Pin-Supu Forest Reserve
High Conservation Values in Pin-Supu Forest Reserve
Assessment Report and Management Recommendations
January 2015
SABAH FORESTRY DEPARTMENT
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
High Conservation Value (HCV) assessment for Pin-Supu Forest Reserve (PSFR) or known as Pin- Supu Sustainable Forest Management (PSSFM) area was carried out in two stages. An assessment and discussion with the management team, the representative from the community and Rakuno Gakuen University were carried out from 8–9th December 2014, and 15th January 2015. The main objective of this assessment is to enhance relevant information on the HCV elements within the PSSFM area. The assessment was carried out by a multidisciplinary team with experienced assessors from various fields. Generally, there were 5 HCV elements which were elaborated for PSSFM area. Appropriate management and monitoring actions have been recommended and discussed with the management team of PSSFM for further actions to be undertaken.
One of the major recommendations is to enhance forest resource condition and tree diversity through various activities, design specificly for conservation purposes, especially on forest restoration and the silvicultural treatment on schedule blocks which were mentioned in the FMP. Through the analysis of the many species recorded, about 85% of the species have yet to be assigned IUCN status and not much research work has been conducted on such species, especially within the flora group. Therefore, by looking at the current condition of the PSSFM area, it is essential for actions to be taken in setting the entire PSSFM area for conservation, consisting of lowland forest below 200 m in elevation and freshwater swamp habitats with the aim to preserve the species diversity and also taking into account of species that are unique to particular forest types. It is recommended that further studies should be done in understanding and documenting the rich flora and fauna diversity within PSSFM area.
On a landscape level (HCV 2), PSSFM area is part of the Kinabatangan floodplain ecosystems. Pin- Supu FR consists of three units of land separated by highway and rivers at considerable distance. In the mosaic landscape of the Kinabatangan, Blocks A and B border onto other protected area, such as Lot 8 in the west and Lot 7 of the Wildlife Sanctuary. However, Block C is completely isolated and being surrounded by oil palm estates. HCV fauna assessment has shown that diverse fauna can be found within the PSSFM area. Therefore, PSSFM does not only provide habitats for the fauna but also acts as a transient wildlife migratory path between the different forest reserves it borders.
Most of PSSFM boundaries are commonly shared with oil palm estates, local communities and other stateland, such as Sandakan–Lahad Datu highway that splits between Block A and Block B. During the significant drought in 1997, large tract of the peatswamp and freshwater swamp forests in Block A was burnt. Therefore, the Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Division of Sabah Forestry Department has prepared a Forest Fire Management Plan to develop and manage the detection, prevention and eradication of forest fire in the PSFR. Buffer strips of 50 m inside PSSFM boundary providing barriers from fire from adjacent areas were identified.
From the social aspect, there is no major confict by the surrounding villages with the sustainable management of PSFR as there is no community use in the reserve. The only cultural value element (HCV 6) that has been identified is the management of Supu Caves by community cooperative initiative (KOPEL) that warrant sustainable harvesting of edible bird nests and protection of the limestone caves. Many of the villages are aware of the Forestry Rules and Law, and also the management team frequently engages with them on the protection of the reserve through restoration programme and join monitoring exercise under the training of NAHIYA project. Their understanding to protect forest reserve and its content was also part of their role as stakeholder within the
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Pin-Supu Forest Reserve management unit of the area. There is much effort initiated by the Sabah Forestry Department to manage and to ensure the goal set aside for PSSFM area is consistent with the social needs and development adjacent to it and to achieve maximum equilibrium on environment, social and economic aspects in general.
Table 1: The followings are the findings of HCV elements in PSSFM area and the management and monitoring recommendations for each HCV.
HCV Findings Management Prescription Monitoring
1.1 Pin-Supu Forest Reserve is Conduct periodic Periodic monitoring and Class VI Protection Forest. patrolling and surveillance control should be carried in all designated HCV out to prevent areas to curb illegal encroachment in the activities, such as buffer zone. Any signs of encroachment and encroachment should be poaching. reported and dealt with immediate actions. Quarterly progress reports in reporting of the progress of activities as prescribed in the approved Annual Work Plan (AWP), encompassing reporting of monitoring results of known HCV attributes. 1.2 The presence of considerably Conduct periodic Periodic monitoring and high number of high patrolling and surveillance control should be carried conservation significant fauna in all designated HCV out to prevent and flora from both past areas to curb illegal encroachment in the research findings and the activities, such as buffer zone. Any signs of recent HCV assessment may encroachment and encroachment should be conclude that PSFR is an poaching. reported and dealt with important natural plant habitat Establish a long term immediate actions. or for wildlife nesting and biodiversity monitoring Quarterly progress reports foraging habitats. system for critical forest in reporting of the ecosystem, flora and progress of activities as fauna. prescribed in the approved If the management team Annual Work Plan discover high (AWP), encompassing conservation value plant reporting of monitoring species (IUCN red list, results of known HCV prohibited species under attributes. Sabah Foretry Periodical monitoring by Department, CITES and conducting re- Sabah Wildlife enumeration of the trees in Enactment) as listed in the permanent sample Appendix II, in plots to be conducted once permanent sample plots every three years to get an and nature trails in indication of changes in PSSFM area, they should tree structure and species
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be clearly marked on the assemblages. ground and on the maps. Periodical monitoring of Migratory pathway of endangered, endemic and wildlife on logging roads, migratory wildlife species along streams or wildlife will be practiced using trails in the forest should Wildlife Management be marked on the map and System adopted by the kept to ensure wildlife are management team. Any able to use it for changes in terms of movement within and population count or between forest reserves. migratory pathways Collaboration amongst observed by either department, private land researchers or ground owners and individuals staffs, the management surrounding the proposed team must be alerted. wildlife crossing is crucial Similarly, this monitoring in setting up connectivity prescription also applies that will allow movement to endangered and of wildlife between Block endemic plant. A and Block B of PSFR. Field staff is required to attend training courses on plants and wildlife to further enhance their botanical and wildlife knowledge on species that are currently listed in the threatened, endemic and forestry prohibited lists to ensure they do not harvest or damage and also for monitoring purposes. Update current biodiversity conservation status to management team of the upgrade or downgrading of threat status locally and globally.
1.3 The presence of considerably Conduct periodic Periodic monitoring and high number of endemic fauna patrolling and surveillance control should be carried and flora from both past in all designated HCV out to prevent research findings and the areas to curb illegal encroachment in the recent HCV assessment may activities, such as buffer zone. Any signs of conclude that this FMU unit is encroachment and encroachment should be an important natural plant poaching. reported and dealt with habitat or for wildlife nesting Establish a long term immediate actions. and foraging habitats. biodiversity monitoring Quarterly Progress reports system for critical forest in reporting of the ecosystem, flora and progress of activities as fauna. prescribed in the approved If the management team Annual Work Plan discover endemic plant (AWP), encompassing species in permanent reporting of monitoring
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sample plots and nature results of known HCV trails in PSSFM area, they attributes. should be clearly marked Periodical monitoring by on the ground and on the conducting re- maps. enumeration of the trees in Migratory pathway of the permanent sample wildlife on logging roads, plots to be conducted once along streams or wildlife every three years to get an trails in the forest should indication of changes in be marked on the map and tree structure and species kept to ensure wildlife are assemblages. able to use it for Periodical monitoring of movement within and endangered, endemic and between forest reserves. migratory wildlife species Collaboration amongst will be practised, using department, private land Wildlife Management owners and individuals System adopted by the surrounding the proposed management team. Any wildlife crossing is crucial changes in terms of in setting up connectivity population count or that will allow movement migratory pathways of wildlife between Block observed by either A and Block B of PSFR. researchers or ground Field staff is required to staffs, the management attend training courses on team must be alerted. plants and wildlife to Similarly, this monitoring further enhance their prescription also applies botanical and wildlife to endangered and knowledge on species that endemic plants. are currently listed in the threatened, endemic and forestry prohibited lists to ensure they do not harvest or damage and also for monitoring purposes. Update current biodiversity conservation status to PSSFM team of the upgrade or downgrading of threat status locally and globally.
1.4 Information is still lacking and No HCV area is indicated. No HCV area is indicated. none of this area able to be In the event that any salt In the event that any salt indicated. licks and potential nesting licks and potential nesting sites are found within the sites are found within the PSSFM area in the future, TBSFM area in the future, demarcation of HCV periodic monitoring as boundaries on the ground prescribed above will be and installing clear signage conducted. along existing road, foot trails and navigable rivers/streams indicating critical values
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2 Block A and B of PSFR Conduct periodic Periodic monitoring and should be categorised as HCV patrolling and surveillance control should be carried 2 due to its crucial location in all designated HCV out to prevent potential for linking areas to curb illegal encroachment in the Kinabatangan Floodplain activities such as buffer zone. Any signs of between Lot 8 in the west and encroachment and encroachment should be Lot 7 in the east of the poaching. reported and dealt with Kinabatangan Wildlife Establish a long term immediate actions. Sanctuary. biodiversity monitoring Quarterly progress reports system for critical forest in reporting of the ecosystem, flora and progress of activities as fauna. prescribed in the approved Migratory pathway of Annual Work Plan wildlife on logging roads, (AWP), encompassing along streams or wildlife reporting of monitoring trails in the forest should results of known HCV be marked on the map and attributes. kept to ensure wildlife are Periodical monitoring by able to use it for conducting re- movement within and enumeration of the trees in between forest reserves. the permanent sample Collaboration amongst plots to be conducted once department, private land every three years to get an owners and individuals indication of changes in surrounding the proposed tree structure and species wildlife crossing is crucial assemblages. in setting up connectivity Periodical monitoring of that will allow movement endangered, endemic and of wildlife between Block migratory wildlife species A and Block B of PSFR. will be practised, using Wildlife Management System adopted by the management team. Any changes in terms of population count or migratory pathways observed by either researchers or ground staffs, the management team must be alerted. Similarly, this monitoring prescription also applies to endangered and endemic plants. Long term monitoring of PSFR landscape using remote sensing technology and to be conducted once every three years to detect changes within the reserve and also vicinity areas. If threats are detected, precautionary approached will be taken and potential
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mitigation measures will be incorporated in the management plan. 3 The forests located below 200 Conduct periodic Periodic monitoring and m a.s.l contain rare, patrolling and surveillance control should be carried endangered, threatened and in all designated HCV out to prevent also endemic species and thus areas to curb illegal encroachment in the appropriate to be categorised activities such as buffer zone. Any signs of as HCV 3. encroachment and encroachment should be poaching. reported and dealt with Establish a long term immediate actions. biodiversity monitoring Quarterly progress reports system for critical forest in reporting of the ecosystem, flora and progress of activities as fauna. prescribed in the approved Annual Work Plan (AWP), encompassing reporting of monitoring results of known HCV attributes. Periodical monitoring by conducting re- enumeration of the trees in the permanent sample plots to be conducted once every three years to get an indication of changes in tree structure and species assemblages. 4.1 Not applicable for PSFR. No HCV area is indicated. No HCV area is indicated. 4.2 All areas with slopes >25° and Conduct periodic Periodic monitoring and 30 m riparian buffer strips patrolling and surveillance control should be carried should be categorised as HCV in all designated HCV out to prevent 4.2 for their importance in areas to curb illegal encroachment in the erosion control. activities such as buffer zone. Any signs of encroachment and encroachment should be poaching. reported and dealt with Demarcation of HCV immediate actions. boundaries on the ground Quarterly progress reports and installing clear in reporting of the signage along existing progress of activities as road, foot trails and prescribed in the approved navigable rivers/streams Annual Work Plan indicating critical values, (AWP), encompassing especially 30 m strip reporting of monitoring riparian reserve along results of known HCV both sides of the river. attributes. 4.3 Buffer strips of 50 m inside Conduct periodic Periodic monitoring and PSSFM boundaries that border patrolling and surveillance control should be carried local community land and in all designated HCV out to prevent northern boundary that areas to curb illegal encroachment in the bordering oil palm estate are activities such as buffer zone. Any signs of categorised as HCV 4.3. encroachment and encroachment should be 6 | P a g e
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poaching. reported and dealt with Demarcation of HCV immediate actions. boundaries on the ground Quarterly progress reports and installing clear in reporting of the signage along existing progress of activities as road, foot trails and prescribed in the approved navigable rivers/streams Annual Work Plan indicating critical values, (AWP), encompassing especially 50 m strip reporting of monitoring firebreak forest. results of known HCV The Forest Fire attributes. Management Plan is Ensure that all fire available and should be prevention procedures implemented and updated (monitoring, fire drills, periodically. public awareness Forest restoration of campaign, etc.) to be indigenous tree species as practiced on a regular part of the remedial action basis (at least once a to increase forest year), especially during structural diversity and the drought season. mitigate any forest fire incidence spreading into the FMU core area, especially area dominated with lalang grassland and ferns. 5 No community basic need is No HCV area is indicated. No HCV area is indicated. indicated within PSSFM area. 6 Sustainable harvesting of PSSFM management team The designated HCV 6 edible bird nests and are to constantly conduct should be jointly protection of Supu Caves by meeting with the village monitored and maintained KOPEL. representatives to mitigate by the PSSFM any potential issues management team and pertaining to the local communities. management of HCV 6. Boundary of the Supu Caves in PSSFM area should be clearly mark on the ground and on the map (HCV 6).
The folowing is Pin-Supu FR HCV elements composite map:
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS Page EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 9 LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 11 LIST OF TABLES 12 LIST OF FIGURES 13 1. INTRODUCTION 14 1.1 Objectives 14 1.2 Approach 14 1.3 HCV Assessment Team 15 1.4 Report Availability and Peer Review 16
2. THE FOREST MANAGEMENT UNIT 17
2.1 Overview 17 2.2 Forest Management System 17 2.3 Physical Background 17 2.3.1 Landscape Setting 17 2.3.2 Geology and Soils 19 2.4 Biological Resources 20 2.4.1 Forest Ecosystems 20 2.4.2 Flora 24 2.4.3 Fauna 25 2.5 Adjacent communities & Socio-Economic Setting 25 2.5 Natural Resource Impacts within and around the FMU 26
3. HCV ASSESSMENT METHODS 27
3.1 HCV Planning 27
4. HCV FINDINGS 28
4.1 HCV 1 Biodiversity Values 28 4.1.1 HCV 1.1 Protected Areas 28 4.1.2 HCV 1.2 Threatened and Endangered Species 29 4.1.3 HCV 1.3 Endemic Speceis 31 4.1.4 HCV 1.4 Critical Temporal Use 33 4.2 HCV 2 Landscape-level Forest 34 4.3 HCV 3 Ecosystems 35 4.4 HCV 4 Services to Nature 37 4.4.1 HCV 4.1 Forest Critical to Water Catchments 37 4.4.2 HCV 4.2 Forest Critical to Erosion Control 38 4.4.3 HCV 4.3 Forest Providing Barriers to Destructive Fire 39 1. 4.5 HCV 5 Basic Needs of Local Communities 40 2. 4.6 HCV 6 Cultural Identity of Local Communities 40 3.
4. 5. HCVS MANAGEMENT, MONITORING AND RESEARCH 42 5. IMPLICATION 6.
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5.1 Management Prescription 42 5.1.1 Protection of critical values 42 5.1.2 Modifications or constraints on operation 42 5.1.3 Enhancement efficiency and effectiveness 43 5.14 Restoration 43 5.2 Monitoring 43 5.3 Research and Development 44
7. REFERENCES 45 8. APPENDIX I : Floristic Composition 46 9. APPENDIX II List of plants 82 10. APPENDIX III: List of wildlife 90 11. APPENDIX IV: Letter of approval from Sabah Wildlife Department 95
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LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AWP Annual Work Plan BRAHMS Botanical Research and Herbarium Management System CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species CR Critically Endangered EN Endangered FMP Forest Management Plan FSC Forest Stewardship Council GIS Geographical Information System HCV High Conservational Value HCVF High Conservational Value Forest IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature KOPEL Batu Puteh Community Ecotourism Co-operative MESCOT Model Ecologically Sustainable Community Conservation and Tourism PSFR Pin-Supu Forest Reserve PSSFM Pin-Supu Sustainable Forest Management SWD Sabah Wildlife Department TPAs Total Protected Areas VU Vulnerable
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. HCVs categories and elements as described in the HCVF Toolkit for Malaysia (2009). Table 2. Assessment team and HCVs Assessment Focus. Table 3. Soil association and geological information of Pin-Supu Sustainable Forest Management Area (Pin-Supu FR Forest Management Plan 2008–2017). Table 4. Description of size, soil association and forest ecosystems conditions for 12 transects in Pin-Supu Forest Reserve SFM Area. Table 5. Number of plant taxa according to plant groups from Pin-Supu Forest Reserve, Sabah, Malaysia. Table 6. The location of villages that are found adjacent to PSSFM area and their population and households number (Source: Sabah Forestry Department). Table 7. The type of basic infrastructure presents at the four villages found nearby PSSFM area.
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure1. The location map of the Pin-Supu Sustainable Forest Management area in Sabah, Malaysia. Figure 2. The surrounding landuse of Pin-Supu SFM area. Figure 3. Soil association map of Pin-Supu Forest Reserve SFM area in Sabah, Malaysia. Figure 4: The original natural vegetation of Pin-Supu Forest Reserve SFM area, Sabah. Figure 5. The 14 most species-rich families derived from pooled data of all the 12 transects for trees ≥ 10 cm dbh in Pin-Supu Forest Reserve SFM area. Figure 6. Ten most speciose plant families in Pin-Supu Forest Reserve SFM Area. Figure 7. The whole PSSFM area should be desinated as HCV 1.1 due to the totally protected status of the reserves. Figure 8. The previously mixed dipterocarp, seasonal freshwater swamp and freshwater swamp forests in PSSFM area should be desinated as HCV 1.2 due to its important habitats for high conservation value flora and fauna. Figure 9. The previously mixed dipterocarp, seasonal freshwater swamp and freshwater swamp forests in PSSFM area should be desinated as HCV 1.3 due to its important habitats for endemic flora and fauna. Figure 10. Potential connectivity and wildlife corridor (dark green shades) between forest reserve units in PSSFM area, Sabah (Source: Prudente 2009) Figure 11. Map showing Block A & B of Pin-Supu FR categorised as HCV 2. Figure 12. The location of extreme lowland forest that are categorised as HCV 3 in PSSFM area, Sabah. Figure 13. The location of areas with slopes >25° and riparian reserve are categorised as HCV 4 in PSSFM area, Sabah. Figure 14. The location of HCV 4.3, buffer strips of 50 m inside PSSFM boundary providing barriers from fire from adjacent areas. Figure 15. The location of Supu Caves that is categorised as HCV 6, an important area for cultural value for Kg Batu Puteh communities.
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1. INTRODUCTION This report presents the findings of the High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF) assessment of the Pin-Supu Sustainable Forest Management (PSSFM), Sabah, Malaysia. A team with multiple disciplines ranging from botanists, ecologists, conservationists and foresters from the Sabah Forestry Department, tourism and socio-economic experts was pooled to review the available biological resources and social documented reports and on-going monitoring activities by the management team, representative from the local communities located in the vicinity of the reserve and Rakuno Gakuen University and assess the HCV elements in PSSFM. The assessment aims to enhance relevant information on HCV elements for PSSFM area, ensuring the Department meets the international standards and principles of Sustainable Forest Management and obtaining the FSC certification. The HCVF assessment was carried out in accordance to the High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF) toolkit for Malaysia (2009). HCV assessment data are derived from secondary data from various research institutions, NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) and others who have previously worked within the PSSFM area.
1.1 Objectives The objectives of the HCV assessment in PSSFM are as follows: a. To determine which categories of HCV are present in the project area; b. To delineate HCV areas where possible; c. To recommend PSSFM management on the management prescriptions and monitoring plans for the identified HCV attributes that have been discussed and agreed by relevant stakeholders through consultative approaches.
1.2 Approach One of the requirements in the implementation of Sustainable Forest Management principles is to protect such areas with great biodiversity importance. This is to warrant that the management will safeguard and ensure forest ecosystem values are not depleting or omitted from their management plans. In 1999, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) had developed the High Conservation Values (HCVs) concept (Principle 9) as part of the FSC certification standard for a well-managed forest. Under FSC certification standard, there are a total of 4 requirements that govern the management of High Conservation Value Forests (HCVFs). The 4 requirements are as listed below:
Criterion 9.1 Assessment to determine the presence of the attributes consistent with High Conservation Value Forests will be completed, appropriate to scale and intensity of forest management.
Criterion 9.2 The consultative portion of the certification process must place emphasis on the identified conservation attributes, and options for the maintenance thereof.
Criterion 9.3 The management plan shall include and implement specific measures that ensure the maintenance and/or enhancement of the applicable conservation attributes consistent with the precautionary approach. These measures shall be specifically included in the publicly available management plan summary.
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Criterion 9.4 Annual monitoring shall be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the measures employed to maintain or enhance the applicable conservation attributes.
Within those requirements, HCVFs set up are basically designed to enhance the value of the forest. For PSSFM area, the HCVFs that are set up should be managed with inputs from various stakeholders, completed with the long-term plans in various programmes and activities through frequent monitoring. If there are a change of plans or proposal of new development plans during the revision of FMP, the values within the HCVF areas in terms of environmental, social and economic aspects should be taken into consideration. Aside from that, the assigned HCVs have to be monitored regularly as their value might change over time.
The interpretation of HCV categories basically follows the definition that was set in the Global HCVF Toolkit as adopted by the HCVF toolkit for Malaysia in 2009 (Table 1).
Table 1. HCV categories and elements as described in the HCVF Toolkit for Malaysia (2009). HCV Element 1 Forest areas containing globally, regionally or nationally significant concentrations of biodiversity values 1.1 Protected areas 1.2 Threatened and endangered species 1.3 Endemic species 1.4 Critical temporal use 2 Globally, regionally or nationally significant large landscape-level forests 3 Forest areas that are in or contain rare, threatened or endangered ecosystems 4 Forest areas that provide basic services of nature in critical situations 4.1 Forests critical to water catchments 4.2 Forests critical to erosion control 4.3 Forests providing barriers to destructive fire 5 Forest areas fundamental to meeting basic needs of local communities (e.g. subsistence, health) 6 Forest areas critical to local communities’ traditional cultural identity
1.3 HCV Assessment Team
The assessment was carried out by a multidisciplinary team from Sabah Forestry Department with experienced from various fields. The team specialized scope covered forest ecosystem and species ecology in tropical forests, the socio-economics of village communities and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (Table 2).
Table 2. Assessment team and HCVs Assessment Focus. Name Fields of Expertise & Experience HCV aspect Reuben Nilus Forest Ecologist (20 years) HCV 2, 3 & 4 Arthur Y.C. Chung Entomologist and Wildlife Conservation (22 years) HCV 1 & 2 John B. Sugau Botanist (20 years) HCV 1 & 3 Haji Husin Tukiman Forester (25 years) HCV 4, 5 & 6 Julsun Sikui Forester (10 years) HCV 2, 3 & 4 Martin Paul Vogel Tourism & Socio-Economist (19 years) HCV 4, 5 & 6 Rosli Jukrana Co-operative Manager (14 years) HCV 4, 5 & 6 Mohmad Jumri Abdul GIS (20 years) GIS Mapping 15 | P a g e
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Hamid
1.4 Report Availability and Peer Review
This report is made available publicly and uploaded on to the Pin-Supu Sustainable Forest Management’s website by the Sabah Forestry Department. Prominent experts in park management, plant and wildlife ecology in Sabah have been approached and requested to review this report.
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2. THE FOREST MANAGEMENT UNIT
2.1 OVERVIEW Pin-Supu Forest Reserve are legally designated as Class VI Virgin Jungle Reserve, covering a total area of 4,696 hectares. This forest reserve was given a protected status as a Class VI FR (Virgin Jungle Reserve) in 1984, primarily because of the edible bird nest activities which are still present in the limestone caves on the western part of the reserve. PSSFM area is administered directly under the management and jurisdiction of the Kinabatangan Forestry District Officer (DFRof the Sabah Forestry department.
2.2 FOREST MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Based on the Management Policies and Development Goal stated in the Forest Management Plan (FMP) 2008, the PSSFM area is planned to be managed mainly for strictly for forestry research purposes and biodiversity conservation where timber extraction is prohibited. The primary long-term goal and management objective is to provide a non-destructive use of forest resources, focussing largely on the conservation and protection of diversity of flora and fauna found in this reserve. The major activities can be divided into two types, as stipulated in the FMP:
1. Type 1 activities are those that support the protection status of the reserve and the conservation (or enhancement) of the forest resources within the reserve. The activities include forest restoration, wetland restoration, or other conservation and protection activities.
2. Type 2 activities are those that utilize the forest resources in a non-extractive or sustainable manner for social or economic benefit. The activities include tourism and recreation (in low- impact, non-destructive manner), scientific research (observation – non extractive), and the harvesting of edible bird nests (this is, however, no longer active when this assessment is being drafted).
2.3 PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL RESOURCE BACKGROUND
2.3.1 Landscape Setting The Pin-Supu Forest Reserve (PSFR) or known to be Pin-Supu Sustainable Forest Management area is geographically located between latitude 05° 20’ 09.5”–05° 29’ 27.5” N and longitude 117° 51’ 54.2”–117° 59’ 15.5” E of Sabah (Figure 1). It comprises a cluster of three units of forested areas. PSFR is located midway between Sandakan and Lahad Datu, bisected by the highway and situated beside the Kinabatangan River. Another small part of PSFR is located 11 km southwest of the main PSFR, beside Sg. Pin.
In term of landuse perspective, PSSFM area mostly surrounded by the private and small holder oil palm plantations (Figure 2).
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Figure 1. The location map of the Pin-Supu Sustainable Forest Management area in Sabah, Malaysia.
Figure 2. The surrounding landuse of Pin-Supu SFM area.
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2.3.2 Geology and Soils Generally, the geophysical properties of PSSFM area is composed of three distinct geological ages that had major influences on the soils, topography and drainange properties of the area (Table 3). There are nine major soil associations underlie PSSFM area that derived from sedimentary rocks and recent alluvium (Fig. 3; Table 2). About 72% of the project area that are categorised as Tuaran, Kinabatangan, Sapi and Klias soil associations is ocassional or seasonally inundated. The other soil associations, i.e. Kretam, Kalabakan, Silabukan, Gomantong and Lokan are considered as well as drained lands (Acres et al., 1975).
Table 3. Soil association and geological information of Pin-Supu Sustainable Forest Management Area (Pin-Supu FR Forest Management Plan 2008–2017).
Percentage of Soil Area Parent Material Age (year) Epoch total PSSFM Association (ha) (%) Alluvial-Floodplain ≤10,000 Late Pliocene- Tuaran 806 17.2 Holocene Kinabatangan 606 12.9 Sapi 716 15.3 Klias (peat) 1231 26.2 Sandstone, 5–24 mil Miocene Kretam 144 3.1 Mudstone & Miscellaneous Rock Mudstone & minor 5–24 mil Miocene Kalabakan 81 1.7 mudstone Miocene Silabukan 450 9.6 Limestone 5–24 mil Miocene Gomantong 172 3.7 Sandstone-Mudstone 40–55 mil Eocene Lokan 490 10.4 Total Area 4,696 100
2.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
2.4.1 Forest Ecosystems (source: Nilus et al. 2007) The classification of forest ecosystems in PSSFM is based broadly on several environmental factors, such as edaphic conditions, topography and elevation. The zoning of floristic communities is based on an array of major or dominant groupings that are mono-dominated or co-dominated by various tree species. Most of the PSSFM area is a sub-set of a well-known lower Kinabatangan floodplains that basically occur less than 300 m a.s.l. and were formerly classified as comprising poor structured dipterocarp stand within the matrix of the swamp forest (Acres & Folland, 1975). Therefore, there are two distinct drainage systems, namely, well drained soils (dryland) and poorly drained soils (wetland). Based on the soil surveys conducted by Acres & Folland (1975), Silabukan, Lokan, Kretam, Kalabakan and Gomantong associations are categorized as drylands; whereas, Tuaran, Kinabatangan, Sapi and Klias are categorized as wetlands.
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Figure 3. Soil association map of Pin-Supu Forest Reserve SFM area in Sabah, Malaysia.
Figure 4: The original natural vegetation of Pin-Supu Forest Reserve SFM area, Sabah.
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A total of 1824 trees above 10 cm dbh were enumerated in 12 temporary transects that were established in Pin-Supu FR during the lower kinabatangan forest inventory exercise by Nilus et al. 2007 (Table 4). Of these total, 203 number of taxa and 139 number of genera derived from 55 known families were recorded. The Euphorbiaceae is the most species-rich families and followed by the Dipterocarpaceae, Rubiaceae & Leguminosae (Figure 5). Most of the Euphorbiaceae tree species are categorised as pioneer trees, such as those from the genera Macaranga and Mallotus.
Table 4. Description of size, soil association and forest ecosystem condition for 12 transects in Pin- Supu Forest Reserve SFM Area.
Block Line Distance Geographical Soil Original Disturbance Vegetation Status (m) Location Association Vegetation 1 13 1000 N.5° 29' 30.77"; Klias Peat Swamp Forest High Higly Disturbed E.117° 58' 17.16" Peatswamp Forest & Seasonal Freshwater Swamp Forest 1 19 500 N.5° 24' 29.50"; Tuaran Mixed Dipterocarp High Early Secondary E.117° 58' 00.49" Forest (Riparian Forest: Previously Forest) Lowland MDF (Riparian) 1 20 500 N.5° 24' 29.56"; Tuaran Mixed Dipterocarp High Early Secondary E.117° 57' 52.56" Forest (Riparian Forest: Previously Forest) Lowland MDF (Riparian) 1 21 500 N.5° 24' 29.57"; Tuaran Mixed Dipterocarp High Early Secondary E.117° 58' 08.71" Forest (Riparian Forest: Previously Forest) Lowland MDF (Riparian) 1 22 300 N.5° 24' 30.63"; Tuaran Mixed Dipterocarp High Early Secondary E.117° 58' 16.79" Forest (Riparian Forest: Previously Forest) Lowland MDF (Riparian) 2 1 650 N.5° 26' 24.74"; Tuaran Mixed Dipterocarp High Early Secondary E.117° 54' 58.93" Forest (Riparian Forest: Previously Forest) Lowland MDF (Riparian) 2 2 650 N.5° 26' 19.35"; Tuaran Mixed Dipterocarp High Early Secondary E.117° 54' 52.69" Forest (Riparian Forest: Previously Forest) Lowland MDF (Riparian) 2 3 650 N.5° 26' 09.42"; Tuaran Mixed Dipterocarp High Late Secondary E.117° 54' 39.56" Forest (Riparian Forest: Previously Forest) Lowland MDF (Riparian) 2 4 750 N.5° 28' 30.23"; Gomantong Mixed Dipterocarp High Secondary Forest: E.117° 55' 00.57" Forest & limestone Previously Lowland vegetation MDF - Limestone vegetation 2 5 760 N.5° 28' 30.16"; Gomantong Mixed Dipterocarp High Secondary Forest: E.117° 55' 08.67" Forest & limestone Previously Lowland vegetation MDF - Limestone vegetation 2 6 750 N.5° 28' 56.03"; Silabukan Mixed Dipterocarp High Early Secondary E.117° 55' 31.95" Forest (Lowland Forest: Previously MDF Type B) Lowland MDF Type B 2 7 750 N.5° 28' 55.87"; Silabukan Mixed Dipterocarp High Early Secondary E.117° 55' 40.16" Forest (Lowland Forest: Previously MDF Type B) Lowland MDF Type B
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No. of Species
Euphorbiaceae 31 Dipterocarpaceae 17 Rubiaceae 15 Leguminosae 13 Sapindaceae 10 Moraceae 10 Lauraceae 9 Tiliaceae 7 Meliaceae 7 Verbenaceae 5 Sterculiaceae 5 Sapotaceae 5 Burseraceae 5 Apocynaceae 5 0 10 20 30 40
Figure 5. The 14 most species-rich families derived from pooled data of all the 12 transects for trees ≥ 10 cm dbh in Pin-Supu Forest Reserve SFM area.
Although the natural vegetation could be differentiated and described by the above classification system, the current vegetation cover in PSSFM has been highly disturbed by past activities such as log extraction and forest fire. During the drought event in 1997, almost the entire peatswamp forest and part of freshwater swamp forest in Block A areas were burnt. Currently, the forested areas are comprised mostly with secondary forests at various successional stages and sporadic occurrence of regenerating old growth forest or sparsely distributed relics of climax tree species. These degraded or disturbed areas eventually develop into secondary forest whereby more than 70% of the forest structure (tree density and basal area) are dominated by secondary species. Furthermore, these areas naturally lacks or are devoid of regeneration capacity of the main climax species, although occasionally some individuals are to be found occurring naturally amongst the understorey trees. These disturbed areas are therefore exposed to a process of vegetative succession, and are comprised of a series of seral communities which may have developed initially from grassland or barrenland (or marshes in previously peatswamp or freshwater swamp forests), into a lower structure of scrub vegetation and eventually into a high structure mid-late series secondary forest.
i. Previously on mixed dipterocarp forest: Lowland MDF-Type B (Table 4; Appendix II, Table A & B: Block 2 – Line 6 & 7) The early stage of secondary forest develops after severe disturbances within lowland MDF—Type B forest. These forests are generally low stand structure. There is not a continuous canopy layer and often very large gaps occur within the matrix of the secondary forest. In exposed area, climbing bamboo invasively overlays the area, in turn smothering young regenerating trees. Extremely low in stature, the tree density and basal area are estimated to be about 100–160 tree/ha and 4–6 m2/ha, respectively, with only 1–4 large trees > 60 cm dbh can be found in a single hectare. The common pioneer species occupying the main canopy is Pterospermum elongatum and alongside other pioneer
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Pin-Supu Forest Reserve species such as Octomeles sumatrana, Croton agyratus and Macaranga hypoleuca. Other common relics of this forest are Parashorea tomentella and Eusideroxylon zwageri.
ii. Previously mixed dipterocarp forest and limestone vegetation (Table 4; Appendix II, Table A & B: Block 2 – Line 4 & 5) The secondary forest developing within disturbed areas of previously mixed dipterocarp forest and limestone vegetation has a broken canopy structure. The tree density and basal area are estimated to be about 120–230 tree/ha and 7–11 m2/ha, respectively, and only 1–5 large trees > 60 cm dbh can be found in a single hectare. The common large trees that occupy the main canopy are represented by Pterospermum elongatum, and associated by Cryodophnopsis tokensis. The understorey is commonly represented by the limestone specialist, Spathiostemon javensis. iii. Previously mixed dipterocarp forest (Riparian) (Table 4; Appendix II, Table A & B: Block 1 – Line 19–22 & Block 2 – Line 1–3) The survey found no natural riparian mixed dipterocarp forest that usually establishes on soils of the Tuaran association in the lower Kinabatangan. It is expected that the riparian forests has been influenced by shifting cultivators or latter by log extraction that had lead to natural succession secondary successive vegetation at various stages of development (Acres & Folland, 1975). Within these meandering belts of riparian secondary forest, there are networks of low lying swampy and peaty areas that are almost inundated permanently. In the early stage of secondary forest regrowth, the main canopy is broken in nature, and gaps of various sizes with tall grasses covering the ground (e.g. elephant grass). Structurally, low in stature, tree density and basal area, it is estimated to be about 120–170 tree/ha and 5–7 m2/ha, respectively, and only 1–3 large trees > 60 cm dbh found in a single hectare. The common pioneer trees occupying the main canopy are Pterospermum macropodum, Pterospermum elongatum and Vitex pinnata. The common understorey species are represented by Colona serratifolia and Dillenia excelsa. On low lying and swampy areas, trees of Mallotus muticus prevails. In the late stage of riparian secondary forest regrowth, the stature of the forest is considerably higher, with tree density and basal area of about 230–270 tree/ha and 10–14 m2/ha, respectively. About 1–7 large trees > 60 cm dbh is found in a single hectare, distributed randomly within the matrix of smaller secondary trees. A mix of secondary tree species also occurs in the main canopy, i.e. Pterospermum macropodum, Pterospermum elongatum, Cananga odorata, Nauclea subdita, Nauclea orientalis and Vitex pinnata. Common understorey species are represented by Colona serratifolia, Dillenia excelsa and Kleinhovia hispita. On low lying areas, freshwater swamp specialist, Mallotus muticus establishes in gregarious patches.
iv. Previously peatswamp and seasonal freshwater swamp forest (Table 4; Appendix II, Table A & B: Block 1 – Line 13) There is no intact natural vegetation of peatswamp and seasonal freshwater swamp forest that establishes on the Klias and Kinabatangan soil associations. Only one transect cutting across peatswamp and seasonal freshwater swamp. The stature of the secondary stand was high and regenerating climax species were observed to be prominent, such as Shorea leprosula, Planchonia valida and Vatica rassak. The main canopy is commonly occupied by Vitex pinnata and Alstonia pinnata, whereas the understorey is represented by Pternandra galeata and Ilex cymosa. On low
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Pin-Supu Forest Reserve lying areas, the swamp specialists such as Mallotus muticus and Lophopetalum multinervium are found adapted to grow in these inundated conditions.
2.4.2 Flora
From the secondary data (Nilus et al. 2007 forest inventory; Nilus pers. comm Research plots; MESCOT survey, Conservation Assessment & Information Management System, and data retrieved from plant database (BRAHMS) in Sandakan Herbarium, Sabah Forestry Department, a total of 335 taxa (identified to specific and infraspecific level) from 77 family and 207 genera were recorded from the reserve. Of these taxa, 4 fern families, 2 gymnosperms, 8 angiosperms (Monocotyledon) and 63 angiosperms (Dicotyledon) were recorded (Table 5).
Table 5. Number of plant taxa according to plant groups from Pin-Supu Forest Reserve, Sabah, Malaysia.
Plant group No. of families No. of taxa Ferns 4 4 Gymnosperm 2 2 Angiosperm: Monocotyledon 8 28 Dicotyledon 63 301
Total 77 335
The ten most speciose families are Dipterocarpaceae with 27 taxa, Euphorbiaceae 22, Rubiaceae 18, Fabaceae 17, Malvaceae 17, Lauraceae 15, Arecaceae 14, Sapindaceae 12, Moraceae 11 and Anacardiaceae 8 ( Fig. 6).
Anacardiaceae, 8 Sapindaceae, 12 Moraceae, 11 Arecaceae, 14
Dipterocarpaceae Rubiaceae, 18 , 27
Malvaceae, 17 Euphorbiaceae, 22 Fabaceae, 17
Lauraceae, 15
Figure 6. Ten most speciose plant families in Pin-Supu Forest Reserve SFM Area.
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2.4.3 Wildlife
Based on secondary data obtained from the PSSFM management team and the 2009 survey by Prudente et a.l 2009, a pooled record of 36 mammal species and 96 species of birds were sighted in the reserve (Appendix IV, Table A & B). The mammals are derived from 17 families and 32 genera, whilst the birds from 17 families and 32 genera. Though the forest ecosystems in the reserve are mainly predominated by secondary forest species, the existing forest cover may have still contain significant ecological functionality to harbour most of Sabah’s iconic wildlife. Due to the oustanding wildlife biodiversity value, the present PSSFM management has outlined wildlife management and monitoring programme within PSSFM area by engaging with international wildlife research group from Rakuno Gakuen University under the Nahiya-Borneo Project to provide guidance and participation of the local communities residing at the adjacent of the reserve to carry out wildlife management system that specifically designed for this project area. According to Sabah Wildlife Department, the population of swiftlets in the limestone caves located in Block A has almost diminished due to over harvesting of birdnests and occurrence of forest fire at the cave vicinity in the past. To mitigate and restore the swiflet population, with the consent from SFD and written approval from Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD, Appendix IV), Koperasi Pelancongan Mukim Batu Puteh Kinabatangan Berhad (KOPEL) has taken the initiative to manage the swiflets and caves in a sustainable manner.
2.5 ADJACENT COMMUNITIES & SOCIO-ECONOMIC SETTING
There are no villages located within the PSSFM area. At the adjacent of the reserve, 4 villages, namely Kg Batu Puteh, Kg Mengaris, Kg Singgah Mata and Kg Perpaduan are located (Table 6; Figure 8). However, Kg Singgah Mata is no longer exist. All these villages are located along the Sandakan–Lahad Datu highway. Based on the information from the management team, the villages are inhabited by people of the Sungai and Dusun ethnic groups. Nevertheless, other ethnic groups are present, mainly through mixed marriages. The people of these communities are predominantly Muslim and some are still practising a mix of past traditions and beliefs. Based on the social and cultural survey by the management team, there is no community use in the reserve. In terms of population, an estimated overall village population is 1,556 individawand Kg Batu Puteh is the most populous among the 4 villages (Table 6). All of the villages are equipped with basic infrastructure such as treated water and electricity (Table 7). Approximately, 55.4 % (862) of the total village population is below the age of 18 (Kinabatangan District Office, 2014). On the employment information, 59.2 % of the population is self employed, namely as farmers or fishermen. About 2.8 % of the them are employed in public sector; 15 % in private sector, namely in fishing, trading and other private sector (18%). At least 5% of them are unemployed. Previously, the communities harvest birdnest from the Supu Caves (limestone caves) but due to the diminishing swiftlet population from over harvesting and forest fire, the practised has been abandoned for decades (Rosli pers. com.). As mentioned earlier, KOPEL is taking the initiative to manage the caves by exploring to enhance swiflet population and harvest the nests sustainably and promote ecotourism on the limestone karst and outcrops, while conserving the whole ecosystem through several protection activities, such as stringent surveillance regime, habitat enhancement, and prevention of forest fire.
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Table 6. The location of villages that are found adjacent to PSSFM area and their population and household number (Source: Sabah Forestry Department).
Villages GPS Location (Latitude, No. of No. Longitude) Villagers Households Batu Puteh N 06°10’36.8”, E 117°13’38.8” 710 173 Mengaris N 06°09’46.6”, E 117°13’11.1” 500 58 Singgah Mata* N 06°03’15.4”, E 117°19’20.6” N/A N/A Perpaduan N 06°00’47.2”, E 117°19’42.3” 346 64 (Note: * village does not exist anymore)
Table 7. The type of basic infrastructure at the four villages adjacent to PSSFM area.
Religious Health Treated Electricity Telephone Village School Building Clinic Water Lines Batu Puteh √ √ √ √ √ x Mengaris x √ x √ √ x Perpaduan x √ x √ √ x (Notes: Available = √; Not available = x)
2.6 NATURAL RESOURCE IMPACTS WITHIN AND AROUND THE FMU
As mentioned earlier, forest degradation within the PSSFM area is mainly due to direct disturbance impact in the past by timber extraction and forest fire. Currently, the reserve is covered mostly by secondary species. Furthermore, the reserve is fragmented and largely surrounded with large private and small holder oil palm estates, and communal land.
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3.0 HCV ASSESSMENT METHODS
3.1 HCV PLANNING The HCV assessment for PSSFM area is basically done in the following steps:
A. Identify potential HCVF (desktop “preliminary assessment”) The potential survey sites that were selected to be assessed for HCV1-4 were chosen based on satellite imageries, slope angles, stratifications, forest type and soil maps. Initial desktop research has taken into account recent research work and publications conducted by various institutions within PSSFM area. These research studies will be taken in as secondary data to provide a holistic view of this area. Reason for this, is to prevent bias output in terms of recommendations made and to minimize the potential of overlooking important facts that might not be accounted for during the HCV assessment. For HCV 5 & 6, all villages surrounding the forest reserve (Kg Batu Puteh, Kg Mengaris, Kg Singgah Mata and Kg Perpaduan) were identified and the impact on the communities in relation to the management of PSFR has been collated by the management team throughout forest management period.
B. Identify specific HCVF components in the field & through consultation An assessment and discussion with the management team, the representative from the community and Rakuno Gakuen University were carried out from 8–9th December 2014, and 15th January 2015. Through the assessment, much information was gathered for each aspects of the HCV. Upon the completion of data analysis and interpretation, areas that are deemed to be of HCV will be recommended to the management team to be set aside as HCVF. The recommendation will be presented in an initial Draft Report. Stages of review of initial draft: i. Internal discussion of report between the assessment team members and management of the department. ii. Initial draft to be reviewed by relevant stakeholders either through distribution of report or meetings (with the different villages). iii. Revised report based on feedback obtained from the relevant stakeholders and Sabah Forestry Department.
C. Zone HCVF areas, buffer zones and note compartments HCVF areas should be delineated and properly mapped out by the management team after the consultation sessions. The management of the HCVF areas and the summary of HCV should also be incorporated into the Pin-Supu Forest Reserve FMP and website, for reference during the monitoring and management process.
D. Identify limits of acceptable change (LAC) for maintaining HCVF Limitations or limits of acceptable change in the maintenance of the HCVF will be discussed and set up.
E. Plan precautionary management prescriptions for HCVF compartments Management and monitoring suggestions are brought forward and to be put in place. Actions to be taken in carrying out all management practices prescribed.
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4.0 HCV FINDINGS
4.1 HCV 1 BIODIVERSITY VALUES According to the HCVF toolkit for Malaysia (2009), category HCV 1 is defined as: “Forest area contains globally, regionally or nationally significant biodiversity values (e.g. endemism, endangered species, sites of critical temporal use).”
4.1.1 HCV 1.1 Protected areas As defined in the Toolkit: “All forest areas that have been legally gazette as Protected Areas under Malaysia legislation (either federal or state), are HCV 1.1., the Master List of Protected Areas in Malaysia, commissioned by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, has listed all areas that fall under this category, and should therefore be the first point of reference. However, it is noted that in Sarawak there is no overlap between FMUs and TPAs”
Findings At present, Pin-Supu Forest Reserves are Class VI Virgin Jungle Reserve. Therefore, the management prescription and monitoring recommendation for PSSFM is mainly on conservation activities that emphasize the protection and preservation of ecosystem functions and prohibits all forms of destructive activities.
Rationale for HCV boundary delineation Due to the total protected area status, the management should consider that the entire PSSFM to be categorised as HCV 1.1 (Fig. 7).
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Figure 7. The whole PSSFM area should be desinated as HCV 1.1 due to the totally protected status of the reserves.
4.1.2 HCV 1.2 Threatened and Endangered Species As mentioned in the Toolkit: “Any species categorized as either Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) or Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List, Appendix I of CITES or listed as protected under Malaysian legislation (federal or state), is HCV 1.2. However, for practical reasons forest managers may want to limit field surveys of fauna to mammals (particularly large ones, over 20kg in weight), birds and herpetofauna, unless literature indicates that there are other species in the area which require specific attention. This does not mean that other taxa are unimportant, and wherever possible, if the expertise and survey protocols are available there should be covered too. It is also recommended to cross check the IUCN Red list with the Malaysian Red Data Book, once that is available. Where there may be difference between the Malaysian Red Data Book and the IUCN Red List, the Malaysian Red Data Book should always take precedence.”
A. Flora
Findings There are 3 plant species that listed in the IUCN red list as Near Threatened, 4 Vulnerable (VU), 4 Endangered (EN) and 7 Critically Endangered (CR) are known from this area (Appendix II). All of these threatened species are from the family Dipterocarpaceae, the most dominant group of trees in the lowland area and important source of timber for the state in the past. However, 85% of the flora recorded from PSSFM are yet to be evaluated under IUCN categories and the assessment and updating process by the relevant research agencies will take a considerable period of time. By looking at the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 (SWD, 1997), under part VI (Protection of Plants), only three plant taxa, namely Eria javanica (Orchidaceae), Globba franciscii (Zingiberaceae) and Tetrastigma trifoliolatum (Vitaceae) are listed to be present in the PSSFM area. Under Sabah Forest Rules 1969, the director of forest may for reasons of silviculture or for any other reason prohibit or restrict the cutting or removal of plant species in the forest reserve. There were 14 plant taxa in PSSFM area that fall under the prohibited species by the Director of Sabah Forestry Department. Furthermore, two taxa namely, Eria javanica (Orchidaceae) and Aquilaria malaccensis (Thymelaeaceae) are listed under CITES list. Due to high presence of high conservation value flora in the reserve, it is important to protect and enhance the forest ecosystems in its natural setting. Long-term monitoring activities by using permanent sample plots are useful to determine long-term population trends of increase or decrease that can be related to human disturbance or short term term flactuations caused by variations in weather or unpredictable natural catastrophic events.
Rationale for HCV boundary delineation In relation to the flora diversity and a number outstanding conservation values, the assessment indicates that the whole area of previously mixed dipterocarp, seasonal freshwater swamp and freshwater swamp forest should be categorised as HCV 1.2 that indicates habitats for threatened and endangered flora in PSSFM (Fig. 8).
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Figure 8. The previously mixed dipterocarp, seasonal freshwater swamp and freshwater swamp forests in PSSFM area should be desinated as HCV 1.2 due to its important habitats for high conservation value flora and fauna.
B. Fauna
Findings As listed in Appendix III, of the 36 mammals recorded in PSSFM area, seven (7) species are categorised as Endangered under the IUCN criteria, namely the Tembadau, Proboscis Monkey, Bornean Pygmy Elephant, Bay Cat, Flat-headed Cat, Bornean Gibbon and Orang-utan. Furthermore, 13 of the mammals are categorised as Vulnerable and one as Near Threatened under the IUCN criteria (Appendix III, Table A). Five of the mammals recorded in PSSFM area are listed under Schedule I that bearing the status as Totally Protected as stipulated in the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment (1997); 27 species are listed under Schedule II (protected species-limited hunting with license) and 4 species are listed under Shcedule III (protected species-hunting with license). On international trading issue, seven (7) species of the listed mammals are listed under Appendix I, four under Appendix II and three spesies under Appendix III of the CITES list (Appendix III, Table A). Of the 96 species of birds recorded in PSSFM area and two (7) species are categorised as Endangered under the IUCN criteria, 20 are categorised as Vulnerable and 16 as Near Threatened under the IUCN criteria (Appendix III, Table B). In general, the presence of considerably high number of high conservation status fauna may conclude that this reserve is an important for nesting and foraging habitats wildlife. However, the presence of these high conservation value wildlife during the assessments may not be able to verify the stability of population. Therefore, the present widlife monitoring activities (camera traps, transects, oppurtunistic sightings, etc.) by joint effort between the local community, research agency and the management team under the NAHIYA project should be continued. It is important to distinguish long- 30 | P a g e
Pin-Supu Forest Reserve term population trend of increase or decrease of these species that may have been influenced by human disturbance or environmental factors, such as fluctuations of weather or unpredictable natural catastrophic event.
Rationale for HCV boundary delineation Due to the fact above, the management should consider that all the whole area of previously mixed dipterocarp, seasonal freshwater swamp and freshwater swamp forests in PSSFM area to be categorised as HCV 1.2 for its importance in providing potential nesting and foraging habitats for wildlife (Fig. 8).
4.1.3 HCV 1.3 Endemic Species This is defined as: “ Any forest containing endemic species as identified by FRIM, MNS, SFC, Forestry Departments and published literature, particularly in high concentration or highly restricted distribution, can be considered HCV 1.3”
A. FLORA
Findings Based on the secondary data compiled from previous studies and Sandakan Herbarium database, there is a total of 60 species that are recognized as endemics to Borneo, representing about 18 % of tree species known from PSSFM area, and only four (4) species are endemic to Sabah, namely Calamus acuminatus, Claoxylon praetermissum, Diospyros squmaefolia and Gluta sabahana. A total of 4 endemic tree species are currently protected under Schedule 1 of the Forest Rules 1969, which are Shorea macrophylla and S. mecistopteryx of the Dipterocarpaceae family and Dimocarpus dentatus and Paranephelium joannis of the Sapindaceae family. A single shrub was identified as a Bornean endemic (Pandanus pachyphyllus) and is not formally protected under any national or state laws. A total of 13 species of climbers were listed as Bornean endemics, and 1 Sabah endemic (e.g. Calamus acuminatus). None of the endemic climbers are formally protected under any national or state laws. Endemic species such as climbers and herbaceous plants are considered at low risk to loss within the management unit, due to the sivilculture systems employed. This treatment is expected to provide additional benefits which include in increasing light quality for the natural regeneration and planted tree seedlings for restoration. The treatment also may reduce competetion and consequently improving thier growth, enhancing natural regeneration of the site, and as well as to reduce climber regeneration in the site though not necessarily eliminating them. Even though a “blanket” treatment is applied to climbers, the focus of the prescribed treatment is the removal of high density vines, that proliferate in abundance in areas that once severely disturbed by past logging activities or affected by forest fire. Furthermore, the management is also taking steps to avoid removal of climbers for example Uncaria spp. (Rubiaceae) and Willughbia spp. (Apocynaceae) that are important food source for wildlife, especially for primates. Therefore, silvicultural activities in PSSFM area is mainly for stand improvement and reduced weedy climbers impact on natural regeneration. However, the presence of these endemic flora may not be able to verify the stability of population. Therefore, the existing long-term monitoring activities by using permanent sample plots are useful to determine long-term population trends of increase or decrease that can be related to human disturbance or short term term flactuations caused by variations in weather or unpredictable natural catastrophic events.
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Rationale for HCV boundary delineation In relation to the flora diversity and a number of outstanding conservation values, the assessment indicates that the whole area of previously mixed dipterocarp, seasonal freshwater swamp and freshwater swamp forest should be categorised as HCV 1.2 that indicates habitats for endemic flora in PSSFM area (Fig. 9).
Figure 9. The previously mixed dipterocarp, seasonal freshwater swamp and freshwater swamp forests in PSSFM area should be desinated as HCV 1.3 due to its important habitats for endemic flora and fauna.
B. FAUNA
Findings A total of 8 mammals and 10 bird species are endemic to Borneo were recorded in PSSFM area (Appendix III, Tables A & B). Of all the endemics, seven mammal species and seven bird species are listed as threatened. Much of the endemic species recorded in the FMU are little known in term of their ecology and functionality in the ecosystems. Therefore, the present widlife monitoring activities (camera traps, transects, oppurtunistic sightings, etc.) as mention earlier should be continue and further enhance. It is important to charaterize long-term population trend of increase or decrease of these species that may have been influenced by environmental factors such as fluctuations of weather or unpredictable natural catastrophic event and also by human induced-disturbance.
Rationale for HCV boundary delineation
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In relation to the presence of numerous endemic fauna recorded in PSSFM aea, the assessment indicates that the whole area of lowland and upland mixed dipterocarp forests should be categorised as HCV 1.3 areas that are important habitats for endemic fauna (Fig. 9).
4.1.4 HCV 1.4 Critical Temporal Use This is defined as: “Any forest area which is important to wildlife for feeding, nesting, roosting, and migration or contains saltlicks is HCV 1.4. Limestone hills, although important as habitat, are captured under HCV 3 Ecosystems.”
Findings The limestone caves in Block B provide nesting area for edible birdnest birds and acknowledge as HCV 1.4. The management and monitoring is prescribed under HCV 6 due to cultural value aspect has been place by the adjacent community as mentioned above. There are no sign of saltlicks and lack of information indicating any specific forest area to be important for migatory wildlife. One of the potential effects of this could be the geographical location and drainage properties (swampy) of these cluster of forests which are surrounded by the private oil palm plantations. However, most of the area of interest could be potentially used by certain groups of wildlife as a transit to the adjacent area of oil palm plantations which were observed to have more source of food supply. There is definitely a fragmentation issue and this could reduce wildlife population and genetic diversity (Prudente 2009). Eventually, this could also increase incidences of consanguine breeding that may degrade the genepool, increase birth defects and susceptibility to disease. By looking at the potential connectivity between forest reserves, there could be potential nesting sites and migratory routes found in the area (Figure 10). The close proximity of Blocks A and B – with a very major but spatially narrow barrier - indicate that reconnection may be feasible, and of benefit, not only to birds and mammals in both blocks, but also – and most significantly – for ecological continuity from Kuala Kinabatangan to Kuala Lokan. Block C is considered as entirely isolated with no real prospect for connection with other forest blocks. There are three oxbow lakes and no recorded aquatic species can be found. This is definitely a potential biodiversity and conservation studies to document the freshwater aquatic species in the lakes.
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Figure 10. Potential connectivity and wildlife corridor (red dash and solid lines) between forest reserve units in PSSFM area, Sabah (Source: Prudente 2009).
Thus far, specific forest area that is important for migatory wildlife is not known yet though several mammals and birds listed in the Appendix III are known to migrate due to changes in weather or foraging behaviour. Currently, the management team is engaging with research institute and local communities under the NAHIYA project in conducting wildlife and other physical environmental factors monitoring programme to support the conservation of the reserve.
Rationale for HCV boundary delineation At present, due to lack of information, there is no area that can be categorised as HCV 1.4 in PSSFM area, except the limestone caves that have been placed under HCV 6 element. Wildlife monitoring and further biodiversity research should be carried out to identify ciritical temporal use in order to protect important high conservation value species.
4.2 HCV 2 Landscape Level Forest
This is defined as “Forest area contains or is part of a globally, regionally or nationally significant large landscape level forest where significant populations of most if not all naturally occuring wildlife species exist in natural patterns of distribution and abundance. Any forest area that forms or is part of a linkage between larger forest complexes, and can thus provide connectivity between fragments or act as a wildlife corridor for the movement of animals from one complex to another, is considered HCV 2. This HCVF can serve as a buffer zone to protected areas. Its identification and management should be tailored towards the needs of umbrella
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Pin-Supu Forest Reserve species i.e. sensitive, wide ranging wildlife that are particularly susceptible to forest fragmentation and human population pressures.”
Findings Pin-Supu FR consists of three units of land separated by highway and rivers at considerable distance. In the mosaic landscape of the Kinabatangan, Blocks A and B border onto other protected area, such as Lot 8 in the west and Lot 7 of the Wildlife Sanctuary (Figure 10). However, Block C is completely isolated and being surrounded by Oil Palm estates.
On a landscape level, PSFR forms an important link in the ecological network of the Kinabatangan floodplain ecosystems that conserve biodiversity and provide sustainable use of natural resources. The reserve provides functional ecological connectivity that supports the movement of both biotic processes (animal movement, plant propagation, genetic exchange) and abiotic processes (water, energy, materials) and can be species or process specific. With the management that focus on the protection and conservation of biodiversity, PSSFM area would inevitably become a critical link from the aspects of plant species dispersal and wildlife foraging and migratory pathways between the different forest complexes of Kinabatangan patchy and fragmented forest landscape. By creating connectivity among clusters of the reserves, it will provides more habitat and path movement for wildlife in the landscape level around these areas (Figure 10). Considering the potential and prospect of wildlife diversity and its importance at the landscape level, recommendations will be provided on the management and monitoring level. However, creating connectivitiy on adjacent alienated land to PSSFM area will be a big challenge to the Department as it involves other private lands.
Rationale for HCV boundary delineation The entire PSSFM area should be categorised as HCV 2 due to its important in ecological connectivity and potential for linking fragmented forested areas along the Kinabatangan floodplain (Figure 11).
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Figure 11. Map showing Block A & B of Pin-Supu FR categorised as HCV 2.
4.3 HCV 3 Ecosystems
This has been defined as: “Forest areas that is in or contains rare, threatened or endangered ecosystem. Any forest area that contains an ecosystem/habitat type identified as a priority for protection by National Conservation Strategy (NCS), PERHILITAN Ecosystem Assessment report, Forestry Departments, FRIM or SFC, and/or is confirmed as such by current expert opinion, is HCV 3. Some ecosystems are naturally rare, but some others are becoming increasingly threatened by pressure from human activities. Due to rapid changes, existing data may be outdated and some particularly threatened ecosystems may already need to be considered Priority 1. A good example of this would be Lowland Dipterocarp Forests, Peat Swamps Forests and Limestone Habitats. Always refer to current expert opinion for confirmation.”
Findings All of PSSFM area is estimated to be below 200 m a.s.l. of lowland forest. As mention earlier, the area covered on previously mixed dipterocarp, seasonal freshwater swamp and freshwater swamp forests with secondary vegetation of various qualities. Though underwent severe disturbance in the past, the forest ecosystems harbour rare, endangered, threatened and also endemic species as mentioned in HCV 1.2 & 1.3 sub-sections.
Rationale for HCV boundary delineation
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The forests located below 200 m a.s.l, including previously mixed dipterocarp, seasonal freshwater swamp and freshwater swamp forests, contain rare, endangered, threatened and also endemic species that appropriate to be categorised as HCV 3 (Figure 12).
Figure 12. The location of extreme lowland forest that are categorised as HCV 3 in PSSFM area, Sabah.
4.4 HCV 4 Services of Nature
It is defined as “Forest area provides basic services of nature in crictical situations.”
4.4.1 HCV 4.1 Forest Critical to Water Catchments
Under this HCV, it includes: “Dam catchment areas and any forest area legally gazetted as a Protection Forest for water catchment under the National Forestry Act 1984, water protection area under the Sabah Water Resources Enactment 1998 or Class I Protection Forest Reserve under the Sabah Forest Enactment 1968.”
Findings The entire area of PSFR is Class VI Virgin Jungle Reserve and current management activities are purely tuned for conservation for flora and fauna purposes. However, no gazetted catchment under the Sabah Water Resource Enactment 1998 is found in PSSFM area. PSFR topography is mostly flat and some steep and dissected hills but all under 200 m in elevation.
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Rationale for HCV boundary delineation No forest area in PSSFM area can be categorised as HCV 4.1.
4.4.2 HCV 4.2 Forest Critical to Erosion Control This includes: “Forest areas that have been legally facetted for soil protection or conservation under federal and state laws e.g. the National Forestry Act 1984 (Peninsular Malaysia), forest areas, situated on slopes over 25 degrees (Sabah), areas classified as Terrain Class 4 in First Schedule: Forest Management Plan, Forest Timber License, and riparian areas covered under the DID (Department of Irrigation and Drainage) guidelines.”
Findings Generally, the management team of PSSFM area has taken into consideration that there are no development activities to be carried out on slopes over 25 degrees and riparian reserve. However, since there are areas require species enhancement and restoration, the prescribed activity for this area has to be done with appropriate measure and guidelines.
Rationale for HCV boundary delineation All areas with slopes >25° and 30 m riparian buffer strips should be categorised as HCV 4.2 for their importance in erosion controls (Figure 13).
Figure 13. The location of areas with slopes >25° and riparian reserve are categorised as HCV 4.2 in PSSFM area, Sabah.
4.4.3 HCV 4.3: Forest Providing Barriers to Destructive Fire 38 | P a g e
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This is define as: “Any specific areas that can act as barriers to provide protection of forests, especially forests with high conservation values, from fire, in areas that are generally fire prone and where the consequences are potentially severe, can be considered HCV 4.3.”
Findings Most of PSSFM boundaries are commonly shared with oil palm estates, local communities and other stateland, such as Sandakan–Lahad Datu highway that splits between Block A and Block B. During the significant drought in 1997, large tract of the peatswamp and freshwater swamp forests in Block A were burnt. Due to this devastating event, a Forest Fire Management Plan has been prepared by the Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Division of Sabah Forestry Department. Throughout the management period of PSFR, prevention of forest fire has been one of the main priorities that brought several physical development, such as forest fire observation tower, fire fighting equipment and automated weather stations. Furthermore, periodic forest fire fighting drill was given important emphasis among the management team and local communities. It is empirical notion that the forest or vegetation at the that bordering non-forest cover areas may experience drastic edge effects that include microclimatic changes in light, temperature, wind and also may susceptible to catch fire. Overtime, alteration of species assemblages could occur at the edge of the reserve and only species that tolerated to prolong dessication process and strong wind such as sedges, lalang grass and a few secondary tree species could prevail. Therefore, all the boundaries are considered as fire risk areas and should be monitored on regular basis.
Rationale for HCV boundary delineation Due to the fragmented and elongated shape of the FMU, buffer strips of 50 m inside PSSFM boundaries that border local communities land and northern boundary that bordering oil palm estate are categorised as HCV 4.3 (Fig. 14).
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Figure 14. The location of HCV 4.3, buffer strips of 50 m inside PSSFM boundary providing barriers from fire from adjacent areas.
4.5 HCV 5: Basic Needs of Local Communities This is defined as the “Forest area is fundamental to meeting basic needs of local communities. A forest area may be considered HCV 5 if it contains or is adjacent to settlements which depend on produce from that forest for basic subsistence or health needs. Examples include hunting grounds or areas from which minor forest products such as bamboo, rattan and medicinal plants are collected, and which are regularly visited by community members for this purpose. The community may be living either in or adjacent to the forest. However, identification and management of this HCV must always involve participation of the communities themselves.
Findings As mentioned earlier, no PSSFM area used by local communities.
Rationale for HCV boundary delineation There is no community use area and HCV 5 is not applicable in PSSFM area.
4.6 HCV 6: Cultural Identity of Local Communities
This is defined as: “Forest area is critical to local communities’ traditional cultural identity.
A forest is considered HCVF 6 if it has been important for a local (particularly indigenous) community’s cultural, ecological, or religious activities. The community may be living either in or adjacent to the forest. Examples of such sites within a forest include burial grounds or sacred areas, which cannot be replaced with alternative and/or would cause drastic cultural change within the community. Identification and management of this HCV must always involve participation of the communities themselves.
Findings There are no active burial sites that are found within PSSFM area, except of the archeological artefact of belian coffins in Supu Caves. However, the communities residing adjacent to the reserve have no cultural attachment to the burial site anymore. Generally, all graveyards and sacred sites are identified far away from the PSSFM boundary. The community used to harvest edible bird nests in Supu Caves but has to discontinue due to low production of nests, which could have been impacted by over harvesting and forest disturbance by fire in the past. Recently, through KOPEL initiative, the community from Batu Puteh has the rights of managing the caves for diverse socio-economic products, such as sustainable harvesting of edible bird nests and ecotourism (Appendix IV).
Rationale for HCV boundary delineation The Supu Caves should be categorised as HCV 6 cultural value importance for Kg Batu Puteh communities and will be managed by KOPEL in a sustainable manner (Figure 15).
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Figure 15. The location of Supu Caves that is categorised as HCV 6, an important area for cultural value for Kg Batu Puteh communities.
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5. HCVS MANAGEMENT, MONITORING AND RESEARCH IMPLICATION
5.1 Management prescription
The HCV management prescription emphasizes the maintenance and even enhancement consistent with the precautionary approach to minimize the risk of irreversible loss of the identified critical environmental and social values. The management regime consists of management restrictions and/or requirements during implementation of harvesting, silvicultural, restoration, community engagement, nature recreation and biodiversity monitoring activities. The main options for management are as follows:
5.1.1 Protection of critical values All designated HCV areas are managed under natural forest management and no timber extraction and conversion of forest is permitted. Demarcation of HCV boundaries on the ground and installing clear signage along existing road, foot trails and navigable rivers/streams indicating critical values, especially 50 m strip firebreak forest (HCV 4.3), and 30 m strip riparian reserve along both sides of the river (HCV 4.2). The HCV boundaries should also be clearly indicated on the map. In the event that any salt licks and potential nesting sites are found within the PSSFM area in the future, the above (point 2) to be applied for HCV 1.4 element. Conduct periodic patrolling and surveillance in all designated HCV areas to curb illegal activities, such as encroachment and poaching. Establish a long term biodiversity monitoring system for critical forest ecosystem, flora and fauna (HCV 1.2, 1.3, 2 and 3). If the management team discover high conservation value plant species (IUCN red list, prohibited species under Sabah Foretry Department, CITES and Sabah Wildlife Enactment; endemic) as listed in Appendix II, in permanent sample plots and nature trails in PSSFM area, they should be clearly marked on the ground and on the maps (HCV 1.2 & 1.3). Migratory pathway of wildlife on logging roads, along streams or wildlife trails in the forest should be marked on the map and kept to ensure wildlife are able to use it for movement within and between forest reserves (HCV 1.2, 1.3 & 2). The Forest Fire Management Plan is available and should be implemented and updated periodically (HCV 4.3). PSSFM management team is to constantly conduct meeting with the village representatives to mitigate any potential issues pertaining to the management of PSSFM area and made aware of the designated HCV elements in the FMU, though no HCV 5 and 6 areas are indicated. Collaboration amongst department, private land owners and individuals surrounding the proposed wildlife crossing is crucial in setting up connectivity that will allow movement of wildlife between Block A and Block B of PSFR (HCV 1.2, 1.3, 2). PSSFM management team are to constantly conduct meeting with the village representatives to mitigate any potential issues pertaining to the management of HCV 6. Boundary of the Supu Caves in PSSFM area should be clearly marked on the ground and on the map (HCV 6).
5.1.2 Modifications or constraints on operation Any threats to the HCVs, especially related to HCV 1.2 & 1.3, that may be posed by operations or other activities in the forest will need to be identified and documented. 42 | P a g e
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Furthermore, the operation constraints in managing HCV areas and also addressing potential threats to the HCVs should also be examined. The decision to adopt any particular operation must be made based on the precautionary approach whereby sufficient data and analyses should be carried out to maintain critical values. On this measure, engagement of experts is encouraged.
5.1.3 Enhancement efficiency and effectiveness Field staff is required to attend training courses on plants and wildlife to further enhance their botanical and wildlife knowledge on species that are currently listed in the threatened, endemic and forestry prohibited lists to ensure they do not harvest or damage and also for monitoring purposes (HCV 1.2 & HCV 1.3). Update current biodiversity conservation status to management team of the upgrade or downgrading of threat status locally and globally (HCV 1.2 & HCV 1.3).
5.1.4 Restoration Forest restoration of indigenous tree species as part of the remedial action to increase forest structural diversity and mitigate any forest fire incidence spreading into the FMU core area, especially area dominated with lalang grass and ferns along 50 m inside the boundary of PSFR (HCV 4.3).
5.2 Monitoring Periodic monitoring and control should be carried out to prevent encroachment in the buffer zone. Any signs of encroachment should be reported and dealt with immediate action (All HCVs). Quarterly progress reports in reporting of the progress of activities as prescribed in the approved Annual Work Plan (AWP), encompassing reporting of monitoring results of known HCV attributes. Periodical monitoring by conducting re-enumeration of the trees in the permanent sample plots to be conducted once every three years to get an indication of changes in tree structure and species assemblages (HCV 1.2, 1.3, 2 & 3). Periodical monitoring of endangered, endemic and migratory wildlife species will be practised using Wildlife Management System adopted by the management team. Any changes in terms of population count or migratory pathways observed by either researchers or ground staff, the management team must be alerted. Similarly, this monitoring prescription also applies to endangered and endemic plants (HCV 1.2, 1.3 & 2). Long term monitoring of PSFR landscape using remote sensing technology and to be conducted once every three years to detect changes within the reserve and also vicinity areas. If threats are detected, precautionary approach will be taken and potential mitigation measures will be incorporated in the management plan (HCV 2). Ensure that all fire prevention procedures (monitoring, fire drills, public awareness campaign, etc.) to be practised on a regular basis (at least once a year) and especially during the drought season (HCV 4.3). The designated HCV 6 should be jointly monitored and maintained by the PSSFM management team and local communities.
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5.3 Research and development PSSFM Wildlife Management System to be enhanced through collaboration with wildlife experts, such as HUTAN, WWF and other research institutes. Results obtained from research studies (if available) regarding harvesting of edible bird nests effect on swiflet population and eco-tourism activities impact on the environment of PSFR be taken into consideration by the PSSFM management team and will be incorporated in the coming mid-term forest management plan revision. Collaboration research studies (if available) regarding fish diversity with local or international experts in oxbow lakes will be incorporated in the coming mid-term forest management plan revision as part of research activities in the reserve.
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6. REFERENCES
Acres, B.D. & Folland, C.J. (1975). The soil of Sabah. Volume 2: Sandakan and Kinabatangan Districts. Land Resource Study 20. Land Resource Division, Ministry of Overseas Development, Tolworth Tower, Surbiton, Surrey, England.
Acres, B.D., Bower, R.P., Burrough, P.A., Folland, C.J., Kalsi M.S., Thomas, P. & Wright, P.S. (1975). The soil of Sabah. Volume 1: Classification and description. Land Resource Study 20. Land Resource Division, Ministry of Overseas Development, Tolworth Tower, Surbiton, Surrey, England.
Prudente, C.J. (2009). Bird and Large Mammal Survey in Pin-Supu Forest Reserve. Report submitted to Sabah Forestry Department.
Nilus, R., Hastie, A.Y.L., Ong, R.C. & Gobilik, J. (2007). Vegetation Assessment and Classification for Lower Kinabatangan. Report submitted to WWF.
Sabah Forestry Department (2008) 10-year Forest Management Plan for the Pin-Supu Forest Reserve (2008-2017).
Sabah Wildlife Department (1997). Sabah Conservation Enactment.
The Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) Appendices List: http://www.cites.org/eng/app/index.php
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: http://www.iucnredlist.org
WWF MALAYSIA. 2009. High Conservation Value Forests (HCVF) Tool Kit For Malaysia: A national guide for identifying, managing, and monitoring High Conservation Value Forests. 84 pp.
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