Montain Forests

Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands

MOUNTANE FORESTS

Tropical mountane forest, often called ‘mossy forest’ are havens for biodiversity. Many orchid species call this their home.

Biodiversity treasure chambers of the cameron highlands By REACH

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Introduction The natural forests of the Cameron Highlands are lush and thriving with abundant wildlife of small mammals, birds, insects, flowers and plants that are not found in the lowlands. The forests above 1500 meters are known as the upper-montane forests and are found on mountain summits and ridges on the western borders of the highlands. The lowland Dipterocarp-forest range from 300 meters and above and are mainly on the eastern part of the district.

paves the jungle floor, creeping up the tree trunks to envelop the forest denizens in a soft green carpet. The tree branches are veiled with moss and filmy ferns. The forest is shrouded in a soft emerald green light with wisps of clouds that float through like soft cotton. Thin shafts of light penetrate the canopy and reflect off the dew and water droplets like prisms. The air is crisps, cool and refreshing and one cannot help but feel that this is as close as one gets to be in an enchanted forest-a forest of mystery and allure!

Mountain forests The mountain peaks have forests with shorter trees (8-15 meters tall) with no distinct canopy. The trees may be gnarled and dwarfed but green luscious moss

Mossy forest The forest is enveloped in moss and mist and this has made it to become to be known as the ‘Mossy Forest’ or ‘Cloud Forest’. Among the mountain peaks that

Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands

MOUNTAIN FORESTS

Mist and cloud condensate on the leaves of trees and form little streams that are the headwaters of our major rivers.

have these mossy forests are Gunung Jasar (1670m) and Gunung Brinchang (2032m). Cloud forests are usually found at elevations of over 1,500 metres above sea level, and sometimes down to 1,000 metres. In these forests a variety of orchids growth embedded in beds of moss and at least four different species of pitcher plants are found. The mossy forests play an important role in ensuring that the rivers in the highlands do not run dry. The forests of the Lower and Upper montane zones are able to strip moisture from the clouds. This takes place by condensation of the water on leafs, supplying a reliable and predictable water supply of very clean water. The moss then acts like a sponge which slowly releases the water into streams and rivers. Although the Cameron Highlands receives generous amounts of rain water, this cloud interception of montane forests is the source of many rivers in the area. The small forest streams originated by these

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montane forests are of outstanding water quality and house very sensitive aquatic species. The Cameron Highlands forms thus the headwaters of valuable surface water resources. Biodiversity Biodiversity is the sum of all species occurring in an area, the tropic rainforest is the most diverse ecosystem in the world. T he Malaysian region is a tru e biodiversity hotspot with 55.000 flowering plants (25% of the world’s biodiversity). Biodiversity of the mountains The highland forests are known to contain a diverse array of plant species and are very biodiverse, with many species that are restricted to mountains and highlands. Some plant families, including the fern flora and orchids are particularly bountiful in montane areas. Ferns need a high humidity, and orchids are often epiphytes; plants living on the bark of trees.

Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands

MOUNTAIN FORESTS

The highest peaks, such as Gn. Brinchang, harbor the most extensive cloud forest with many rare species of plant and animal.

The Cameron Highlands The natural ecosystem of the Cameron Highlands is mainly made up by tropical forest, being the predominant ecosystem. Biodiversity and species occurrence here is characterised by altitudinal zones. From low to higher, are first the Hill Dipterocarp Forest (300-750m) and the Upper Dipterocarp Forest (750-1,200m) in the lower parts of the Cameron Highlands. These forests are named after the most abundant tree-family that is found in these forests the Dipterocarp-family. This family is large, and species diversity is mind-boggling; with up to 500 species of Dipteracarp-trees in a single hectare of oldgrowth primary forest. Higher up in the mountains Dipterocarps become less abundant and are replaced with tropical Oaks (Fagaceae) and Laurels (Lauraceae). Hence it is often called OakLaurel forest. It is brighter here with less undergrowth, the leaf litter is thick and spongy. Many epiphytes and terrestrials such as orchids and ferns are found in

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great abundance and species diversity. This Lower Montane or Oak Laurel Forest (1,200-1,500m) forest is found in the higher regions between Brinchang and Tanah Rata. On the very highest places in Peninsular Malaysia the Upper Montane or Montane Ericaceous Forest (1,500m and higher) is found. The second name refers to the abundance of species of heath and Rhododendron found here. At this level, lichen, moss and liverworts occur in abundance giving the forest its mossy appearance. Because of this unique phenomena, the forest is known as “mossy’’ forest or ‘’cloud forest”.

Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands

MOUNTAIN FORESTS

Orchids, like this Bulbophyllum virescens, grow abundantly in the montane forests.

Cameron highlands heaven for rare species In the Cameron Highlands most species are specially adapted to the local circumstances and are not occurring at lower altitudes. These species often need lower temperatures, greater difference between day and night temperatures, much moist and rocky terrain to thrive. Because of the great diversity in altitudes and difference in terrain, the mountains have a whole array of specific ecosystems. Each ecosystem support habitats for any different species. Such specific habitats are also the cause for a high occurrence of endemic species. These species occur now-where else in Malaysia or only in very limited areas. The forests of the Cameron Highlands is a true haven for biodiversity with many endangered and endemic species.

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REACH tries to conserve The Highland ecology of the Cameron Highlands is extremely sensitive and fragile to disruption. It is so sensitive because the unique micro-climate, the vulnerable rare flora and fauna, the steepness of the terrain and the intensity of the rainfall. REACH is saddened and dismayed by the rapid deforestation and repeated rape of the virgin jungles. While development brings about economic benefits to the community, we fear for the long term sustainability. We hope to make people aware of the immense richness that can be found in our forest and the urgent need to preserve this natural habitat of such great biodiversity.