Kuala perlis: The six-day Scientific Biodiversity Expedition at the Bukit Papan Forest Reserve, which began on August 16, has completed the series of scientific biodiversity inventories conducted along the Nakawan Range in Perlis.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perlis forestry director Ag Shaffie Ag Ahmadni stated that the expedition was the sixth to be carried out in the state since 1999 and the 54th in Malaysia. This effort further expands the coverage of scientific inventories across various locations, habitats, and taxonomic groups.
He explained that the scientific information gathered would be used to strengthen the Perlis State biodiversity database, particularly focusing on limestone forest ecosystems, while expanding the knowledge of the country's biological diversity. "This expedition focuses on limestone forest ecosystems and karst formations, which are among the main features of the Nakawan Range, while also documenting the diversity of flora, fauna, and fungi, as well as the geological and hydrological aspects of the area," he mentioned during the expedition's closing ceremony.
Ag Shaffie emphasized that the data collected is crucial for supporting responsible habitat management and ensuring that conservation efforts are based on reliable scientific information. The expedition covered the 176.7-hectare Bukit Papan Forest Reserve and part of the Kurong Batang (South) Forest Reserve, totaling an area of 690 hectares.
He also mentioned that the expedition aligns with the aspiration to brand the Nakawan Range as 'Royal Nakawan' and plans to develop the Perlis State Biodiversity Centre, focusing on limestone forest ecosystems and karst formations.
Organized by the Perlis Forestry Department, the expedition received cooperation from seven public universities, government departments and agencies, research institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), forest communities, and field support teams. Additionally, there was international participation from Caraga State University in the Philippines, Universitas Brawijaya in Indonesia, and Shinshu University in Japan.