conservations04

	treasure of taman negara

forest flora rainforest herbs some of the fungi that can be found in taman negara	The lowland dipterocarp forest of Taman Negara constitute about 57.6% of the plants. A hectare plot contains more than 100 tree species, while the Shannon-Weiner Index of diversity for a lowland forest range from 0.99 to 1.17 illustrates the great floral species richness of this tropical rain forest. The Park's vegetation communities range from the humid tropical rain forest of the lowlands, to the montane oak and ericaceous forests of the higher elevation. The rain forest consist of tall evergreen trees that attain height of about 30-50m. It is typically very damp and rich in woody herbaceous epiphytes, as well as thick-stemmed lianas. It is also rich in woody tree species where a large percentage of the known species occur in the lowland region. Meranti (Shores spp.) and Keruing (Dipterocarpus spp), both members of the dominant lowland forest family of Diptercarpaceae, are common and frequently occur in association with the tall, buttressed Tualang (Koompassia excelsea) which is the third tallest tree species in the world and the tallest tree in South East Asia. Most of the wild varieties of cultivated tropical fruit trees occur in Taman Negara. These include wild durian (Durio spp.), petai (Parkia spp.), terap (Artocarpus spp.), langsat (Lancium spp.), rambai (Baccaurea spp.), rambutan (Nephelium spp.), macang (Mangifera spp.), manggis (Garcinia spp.), putat (Baccaurea grifithi), ara (Ficus spp.) and jambu (Eugenia spp.). The under-storey trees and shrubs community consist of families Euphorbiaceae, Rubiaceae, Annonaceae, with Memecyclon spp., Helicia spp.,Eugenia spp., Garcinia spp., and Gironnieara spp. being typical genera. Pucuk paku (Athyrium esculentum), the edible fern, is abundant on the edges and forest opening. The bird's nest fern (Asplenium Nidus) and the stag-horn fern (Platycerium coronarium) are common tree-crown epiphytes. Some of these forest resources are utilized by the Orang Asli for use as building materials, fuel-wood, fruits, medicinal plants, rattan furnitures or craft and natural resin. Thus, the lowland rain forest is of great economic value to Malaysia. A stand of trees protected within the park have long been regarded by foresters as an excellent control for other silvicultural research being carried out elsewhere. The forest of the higher elevations are generally reduced in height. The canopy consists mostly of oaks (Fagaceace spp.) and some conifers (Dacredium spp., Podocarpus spp., and Agathis spp.), and the shrub layer has many rattans and dwarf palms (Arega spp and Licuala spp.). The abundance of epiphytic orchids, mosses, and ferns decreases with increasing altitude until the "cloud forest" is reached at 1880 m elevation. Here the trees are typically short and surrounded by low-level clouds at least part of each day. The excessive humidity enables the forest to become festooned with luxuriant growths of bryophytes, lichens, and ferns, and even the ground and fallen logs are clothed with mounds of sphagnum moss.

forest fauna threaten mammals tiger conservations elephant survey some of the insects that can be found in taman negara	The lowland dipterocarp forest, which constitute about 57.6% of the park area, is rich and diverse in faunal community. The abundant food plants, variety of habitat types and major drainage system provide all the necessary living requirements for wildlife. Mammals Elephant (Elephas maximus) herds are distributed mostly in Kuala Atok, Ulu Keniam, Chamir, Ulu Aring, Kuala Koh, Sg Trenggan, Sg Kerbat, Jenut Kumbang, Jenut Reking and the adjacent Lake Kenyir. The elephant population is estimated to be about 400 animals. The rare and endangered Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) is found in most major river sysytems is estimated to be about 12-20 individuals. Seladang (Bos gaurus) is fairly common in Atok, Sg. Tenor, Sg Kechau, Keniam Valley, Sg Perkai, Pring Valley, upper Trenggan and Sg Chinchin. Other mammals found in the Park include tapir (Tapirus indicus), sambar deer (Cervus unicolor), Tiger (Panthera tigris), serow (Capricornis sumatriensis), wild pig (Sus scrofa), barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak) and mouse deer (Tragulus spp.). The malayan wild dog (Cuon alpinus) and yellow throated marten (Marten flavigula) also occur in Taman Negara Birds Taman Negara is also a birdwatcher's paradise. About 300 species of birds have been recorded in the Park, and serious birdwatchers may observe more than half of these in the span of a few days. Of many spectacular birds, the easily seen and heard are the hornbills. The great argus pheasant, while amongst the most frequently heard birds, is very difficult to approach; however, the related firebacked pheasants are sometime flushed along jungle trails. The lesser fishing eagle, and rich-hued kingfishers, are often seen along the rivers, and the Sungai Tahan is a known haunt of the masked finfoot. The bronze drongo and blue-throated bee-eater show remarkably agile flight in pursuit of insects in contrast to the sedentary habit of the trogons and broadbills. Aquatic Life There are also 53 fish species known in the Tembeling river system. Kelah (Tor tambroides), Kejor (Acrossocheilus hexagonoiepis), sebarau (Hampala macrolepidota), sia (Mystacholeocus marginatus), jelawat (Leptobatbus hoevenii) and kerai jelawat ( Puntius halei) are most widely distributed species.
	some of the reptile & amphibian in taman negara