Research On Flora & Fauna Malaysia

The Malaysian Rainforest

Major forest types in Malaysia are lowland dipterocarp forest, hill dipterocarp forest, upper hill dipterocarp forest, oak-laurel forest, montane ericaceous forest, peat swamp forest and mangrove forest. In addition, there also smaller areas of freshwater swamp forest, heath forest, forest on limestone and forest on quartz ridges.

The forests in Malaysia are mostly dominated by trees from the Dipterocarpaceae family, hence the term ‘dipterocarp forests’. The dipterocarp forest occurs on dry land just above sea level to an altitude of about 900 metres.

The term ‘dipterocarp’ specifically refers to the fact that most of the largest trees in this forest belong to one plant family known as Dipterocarpaceae. It was so called because their fruits have seeds with two wings (di = two; ptero = wing; carp = seed).

This type of forest can be classified according to altitude into lowland dipterocarp forest (LDF), up to 300m above sea level, and hill dipterocarp forest (HDF) found in elevation of between 300m and 750m above sea level, and the upper dipterocarp forests, from 750m to 1,200m above sea level. However in Sarawak both the lowland and hill dipterocap forests are known as mixed-dipterocarp forest (MDF).

HDF, normally found in areas 500-700m above sea level, contains less undergrowth. It is a little poorer in wildlife compared to the LDF, but is the preferred habitat of birds and small mammals that are tree "specialists" such as the squirrels. The Rafflesia species, which have the largest flowers in the world, can be found in these forests. At present, LDF is a threatened habitat. There are very few areas of this forest type left outside of protected areas such as parks and wildlife reserves. While most of the country was covered with lowland forest in the past, today the majority has been cleared for other land uses. The few remaining pockets are under threat.

There are some pockets of lowland forests near urban centres such as the Sungai Buloh Reserve, Kanching Forest Reserve (part of which is the popular Templer's Park) and Ampang Forest Reserve outside Kuala Lumpur. These areas, however, are under intense pressure from development and these islands of natural lowland forests are shrinking rapidly.

Beautiful and relatively undisturbed LDF can be found at Taman Negara in Peninsular Malaysia, Lambir Hills National Park in Sarawak and at the Maliau Basin, Sepilok Forest Reserve and Danum Valley in Sabah. But there is a real need to conserve the remaining areas of LDF in other parts of the country.

Most of the dipterocarp forest left in Malaysia is HDF because HDF terrain is usually hilly and rugged – making it unsuitable for agriculture or large-scale settlements, as well as being difficult to access and clear. Timber extraction from these areas is also more difficult, but improving technology may change this situation.

In Peninsular Malaysia, for example, most of the highland areas are covered with this type of habitat, which is important not only in its biological richness but more for its other ecological functions. The Main Range or Banjaran Titiwangsa is an important water catchment area for the whole of Peninsular Malaysia. Many of these areas are now being developed for hydroelectric dam projects, roads and highways, and resorts. Steep slopes are sensitive areas prone to soil erosion. Disturbances in the hinterland will most certainly affect areas downstream as well.

There is a real need to put more effort in saving and protecting this precious habitat type. Fortunately, some state governments have halted land clearing for agriculture. It is vital that all remaining forest areas are protected. In this way, this valuable natural habitat can be managed on a sustainable basis.


Fauna In Malaysia

This endlessly varied environment also shelters a host of the world's rarest and most remarkable animals: the Sumatran Rhinoceros, the Clouded Leopard and Malaysian Tiger, the Sun Bear, the Monitor Lizard, and the Orang Utan, or "man of the forest," are just a few examples. Malaysia's forests are also home to Southeast Asia's highest peak, as well as to the world's most extensive and capacious natural caverns.

The forest itself is one of the most ancient on the planet, far older than the equatorial forests of the Amazon or the Congo. It has for tens of thousands of years been the home of nomadic forest peoples and ancient civilizations have flourished as well as disappeared in its vastness. Legends abound, and archaeologists have only just begun their efforts here.

It's about 70% of Malaysia still in green area. Malaysia is the country who were very care about his environment and nature. It's make Flora and Fauna grows well in Malaysia environment. Nowadays, Malaysia has been increase his care about the pollution and his environment quality to make sure their real nature and their pure clean environment have not been destroyed.

The famous place of the Flora and Fauna in Malaysia is Taman Negara where the beautiful Flora and the fantastic Fauna can be found here, Endau Rompin rain forest where the beautiful tropical rain forest grows up, Sepilok Sabah rain forest where the famous place in the world of Orang Utan, Sarawak tropical rain forest, Cameron Highland which is the famous place of the beauty flowers, fruits, vegetable and tea garden, Rantau Abang where the famous place of turtle, Sibu Island, Rawa Island, Tioman Island and Langkawi Island where the beautiful and pure corals are take care by Malaysia authority and many more

http://www.wwf.org.my/about_wwf/what_we_do/forests_main/the_malaysian_rainforest/
http://www.international-travel-tours.com/malaysia/flora-and-fauna.html