| High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF) |
High Conservation Value Forests (HCVFs)
are defined as areas that have at least one of the following attributes.
- Containing significant biological diversity resources.
- Containing rare, threatening or endangered ecosystems.
- Providing basic services of nature such as watershed management
or erosion control.
- Providing basic needs of the local community, with historical
and/or cultural significance.
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Within some estates, areas that would be considered
for development into HCVF are:
- All existing natural forest areas within estates.
- All swamp areas.
- All riverine boundaries.
- Water catchment and effluent pond areas.
- Marginal soil areas.
- Areas with slopes of more than 25º gradient.
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Pilot studies on the development of HCVFs have been
initiated at Tangkah and Bradwall estates at Johore (Malaysia)
and Negri Sembilan (Malaysia) respectively. The former involved
five hectares of regenerated secondary jungle on hilly terrain
and riparian reserves on the estate bordering the Gunung Ledang
Forest Reserve. At Bradwall, 35 hectares of fresh water swampland
was chosen. |
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In the first stage of the studies, an inventory of
flora and fauna was conducted. At Tangkah, 86 species from 43 families
of flowering plants were identified. On the bird population, 94 individuals
were recorded from 13 families, 18 genus and 22 species. The bird
population was highest in the oil palm fields followed by forest
fringes and riparian reserves. However, the diversity was highest
for riparian and jungle fringes followed by oil palm and rubber environment.
As for bat population, 249 individuals were captures. These individuals
were made up from 5 families, 10 genus and 12 species. Eight species
of small mammals were identified based on observations and trapping.
It was of interest to note that the Siberian Blue Robin Ericthacus
cyane, a migrant from North India and South China, was trapped
in the jungle reserve, indicating importance of even this small plot
of forest as a refuge for migratory birds. In addition, a rare species
of Guttiferae, Calophyllum biflorum, was found at the study
site. This is the second record of the species in Peninsular Malaysia. |
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At the wetlands of Bradwall Estate, 80 species of
flora were identified, of which 48 species were indicated to be
of scientific and ethnobotanical interest. Twenty species of birds
were identified, many of which are migratory in nature. Owing to
the proximity of the wetlands to the bird sanctuary of Tanjung
Tuan, the study site at Bradwall has a potential to be an alternative
harbor for migratory as well as resident breeders. Waters of the
study area are well stocked with fishes common to such habitat,
e.g., the snakeheads (Channa), cat fish (Clarias acrocephalus), gouramy
(Trichogaster pectoralis), knife fish (Notopterus
notopterus), eel (Mopterus albus) and climbing perch
(Anabas testudineus). |
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Further action in development of the above areas
into HCVFs would be to:
- Ensure their conservation.
- Enhance their attractiveness and ability to sustain fauna
diversity by planting food tree species already endemic in
the areas.
- Encouraging resting by migrating birds by building perches
and retaining dead tall trees.
- Convert the areas in stages into education and recreation
sites following Low Impact Activity practices.
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