Orchids Of The Cameron Highlands

Orchids

Bulbophyllum virescens, virescens, a rare spectacularly colored and very large orchid growing at Sungai Wi.

OF THE

CAMERON HIGHLANDS

Wild Orchids are the ambassadors of the Cameron Highlands Indicators for the ‘health’ of the environment REACH is run by a group of volunteers who were concerned about losing our natural forests and the contamination of our rivers. Their main goal is creating public awareness on these environmental issues as well as conducting studies on river water quality and forest biodiversity. The habitat of orchids is nowadays severely threatened by massive forest clearing for agricultural expansion and urban development, climate change, and over-collection of wild orchids from forests reserves for commercial purposes. Due to the lack of data and records no one knows actually how many species of orchids have become endangered or extinct. Therefore

Support REACH

REACH decided to embark on the documentation of wild orchids of the highlands. Orchids are spectacular ambassadors of the natural forest, and highly sensitive for habitat destruction. This makes them ideal ‘indicators for the health of the environment’. Orchids are found in almost every region of the earth and in Peninsular Malaysia alone there are approximately 850 different species, of which 300 species are said to be found in the highlands. REACH' wild orchid survey and documentation began in April 2002. The survey has been a difficult task as this family group is so diverse that classification and identification of all the species recorded has been a great

challenge. From our research it became clear that much more orchids are found in the Cameron Highlands than the 300 previously stated; so far we have counted over 605 species! The Cameron Highlands is a real orchid haven. But one at stake if the current rate of unsustainable development continues..

REACH Orchid Survey: Species of Wild Orchids Newly recorded Genus Newly recorded Species New Forms

605 1 22 35

Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands was formed by several residents of the Cameron Highlands who were concerned about environmental problems in the Cameron Highlands. It was officially registered on 6th September 2001. REACH and aims "to conserve Cameron Highlands as an area of natural resources and as a natural heritage, a highland resort surrounded by permanent forest reserve and sustainable agriculture with quality drinking water".