Wild orchid diversity of highland forest in the Heart of Borneo: Long Banga and Tama Abu, Sarawak

• DOI: 10.24189/ncr.2020.048
• Publication Date: 2020-09-13T13:18:43Z
• Authors: Edward E. Besi; Dome Nikong; ; Runi S. Pungga; ; Rusea Go
• Keywords: Epiphyte; Gallery forest; Colonisation

The Heart of Borneo (HoB) initiative facilitates conservation and environment protection while enhancing sustainable development that safeguards the welfare natural resources inhabitants island.The HoB research e�pedi� tions conducted in Long Banga Tama Abu were aimed to document highland orchid species inhabited one largest remaining transboundary rainforests world, which are racing dissolution from their habitat.Thus resolution for situ ex could be drafted meritoriously.The e�peditions protected forest areas revealed a total 206 59 genera.A 118 46 genera recorded during 2016 e�pedition, 117 found 2017 e�pedition.Roughly 70% documented epiphytes.A few them mycoheterotrophs, such as Aphyllorchis pallida, Cystorchis aphylla, Tropidia saprophytica, several «jewel» orchids, including stenoglossa Macodes petola.Astonishingly, we discovered number endemic newly Borneo.In Banga, riverine forests home higher orchids than inland forests, owing presence host trees with spreading crown structure moist bark te�ture suited epiphyte colonisation.In addition, banked by swampy alluvial vegetation encourage terrestrial grow in.Sites seen disturbed wide canopy gaps lacking emergent layer.Contrarily, Abu, perceived more preferable habitats thrive it was an undisturbed forested belt.In they had humidity essential growth.It not surprisingly, high abundance encountered hill roofed dense tree cover.The hills transitioned into montane lower species.This parameter peaked mossy forest, distinct habitat harbouring rare species.In ten assessed EN B2b(iii).Herewith, our discovery infers need continuous biodiversity monitoring assessment maintain survival reveal accurate richness within Sarawak.Additionally, underlined herein is establishment arboretum or centre accommodate botanical study.