesting targeted approaches for maximizing visitor contributions. The study addresses a key gap in biodiversity valuation by quantifying non-market benefits, offering decision-makers a data-driven basis for setting conservation fees that could enhance park sustainability.
Understorey bird assemblages in selected environmentally sensitive areas (ESA) of Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia
A study reveals significant differences in the diversity, composition, and biomass of understorey bird assemblages among three Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) rank II permanent forest reserves in Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia. The research, conducted using mist-netting surveys across 400 m × 200 m plots, provides baseline data to enhance ESA classification by incorporating biological elements, which are currently lacking in the existing physical attribute-centric framework. Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) indicated weakly diverged bird assemblages, while SIMPER analysis identified six key species contributing to 60% of the observed differences. This first-of-its-kind insight underscores the critical importance of conserving and preserving small, fragmented ESA forests, particularly in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services such as water purification and erosion regulation.
Exploring the relevance of engaging the Orang Asli in Malaysia’s forest management
Engaging the Orang Asli, Malaysia's indigenous forest-dependent communities, in forest management can lead to positive social and environmental outcomes. A study conducted at Kampung Tanjung Rambai in Selangor revealed that these communities maintain a prudent relationship with their land, ensuring sustainable resource use. Their traditional practices also act as small-scale disturbances, contributing to the resilience of the forest ecosystem. The research employed a participant observational approach, involving a month-long stay with the community to observe and analyze their interactions with the forest.
Comparison of Stumpage Value in Old and Young Recovered Primary Forest at FRIM Selangor Forest Park
Old recovered primary forests at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Selangor Forest Park exhibit significantly higher stumpage values compared to young recovered forests, underscoring the long-term economic and ecological benefits of reforestation. The study estimated stumpage values for four fields—two representing old (72–93 years) and two representing young recovered primary forests—using residual value techniques. Findings revealed that the stumpage value of older forests surpassed those of other Malaysian forest reserves, highlighting FRIM's unique status as a nearly 100-year-old artificial forest. This research not only quantifies the monetary richness of FRIM's biodiversity but also supports its bid for UNESCO World Heritage recognition by demonstrating the universal value of man-made forests in conservation efforts.
Diversity of freshwater fish in Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM): A comparison of diversity between man-made and natural forest in Selangor, Malaysia
A study comparing freshwater fish diversity between man-made and natural forests in Selangor, Malaysia, found that the species composition of fish in the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) campus was 82% similar to that of an adjacent natural forest reserve. The research, conducted using backpack electro-fishing and scoop nets along transect lines, recorded 10 species across six families, with Cyprinidae being the most abundant. Shannon-Wiener diversity indices revealed higher fish diversity in Sungai Chemubong (H = 1.283) compared to Sungai Kroh (H = 1.097), while evenness was also highest in Sungai Chemubong (E = 0.5098). Notably, no fish were found in Sungai Cahaya, limiting the study's scope. The findings suggest that man-made forests can support stable freshwater ecosystems comparable to natural ones.
Diversity, Composition, Taxa Biomarkers, and Functional Genes of Fish Gut Microbes in Peat Swamp Forests and its Converted Areas in North Selangor, Malaysia
A comparative analysis of fish gut microbes in undisturbed and disturbed peat swamp forests in North Selangor, Malaysia, revealed distinct bacterial community profiles and potential biomarker genes linked to human diseases. The study identified Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Actinobacteria as predominant phyla, with metagenomic predictions indicating functional genes associated with metabolism, environmental processing, and disease pathways. Six potential biomarkers were detected, including genes related to chronic myeloid leukemia in undisturbed areas and infections like Vibrio cholerae and Staphylococcus aureus in disturbed areas. This suggests the fish gut microbiome could serve as an indicator of ecosystem health, highlighting the impact of habitat degradation on microbial diversity and functional genes.
Forest Structure and Tree Species Composition at Kuala Langat South Peat Swamp Forest, Selangor, Malaysia
Kuala Langat South Forest Reserve (KLSFR) demonstrates a uniform distribution of tree species with mixed composition, characterized by low diversity and evenness indices. The study identified 47 tree species from 21 families, with Annonaceae, Guttiferaceae, and Myrsticaceae being the most speciose. Goniothalamus malayanus and Koompassia malaccensis exhibited absolute dominance, contributing significantly to the forest's biomass. Total biomass was estimated at 406.90 t/ha, with above-ground biomass (AGB) accounting for 349.61 t/ha and below-ground biomass (BGB) at 57.29 t/ha. The tree distribution followed a De iocourt’s factor procedure, indicating natural regeneration patterns. This study provides critical insights for the conservation and sustainable management of KLSFR, highlighting its ecological significance amidst proposals for oil palm plantation development.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices regarding Leptospirosis among Visitors to a Recreational Forest in Malaysia
A cross-sectional study of 300 visitors to Malaysia's Forest Research Institute Forest Park Selangor found that while most had high knowledge and positive attitudes toward leptospirosis, significant gaps remained—particularly regarding transmission routes. The research identified a strong correlation between higher knowledge scores and better prevention practices, highlighting the need for targeted education campaigns in recreational areas to address misconceptions (e.g., 78% incorrectly cited handwashing as a major cause). These insights underscore the importance of precision-focused public health interventions to mitigate leptospirosis risks among high-risk groups.
Satellite Remote Sensing Forest Management in Selangor River Basin Area from 1990 to 2020
Between 1990 and 2020, the Selangor River Basin experienced a significant loss of forest cover—decreasing by 38,307.6 hectares (17.05%), while built-up areas surged by 41,720.76 hectares (18.56%). This transformation was driven primarily by urbanization and human activities such as inadequate forest monitoring and policy enforcement. Using Landsat satellite imagery and unsupervised pixel-based classification, researchers mapped land-cover changes across six categories: forest, built-up areas, bare land, vegetation, water bodies, and clouds. The study introduces a DPSIR (Driving forces-Pressures-State-Impacts-Responses) framework to guide policymakers in addressing future environmental challenges and conserving natural resources through evidence-based strategies.
An Observational Study on Forest Landscape Conservation in Malaysia via the Establishment of Forestry Educational Centres
Forestry educational centres, such as the Sultan Idris Shah Forestry Education Center (SISFEC) in Malaysia, play a crucial role in conserving forest landscapes and raising public awareness about sustainability. A study found that SISFEC has effectively preserved its landscape while educating stakeholders through activities like forestry camps and environmental programs. However, challenges remain in maintaining man-made landscapes due to inadequate monitoring and planning. The research highlights the need for better management strategies to ensure long-term sustainability of such sites.
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