Researchers discover 28 new orchid species

KOTA KINABALU: A 10-day expedition to the Imbak Canyon, Sabah’s last untouched lowland rainforest has yielded 28 species of orchids that have never been recorded in the state. Sabah Foundation group manager for conservation and environmental conservation Dr Waidi Sinun said researchers had also found 50 species of medicinal plants in the 30,000ha conservation area which is slightly larger than Penang island and located some 250km from the city.

He said this at a seminar on the 10-day expedition there which was opened by Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor here yesterday. The expedition from Nov 26 to Dec 5 last year, involved more than 100 local researchers. It was jointly organised by the Foundation along with ASM, Sabah Parks, the state Forestry Department, WWF Malaysia and two universities.

Dr Waidi said the Imbak Canyon would soon join Sabah’s other pristine conservation areas – the Danum Valley and Maliau Basin – as a research area for biodiversity. He added that the foundation, which was responsible for managing the area, was planning to build a research centre and several satellite camps at Imbak Canyon. He said the foundation was thankful to Petronas for its RM6mil contribution for the initial work including architectural plans.

“Unlike Danum and Maliau, there have been Murut and Sungei communities near Imbak Canyon for generations. “Future research work there should take them into accoun,” he said.
“A win-win situation for all concerned must be attained not only in terms of the conservation of Imbak Canyon but also in bringing the communities to the mainstream of development,” Dr Waidi added.
-thestar online.