Pulau Tenggol Forest Reserve, located at the southern part of Terengganu Marine Park, is classified as an insular forest with an altitude of ca. 253 m a.s.l. at the highest point. With its designation as a Virgin Jungle Reserve, the forest represents an ecological important habitat for biodiversity conservation. The study covered the assessment of species composition, estimate of aboveground biomass and economic valuation of tree stumpage. A total of 232 trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) of at least 5 cm were recorded, representing 32 families, 61 genera and 78 species. The greatest proportion of trees (n = 67) occurred within the 15.0 – 24.9 cm DBH class. The largest tree recorded was Dipterocarpus gracilis (DBH = 132.5 cm) while Shorea glauca was the most abundant (n = 29). The families with the highest number of genera is Fabaceae with five genera, while Myristicaceae has the highest number of species (S= 8). The Shannon diversity index (H’) and Shannon maximum index (Hmax) are 2.56 and 2.71, respectively. These values showed that the study area has moderately high species richness. The Evenness Index was at 0.62 and the highest Importance Value Index (IVi) was recorded for S. glauca (10.70%), identify- ing it as the dominant species. The aboveground biomass is estimated at 439.03 t/ha with the highest biomass contributed by trees with DBH class of ≥ 65.0 cm, with the value of 214.47 t/ha (48.85%).
The past does not always provide a model fit for present circumstances, but the experience remains valuable in making current judgements. History intrigues us all, prompting an examination of the role played in the past by voluntary natural history societies, such as the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) and their journal. Malayan Nature Journal (MNJ), in particular, is presently managed by an editorial management appointed by the Society’s leadership. This potted history of the progressive establishment of indigenous resources for the collection as well as preservation and dissemination of knowledge about the natural heritage of Malaysia and the region, confirms the importance of dedicated journals for publishing original observations and relevant research on natural history subjects. In this respect, MNJ—a relative late-comer on the scene—clearly has a role to play. Despite the IT revolution, this role remains an important asset. Its continued relevance, however, comes with the responsibility to maintain a high standard of editorial standards, including careful review and refereeing, to assure contributors and readers that MNJ remains a quality publication. The findings justify the retention of MNJ as an asset well worth preserving, with potential for an enhanced role in the future.
Kenyir Lake receives inflows from hundreds of tributaries that sustain its basin ecosystem. Maintaining optimum environmental flow (E-flow) is crucial for preserving biodiversity, ecosystem services, and ecological sustainability. Anthropogenic pressures have disrupted the river ecosystems surrounding the lake. This study aimed to ensure that river flow is adequate for ecological and biodiversity needs. Sampling activities involve the collection of three major components of the study: hydrology, hydrodynamics, and ecology. The low-flow study showed that the Terengganu River needs a flow of 42.78 m3/s, with a depth of 3.94 m and a speed of 0.54 m/s to sustain fish development and support a higher diversity of native species. The Petuang River, with a discharge of only 0.08 m3/s, a depth of 0.4 m, and a velocity of 0.04 m/s, supports only a few small-sized fish. Model outputs showed an error rate of less than 20% compared to field conditions, validating the reliability of the results. The uses and implications of the E-flow are highlighted through the proposed green physical structure and a holistic assessment of river health based on the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) concept, which serves as the basis for maintaining an optimal environmental flow level for ecosystem service sustainability.
A new species Durio pahangensis sp. nov. (Malvaceae) from Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia is described and illustrated herein. It can be readily recognised in the field from other Peninsular Malaysian cauliflorous species by its flower morphology and dark purplish fruits. This newly described species is closely related to two other cauliflorous species, D. pinangianus (Becc.) Ridl. and D. johoricus Salma but it differs in its globose flower buds, sweet scented flowers, yellowish pink petals and dark purplish pericarps. Comparison with the related species above is also presented.
Protected areas that are spatially dominated by conservation land use can still experience intense operational pressure when visitor activity is concentrated within small, fragile infrastructure zones. This qualitative-dominant case study examines visitor management challenges at Tanjung Piai National Park, a 325-hectare Ramsar-designated mangrove park located at the southernmost tip of mainland Asia in Johor, Malaysia. The study aims to analyse the spatial distribution patterns of conservation and visitor-use infrastructure, identify operational and safety management constraints, and propose a preliminary visitor management framework. Drawing on GIS-based land-use classification data and primary management interview and meeting transcript data collected from Perbadanan Taman Negara Johor (PTNJ) park staff, the results reveal that 99.54% of the park area is classified as mangrove forest, while visitor infrastructure occupied less than 1% of the total park area. Despite this minimal physical footprint, the park management faces critical pressures including acute staffing shortfalls, periodic boardwalk damage during peak visitation periods, limited safety coverage, wildlife interaction risks, and persistent marine debris accumulation from sea currents. These findings demonstrate that spatial conservation dominance does not preclude intense management pressure and that visitor concentration in ecologically sensitive micro-zones necessitates adaptive, evidence-based planning. The study contributes a practical visitor management framework specific to coastal mangrove protected areas and calls for targeted investment in staffing, infrastructure maintenance, and smart monitoring systems.
