On the last 21 - 23 October 2011, I have organized a field trip to Pusat Eko-Pelajaran Paya Laut Larut Matang, Kuala Sepetang, Perak. The objective of this trip is to study the unique formation of marine alluvial swamp forest in Malaysia. The trip is held on the 22nd October 2011.
This type of forest is formed by a single layer of trees that are dominated with two major species, namely Rhizophora mucronata (bakau kurap) and Rhizophora apiculata (bakau minyak). These species comprise about 85% of total Matang Mangroves area. Other predominant species are from genera Avicennia (api-api), Bruguiera (berus and tumu) and Xylocarpus (nyireh).
Buttressed tree of Avicennia officialis.
Bruguiera gymnorhiza.
Pencil-like pneumatophores (breathing roots) appear in Bruguiera spp. and Sonneratia spp.
Broadly elliptic leaves of Rhizophora mucronata (bakau kurap).
Elliptic leaves of Rhizophora apiculata (bakau minyak).
Rhizophora spp. are characterized by stilt-roots.
As usual, I took some photos for commemoration.
Our beloved and hardworking driver, from left: Mr. Samsur, Mr. Wan Razali and Me.
My fellow DBK1A student took a breakfast before the trip.
Seniors from DBK3A, from left: Fika, Aini, Jem, Akmali and Lina.
PSA's student listened to Mr. Nasharuddin briefing at Pusat Eko-Pelajaran Larut Matang.
Mr. Nasharuddin briefed my students about this place.
Senior officer that never stop serving the guests at all levels.
Acrostichum aureum (piai lasa) is abundant at understory level in this marine alluvial swamp forest.
Acrostichum aureum (piai lasa)
Interpretation Hall at Pusat Eko-Pelajaran Kuala Sepetang.
At Interpretation Hall, there is a model of kiln for manufacturing of wood charcoal.
Young "Guns" gang from Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah infront of the oldest (64 year old in 2011) and largest tree in Matang Mangroves forest, namely Rhizophora apiculata (bakau minyak).
Memory lane with seniors, from left: Aliff, Aini, Me, Fika and Akmalin. Who is behind Akmalin??
The "dangerous BERETTA gang" from PSA.
Star-liked leaves of Acanthus ilicifolius (jeruju biru).
Pneumatophores (breathing roots) of Bruguiera and Sonneratia spp.
My students done their part in community service by participating in "menabung anak benih bakau" at the nursery conducted by CIk Jaslina (District Forest Officer).
Azim (in white shirt) and Hakimi playing around with mud.
Students enjoyed their contribution to the nature.
On the 23rd October 2011, I organized another field trip to the location of Shorea lumutensis (balau putih) habitat at Compartment 39, Segari Melintang Permanent Forest Reserved, Lumut, Perak. The only reason that brought me here is to study and observe the existence of this very endemic species which is only occurs at hilly terrain at Lumut. There is no such trees other places than Lumut, Perak. I also collected and identified some major dipterocarp and non-dipterocarp species that occur in this compartment.
A typical laminated inner bark characteristics of Shorea bracteolata (meranti pa'ang) at Compartment 39, Segari Melintang Permanent Forest Reserved, Lumut, Perak.
A deeply fissured bole of Rhizophora mucronata (bakau kurap).
According to Mr. Ahmad Zamri who lead the trekking, there are only 6 specimens in Compartment 39 but this species is gregariously occurs in Compartment 40 and 41 which is 394 trees have been tagged. The growth rate of this species is very slow ranging 0 - 1 cm per year. And more worries appear when a study conducted by FRIM to search for new saplings shows very bad result - there is not s single sapling exists in this compartment. This is a bad sign of existence and to multiply its generation for the future and the symptom only answer to one call, EXTINCT!
I have asked Mr. Zamri what could possibly bring this catastrophe to this innocent Shorea lumutensis. Mr. Zamri are not able to give a very concrete answer because of even FRIM also are not capable to determine what makes this species suddenly stop their breeding program because of for almost 10 years research there is not a single sapling appears. Probably, the logging activities on the other sites of this hilly compartment has affected the growth or breed of this species, Mr. Zamri explained.
From my point of view, the reason why this species is not been able to reproduce or cease its breeding is all the 394 trees in Compartment 40 & 41 and 6 trees in Compartment 39 exist as single gender status. Just an opinion. Whatever it takes, I had a feeling that me and my "army of green" should be in front line to protect this Shorea lumutensis and all forest types from being exterminated by irresponsible parties that only know how to make money at the same time ignoring the importance of its existence. Subhanallah.
Regularly fissured of Shorea lumutensis (balau putih) bole.
The bark of Shorea lumutensis tends to be scaly in older form.
A fissured-scaly bark of Shorea lumutensis.
Black-colored dammar from scaly bole of Shorea faguetiana (meranti damar hitam siput)
A typical form of regularly deeply fissured of Shorea leprosula (meranti tembaga) bole.
A scaly bark of Shorea faguetiana (meranti damar hitam siput).
Me, Kamal and Mr. Fizan (from Pejabat Renj Lumut) beside the Shorea lumutensis (balau putih).
A shallowly regularly fissured of Shorea lamellata (meranti lapis) bole.
A short and sharp buttresses of Shorea lamellata.
A cracked-scaly bole of Shorea mawelliana (balau kumus hitam) also present in this compartment.
Leaves of Shorea lumutensis - characterized by oblong lanceolate, long petioled and whitish yellow undersurface of leaf.
Laminated inner bark of Shorea lumutensis - not a typical characteristic of Balau Group of Shorea.
A distinct laminated inner bark of Shorea lamellata (meranti lapis).
A Q&A session with En. Zamri.
From left: Hayi, Mr. Wan, Mr. Zamri, Mr. Fizan, Me, Mr. Ismail, Mr. Faizal and Bob.
A prove of visit from Politeknik Premier Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah to Compartment 39, Segari Melintang Permanent Forest Reserved, Lumut, Perak.
At the end of the day, I'm very pleased about this trip and the commitment from my students and importantly Pejabat Renj Lumut personels with a lot of help and guidance.
Remember, there is no victory without sacrifice!
With regard:
Mr. Zaril Faizal b. Zaral Gaffar
CW101 Course Lecturer
24 October 2011
Good day Mr. Zaril,
ReplyDeleteI am a university student currently writing a report about Matang Mangrove, I would like to include photo #4 (Pneumatophores) and photo #7 (Rhizophora) into my assignment. I would be sure to credit you.
Thank you sir :)
my pleasure as along as it will benefit your knowledge
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