FRIM IN FOCUS2

AdvisorsDato’ Dr Abdul Latif MohmodDato’ Dr Abdul Rashid Ab Malik

Technical EditorNorhara Hussein

Editor & WriterIda Suraini Abd Shukor

The Editor & WriterFRIM In FocusForest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)52109 Kepong, SelangorMalaysia

FRIM in Focus (FIF) is distributed free of charge upon request. We welcome feedback on any of the FIF articles. Address comments and enquiries to:

Editorial BoardEditorial Board

Cover picture: Ginger flower in Pasoh forest. Photos of plants of Pasoh are courtesy of Ahmad Fitri Zohari

TelephoneFacsimileE-mailWebsiteDesign & Printing

603-6279 7501603-6273 1076idasuraini@frim.gov.mywww.frim.gov.myPercetakan Haji Jantan Sdn Bhd

FRIM MARCH 2010 AnnouncementsSeminar and Workshop on

Improved Utilization ofTropical Plantation Timbers

Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) will beorganising the Seminar and Workshop on Improved Utilization of Tropical Plantation Timbers from 23 to 25 March 2010 at the Legend Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The seminar will be discussing the use of plantationtimber in the wood-based industry while the technicalworkshop will delve upon testing methods to determinewood properties of tropical plantation-grown timbers.

For further information please visitwww.frim.gov.my

or contactThe Secretariat

Seminar and Workshop on Improved Utilization ofTropical Plantation Timbers

Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia

Attn: Dr Tan Yu Eng/ Ms ThilagawathyTel: 603-6279 7452, Fax: 603-6280 4623

E-mail: itto2010@frim.gov.my

The Second International Firefly Symposium 2010

Discover the latest findings and conservation efforts on fireflies at the Second International Firefly Symposium 2010 to be held from 2 to 5 August 2010 in ForestResearch Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor. Themed as “Firefly Conservation from Science to Practice”, the Symposium is jointly organised by FRIM and theMalaysian Nature Society (MNS). The Symposium hopes to bring together firefly experts and enthusiaststo share their information and ideas towards promotingfirefly research as well as fostering internationalnetworking on the subject. Call for papers are nowopened.

For further information please visitwww.frim.gov.my

or contactThe Secretariat

2nd International Firefly Symposium 2010Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)

52109 Kepong, Selangor, MalaysiaFax: 603-6273 1041, 603-6280 4625

E-mail: ifs2010@frim.gov.my

The InternationalSymposium on Forestry and

Forest Products (ISFFP) 2010

“Addressing Global Concerns and Changing SocietalNeeds” will be the theme of the InternationalSymposium on Forestry and Forest Products (ISFFP) 2010 to be held from 5 to 7 October 2010 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Symposium will delve upon the latest R&D findings to address the often competing and challenging needs of both the forestry sector and forest products industry. Papers for oral and poster presentations are invited. Deadline for submission of abstracts on 1 May, notification of accepted papers on 1 June and submission of full papers on 1 August.

For further information please visitwww.frim.gov.my

or contactThe Secretariat

International Symposium on Forestry and Forest Products 2010

Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia

Attn: Mr Mahmudin SalehFax: 603-6280 4620

E-mail: isffp@frim.gov.my forts on posium Forest

Themed actice”, ,and theheposiuum ussiaastsss

omomotinnggggggnnatationnanaaaaaaaaallllllrere nnooowwwwwwwwwwwoowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwowwwwwoooo

10M)

Fax: 603-6280 4620E-mail: isffp@@frfrimim.g.govov.m.myy

Flower of Barringtonia sp at Pasoh forest

FRIM Research Galleryat a Glance

First established as the Forest Research MuseumMalaysia in the 1920s, the museum was furtherupgraded in 1987. At the time, the exhibits wereconfined to products and historical artefacts which were related to forestry and forestry research. Many of the artefacts were dated several hundred years old.

The museum was later known as the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Research Gallery and wasgiven a face-lift suitable to its mission to function as a one-stop reference and collection centre for FRIMresearch outputs. Products, samples, specimens, models and research prototypes will be displayed for public viewings. The gallery, which will be an addition to the existing FRIM excellence centres will exhibitresearch materials in form of audio visuals andprinted matters.

The gallery will feature the Collections Corner, which displays products, samples, specimens, models,research prototypes and awards from the various FRIM divisions and programmes, while the InformationCorner specialises on publications of current research development and findings.

Multimedia Corner provides interactive exhibitions and access to a specially-designed website to cater foronline interactions cum information resource. The Reference and Discussion Corner on the other hand, provides customer service to visitors. Artificial Cornerwas designed to support the overall structure and interior decoration by applying motives and audio effects that provides visitors the forest ambience on which the research is based upon.

FRIM Research Gallery will be launched on 25 March 2010 when the Gallery welcomes all to its premise. It will be a not-to-be-missed opportunity whereby visitors will now be able to view a multitude of FRIM research outputs at closehand and in one location.

FRIM IN FOCUS 3

First established as the Forest Ressearch MusMalaysia in the 1920s, the museum was furum was furupgraded in 1987. At the time, the exhibits confined to products and historical artefacts wwere related to forestry and forestry research. Manthe artefacts were dated several hundred years ol

The museum was later known as the Forest ReseInstitute Malaysia (FRIM) Research Gallery and given a face-lift suitable to its mission to functioa one stop reference and collection centre for F

allery will feature the Collections Corner, which s products, samples, specimens, models,s products, samples, specimens, models,h prototypes and awards from the various FRIM

and programmes, while the Inforecialises on publications of cunt and findings.

Corne

Forest Research Institue Malaysia (FRIM) celebrates its 25-th year in 2010. A few events that transpired during the first qurter are as follows:

February

FRIM officer won a Gold Medal and the Best Overall Award trophy at the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) Research, Invention and Innovation Exhibition (IRIIE 2010). More news on page 15

FRIM researchers received three silver and three bronze medals at the Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE 2010) held at the Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur. More news on page 15

March

FRIM showcased raw materials or feedstock suitablefor the industry at its booth in the MalaysianInternational Furniture Fair (MIFF) at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur.

The International Union of Forestry ResearchOrganisations (IUFRO 2010) Conference themed, “Sustainable Utilisation and Conservation of Forests in the Genomics Era” was jointly organised by IUFRO,Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, FRIM, UniversitiPutra Malaysia and Biodiversity International at the Legend Hotel, Kuala Lumpur and was attended by 150 participantsincluding speakers from 22countries.

MARCH 2010 FRIM

Collection corner displays products, samples, specimens

and models

pur and ticipantssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssm 22

2010 FRIM25th SilverAnniversary Year

2010 FRIM25th SilverAnniversary Year

FRIM IN FOCUS4

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak attributedinnovation as the creative impact in the competitive global economy which creates jobs and boosts nationalcompetitiveness. He also dubbed the year 2010 as the Year of Creativity and Innovation. In line with the announcement, the Innovative Malaysia Programme 2010 was launched with 200 events and activities scheduled throughout the year.

Malaysia Technology Expo 2010

Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) took part in the first event of the line-up. Participation in theMalaysia Technology Expo (MTE) 2010 saw FRIMwinning six medals from seven entries comprising three silver and three bronze. The yearly-held event which is fairly anticipated by research institutionsinternationally was themed as “Driving InnovationTowards Commercialization” and held from 4 to 6February in Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC).

FRIM research officer Hashim Wan Samsi received a three-fold win thus collecting all three silver medalsfor the oil palm trunk-based researches entitled“Resin Impregnated Oil Palm Flooring”, “Engineered Flooring from Oil Palm Trunk” and “Super Palmply—Super Palm Plywood from Oil Palm Trunk”. Three bronze medals were also presented to the researches of various aspects.

FRIM Innovation Day 2009

FRIM Innovation Day 2009 was organised to inculcate the innovation and creative spirit amongst the civil staff. The opening ceremony which was held on 17December 2009 was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment(NRE) as well as FRIM’s commercialisation partners, namely Furley Resources Sdn Bhd an Nimura Genetic Solution (M) Sdn Bhd.

The competitionreceived a total of 35 submissions,with 26 from FRIM and nine from otheragencies under NRE. The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) sent eight submissions while one submission came from the Department of Surveying and Mapping (JUPEM).

Winners of the top 10 best inventions were presentedwith the gold and silver medals, while 15 others receivedbronze medals. Winners also received cash incentives and certificates of appreciation. The Best of the Best Award went to the team from the FRIM Forest ProductsDivision led by Hashim Wan Samsi for the EnginereedFlooring from Oil Palm Veneer (EFOP). Inculcation of the innovative spirit among FRIM present staff also includes appreciating contributions of pastresearchers.

Appreciation Ceremony

On 29 January 2010, FRIM held a ceremony toappreciate staff who were involved in the rubberwood research which won the coveted Mahathir Award 2009 in September last year. Twenty (past and present) FRIM staff headed by FRIM’s first Director General, Tan Sri Dr Salleh Mohd Noor received certificates and tokens of appreciation from FRIM Director General Dato’ Dr Abd Latif Mohmod.

Photos by Yusni Idris

de ls ees The competition

received a total of3

FRIM Inculcates theSpirit of Innovation

MARCH 2010FRIM

Looking at the FRIM entry which won ‘The Best of the Best’ award during Innovation Day 2009

Among the FRIM entries which won awards at the Malaysia Technology Expo 2010

Among the present and former FRIM staff who were involved in the rubberwood research

FRIM IN FOCUS 5

FRIM 25 Tahun Sekitar Suku Tahun

Pertama 2010

SambutanMaulidur Rasulperingkat FRIM

pada 12 Mac 2010

Lawatan ke KompleksPenyayang BAKTI Sungai

Buloh, Bandar SriDamansara pada 24

Februari 2010

Jamuan makan malam yang dianjurkan oleh FRIM

sempena Persidangan IUFRO Kuala Lumpur 2010

Majlis perasmian the International Union of Forest Research

Organization (IUFRO) oleh YB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph

Kurup, Timbalan Menteri NRE pada 8 Mac 2010 di Hotel Legend,

Kuala Lumpur

Premis FRIM di pameranMalaysian International Furniture Fair (MIIF) 2010 yang diadakan di Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC)

pada 2 hingga 6 Mac 2010

Majlis menandatangani memorandumpersefahaman (MOU) antara MFRDB

(Lembaga Penyelidikan danPembangunan Perhutanan Malaysia)

dengan SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd di SIRIM Berhad, Shah Alam pada

4 Mac 2010

Perhimpunanbulanan FRIM

pada 5 Mac 2010

Gambar-gambar oleh Yusni Idris

MARCH 2010 FRIM

Having a fascination for science, a famous author, film director and screenwriter once said, “If you didn’t know history, you didn’t know anything…as if you were a leaf that didn’t know it was part of a tree”.

How true were his words as I pondered upon them in the wooden office building on stilts dated back to the early 1970s erected amidst a dense tropical forest inNegeri Sembilan. I continue to listen intently to MrSamad’s story of how he had proudly painted these yellow walls himself and his recount of the multitude of people that have passed through the station gates since he began his career there in 1987. It is not just any building, nor it is just another forest, but one with a rich history that has touched many people fromdifferent walks of life and nationalities, in diverse ways. As Rome was not built in a day, neither was the Pasoh FRIM Research Station (FRS), which had its own share of trials and tribulations.

The tropical forest of Pasoh Forest Reserve (FR) first captured the eyes of a group of scientists in 1964. They were from FRIM, then known as the ForestResearch Institute (FRI), University Malaya and the Malaysian Rubber Research Institute. The 2000-ha Pa-soh FR had potential as an ideal field laboratory for ecological tropical forest research. Word soon reached the Royal Society of England in 1966 and one year later, a committee was established to lobby PasohFR into the International Biological Programme (IBP). The IBP, under the United Nations Educational,Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)recognises and supports research projects for theunderstanding of biological productivity andecosystems.

Pasoh 50-ha staff in 1988 sharing a passion for scrambler bikes

Visitors at Kuala Pilah office in 1974. Dr Soepadmo (far left), Dr Richards (third left), Dr Kira (fourth left), Dr Manokaran (second right), Dr Ogawa (far right). Photo courtesy of Dr Kira, EmeritusProfessor of the Osaka University

Opening ceremony of Pasoh as a research site in 1973. From left: Dr Menon, the High Official of Negeri Sembilan, Prof Dr Burges, Dr Saleh, Dr Soepadmo

The Pasoh FRIM Research Station (FRS) during the 1990s

Present view of the Pasoh FRIM Research Station (FRS)

Dr Christine Fletchercdfletch@frim.gov.my

FRIM IN FOCUS6

h FRIM Research Station (FRS) during the 1990sThe Paso

Beyond theseYellow WallsIn Awe over Pasoh FRS History 50-ha staff in 1988 sharing a passion for scrambler bikes

MARCH 2010ISSUE’S FOCUS

Taklase

The Center for Tropical Forest Science (CTFS) wasestablished to coordinate activities of the network of plots. Every five years, all trees at breast height which are 1 cm or larger in diameter are measured andcounted using the common methodology andincorporated into the database. This year, Pasoh proudlycelebrates its sixth re-census, commemorating25 years of research for the most extensively researched and most understood rain forest in the Asian region.

In saying so, I too now feel a sense of pride although in a different light as I approach the Pasoh station, now managed by FRIM. I will not look at these four yellow walls of the Pasoh FRS the same way again. “If you want to understand today, you have to searchyesterday,” so said a wiseman.

Mr Samad Abdul Latif retired from FRIM in December 2009. He spent his entire career at Pasoh FRS while Mr Ahmad Awang currently manages the station together with Mr Zamri Ahmad. The present Pasoh team alsoincludes Dr Abd Rahman Kassim as the CTFS PrincipleInvestigator, Dr Christine Fletcher as the Project Leaderand Mr Muhammad Firdaus Abdullah Sani as theStation Manager.More information on Pasoh FRS and how to get there can be found on FRIM official website

king hemisphirical photographs using the er beam equipment at the Pasoh plot

Experimental logging for measuring the primary production of tropical rain forest at Pasoh

Ahmad Awang Samad Abdul Latif Zamri Ahmad

FRIM IN FOCUS 7

ISSUE’S FOCUSMARCH 2010

Two years of lobbying resulted in an agreementbetween the Royal Society of England and theMalaysian government. With support from the State Forestry Department of Negeri Sembilan, the first Malaysian IBP project was initiated entitled “Thedynamics and productivity of the lowland dipterocarp forests of Malaya”. The project was swiftly followed by a string of intensive research on various ecologicalaspects. The period between the 1970s and the early 1980s witnessed the Japanese Society for thePromotion of Science and the University of Aberdeen, Scotland joining the bandwagon. From then onwards, interest on the ecological treasures of Pasoh FR spread like wildfire to include many internationalresearch partnerships, most of which lasted untiltoday.

One of such collaboration resulted in theestablishment of the 50-ha tree demography plot. In 1984, Dr Wan Razali Wan Mohd, the former FRIMDeputy Director signed a long-term collaborativeagreement with Dr Peter Ashton from the HarvardUniversity, USA and Dr Steve Hubbell from theSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI). The

agreement was to provide a field laboratory for comparative studies on the diversity oftropical forests along environmental

gradients. The Pasoh 50-ha plot measuring500 x 1000 m was the second plotestablished after Barro Colorado Island,

Panama in 1981. Presently, across Asia, Africa, Europe, North and Latin America, there are over 30 establishedplots with areas ranging from 2 to 52 ha. Malaysia is fortunate to possesstwo of the largest plots in thenetwork, which is the 50-ha plot in Pasoh, Negeri Sembilan and the 52-ha plot in Lambir, Sarawak.Plans are currently underway to establish another plot in the world renowned forests of

Danum Valley, Sabah.

An emergent tree reaching up above the canopy cover

Leaves of Syzygium sp

FRIM IN FOCUS8

Sixth Pasoh 50-hare-censusThe Journey Resumes

MARCH 2010ISSUE’S FOCUS

The year 2010 will be the sixth tree re-census of the Pasoh 50-ha plot since it was established in 1985. Conducted every five years, thePasoh 50-ha Tree Re-Census Project is funded by the Center forTropical Forest Science (CTFS), a centre under Smithsonian TropicalResearch Institute (STRI) and Arnold-Arboretum (AA) at HarvardUniversity.

Until the most recent census in 1985, 413,805 stems measuring more than 1 cm in diameter at breast height (dbh) were recorded in this plot. In the upcoming census, we believe that this number will increase due to natural regeneration of new trees in forest gaps. We are also hopeful that several new species will be discovered in the plot.

In the beginning

In 1985, a 50-ha permanent plot was established by the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) in collaboration with the National ScienceFoundation and Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), United States of America. The plot is part of a network of large tree demographicplots located all over the globe and managed by CTFS.

Muhammad Firdaus Abdullah Sanimuhdfirdaus@frim.gov.my

Setting up tree plots

Measuring a tree

Dendrometer, or an instrument used to measure the height and diameter of a tree

Fruit of Pasoh: Chisocheton sp

All trees 1 cm dbh and above were tagged, identified and mapped creating a large database of treeinformation. This fairly huge effort provides insights into better understanding of ecological processes and functions of the rain forest. It also provides useful baseline information for supporting other related studies. The plot is measured every five years while the growth and mortality of trees are regularly monitored.

Other than the trees, observations are also conducted on other organisms such as small mammals, birds, insects, fungi, palms, lianas as well as their interaction with each

other. On top of that, soil characteristics, micro-climatic and other environmental-related studies were also conducted to augment the plot database. Those who

were involved in the past re-census will recall the amount of careful planning, logistic requirements, human and financial resources needed to conduct suchintensive piece of fundamental yet essential scientific work. For every re-censussuccessfully conducted, not only it enriches the existing tree database, but

also enforces our understanding of the wheels of nature.

Assembling the 2010 census team

“There’s no turning back. Once you’ve been selected, the forest will be your new home”. Those were the last words heard by the applicants who had qualified the round of

interviews and were given a two-day orientation which consisted of the Pasoh FRIMResearch Station, the Pasoh Forest Reserve and the 50-ha plot. It may seem a little

over the top for a trivial exercise such as hiring the census crew, but the natureand the intensity of the work involved, made it necessary. Based on past experience, not all appointed staff performed

well in the forest although they scored high marks during the verbal interview.

More on next page

Working in concrete jungles may possess its share of daily challenges such as getting caught in traffic and arriving late to work, unable to send the urgent e-mail due to the internet connection or attending meetingsand phone calls however, working in the forest isneither a walk in the park. Not many can tearthemselves away from the comfort of urbanisation and throw themselves at the mercy of mother nature in forms of blood-hungry leeches and tiny ticks, an hour’s hike to the real workstation, drenched from an unexpected thunderstorm or just from the normal tropical humidity, sudden movement of wild animals from the corner of the eye, breaking out in rashes from unfamiliar insect stings and finally having to go ‘home’ to an old wooden house without water heaters nortelevision sets. Spending a weekend in a nature park is incomparable to living and working in a forest for a long period of time.

The road ahead

“Accommodation and laboratory facilities at thePasoh FRIM Research Station: check! Field equipment:check! Word manual and schedule: check! Crewmembers: check! Field manager: check!”

For the next ten months, four teams consisting of three to four people each will be spending their days in the 50-ha plot, measuring trees systematically through rows and columns laid out on a map. Their nights will be spent at the research station where they willconduct post-field work. The crew consisting of 14 new faces will function and live as a team and as a family. The right choice of crew members have been made. Dr Abd Rahman Kassim, the CTFS Principle Investigator for the Pasoh plot and a Senior Research Officer at the Forestry and Environment Division in FRIM concurs as he nods and smiles in agreement. He is pleased that we are ready for another adventure of the year!

FRIM IN FOCUS 9

ISSUE’S FOCUSMARCH 2010

everal events are being planned for the Pasoh 25th year celebration. One of them is the Symposium on “25 Years

of Research at Pasoh 50-ha Long Term Ecological Plot”. The symposium scheduled in November 2010 not onlycommemorates 25 years of research at the Pasoh 50-ha plot but as part of FRIM’s 25th anniversary events. There will be a session highlighting the past, current and future of R&D at the Pasoh 50-ha plot by local and international researchers. The symposium will also serve as a platform for discussion among collaborators and researchers.

This will be followed by a three-day Open Day at the PasohFRIM Research Station (FRS). Pasoh FRS and the Pasoh 50-ha tree demography plot is renowned worldwide as a key area for long-term ecological research. However, thegeneral public and some local agencies may be less aware. The open day and activities conducted at the stationpremises are aimed to introduce Pasoh FRS and its role for research, nature conservation, eco-tourism and eco-education through programmes catered for students,researchers and the general public.

S

25Pasoh 50-haPlot Turns

Some species grow together in clumps

Shoot of Cynometra malaccensis

Liana in Pasoh forest

Every tree has its own identity and is tagged accordingly

UM-IBP ProjectThe UM-IBP Project, conducted from 1970 to 1974 was a collaboration between University of Malaya (UM) and International Biological Programme (IBP) involvingover 70 scientists from Malaysia and United Kingdom. Main interests were on micro-climate, primary and secondary forest productivity and the dynamics oforganic matter. Significant output of the project was the construction of a 42-m wooden observation tower and five 2-ha ecology plots, all of which are still in use until today. Pasoh Forest Reserve was also declared as the International Biosphere Reserve under Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

Malaysia-United Kingdom Project on Conservation, Management and Development

of Forest ResourcesMalaysia-United Kingdom Project on Conservation, Management and Development of Forest Resources conducted from 1992 to 1997 was a collaborationbetween FRIM, Forestry Department of PeninsularMalaysia (FDPM) and Government of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, involving more than 50 scientists.Main research interest include looking into theconservation management and development of forestresources as well as the assessment of loggingimpacts on tree species.

The FRIM/NIES/UPM/FDPM/UTM JointResearch Project

The FRIM/NIES/UPM/FDPM/UTM Joint Research Project which began 1991 until now is a large-scale collaboration between FRIM, National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia (FDPM), Universiti PutraMalaysia (UPM) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Research areas include assessments andmonitoring in carbon stock and change, biodiversity, watershed management, socio-economic studies, database and networking.Numerous publications havebeen produced from thiscollaboration including acomprehensive book entitled Pasoh: Ecology of a Lowland RainForest in Southeast Asia.

More Collaborative Studies on page 13

tockty, ,,, g.have thising a

entitled Lowland Rain

age 13

FRIM IN FOCUS10

Unearthing the Secrets of PasohCollaborative Studies

Muhammad Firdaus Abdullah Sani muhdfirdaus@frim.gov.myDr Christine Fletcher

MARCH 2010

The history of research in Pasoh Forest Reserve started in 1964 when the early researchers pioneered the works mostly in fields of silviculture, ecology and ornithology (study of birds). Presently, studies at Pasoh consists mainly of long-term collaborative research between Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) and the two main research partners namely Center for Tropical Forest Science(CTFS), USA and the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES),Japan.

There are also studies carried out by other local and foreign universities as well as FRIM. The main collaborative studies conducted at Pasoh Forest Research Station

(FRS) include the UM-IBP Project (1970–74), the Malaysia-United Kingdom Project on Conservation, Management and Development of Forest Resources (1992–97),

the FRIM/NIES/UPM/FDPM/UTM Joint Research Project (1991) and the FRIM/STRI/CTFS-AA Joint Research Project (1985).

Artocarpus sp

Measuring soil respiration from the ground at Pasoh forest

Study of birds or ornithology

Stachytapeta sp in Pasoh forest

ISSUE’S FOCUS

FRIM IN FOCUS 11

The Numbers Tell AllBiodiversity of

Dr Christine Fletchercdfletch@frim.gov.my

orestPasohF

2,000 ha is the

Pasoh ForestReserve area

consisting of 600 ha of pristine forest or ‘the

core’

340,000 trees (≥1 cm

diameter at breast height) consisting of

814 species within thePasoh 50 ha plot

making up 25% of the tree species in

Peninsular Malaysia

A quarter of

all palm species in Peninsular

Malaysia can be found in PasohForest Reserve

112 species

of mammals representing 56%

of the total mammal species inPeninsularMalaysia

413 moth

species including 40 new records to

Peninsular Malaysia previously known

only fromBorneo

1960s when the

first bird study in Pasoh wasconducted

Currently, the bird list stands at 233

species

75 species of

herpetofauna; 26 amphibians, 24

tortoises, turtles and lizards and 25

species of snakes

57 species

of termites and 9 species of stingless

bees

10 days was how long it

took to construct the triple

aluminium alloy tower

475 m is the length

of the wooden canopy walkway

in Pasoh1964

was the year the idea

of establishing a research plot in Pasoh was first

explored

1970 was when

research in Pasoh Forest Reservebegan and the

establishment of the Pasoh Research

Station

1985 was the first census of the Pasoh 50-ha

plot

tower is the lengtof the wood

canopy walkwin Pasoh

Animal pictures courtesy of NIES

MARCH 2010 ISSUE’S FOCUS

Dr Christine Fletchercdfletch@frim.gov.my

More than just Sushi

MARCH 2010ISSUE’S FOCUS

“Selamat pagi. Apa khabar?” greeted Dr Toshinori Okuda in fluentBahasa Malaysia, without the slightest hint of Japanese accent.Okuda-san, as he is more affectionately known is a professor ontropical biodiversity at Hiroshima University. His annual pilgrimages to Pasoh Forest Research Station (FRS) for the past two decades were to supervise a handful of research projects which he had initiated with theForest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) and the Universiti PutraMalaysia (UPM). Back then he was wearing the hat of a professor with the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES).

FRIM IN FOCUS12

Regeneration of new trees in forest gaps was also closely-studied by scientists

A kingfisher in Pasoh

NIES legacy: the triangular aluminium alloy tower

The researches in Pasoh FRS have since scaled many heights and before long, the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and the Forestry Department of Negeri Sembilan together with a bandwagon of Japanese universities and research institutes formally created a network to study an array of ecological disciplines within the Pasoh reserve. The partnership is now known as the FRIM/NIES/UPM/NSFD/UTM Joint Research Project on Tropical Forest Ecology and Biodiversity.

Research themes in Pasoh forest progressed further from fundamental inventories of the flora and fauna to studies on structure and function of forest biodiversity and ecological services and management. Land use changes surrounding the Pasoh FR for agriculture and timber industry were also useful in conducting studies on the impact of logging on adjacent pristine forest ecosystems.

Local staff and students from Japan at Simpang Pertang

Nothing escapes the attention of the dedicated group led by researchers from the Land of the Rising Sun from spying on mammals scurrying past cleverly-disguised camera traps on trees to counting indicators of forest disturbance like woodpeckers and bees. Under close scrutiny also includes the growth of trees, occurrence of new recruits and deaths and even studying the unseen such as gas exchanges between trees and the atmosphere, as well as genetic flow of timber trees through the dispersal of pollen. Most of these projects are long-term, spanning over a decade and requires not only sustainable resources but the undying thirst for knowledge and most of all, patience for the end results.

A short walk along the forest pathway from the Pasoh FRS into the forest reserve plots, one of NIES’s legacies is visible comprising a triangular aluminium alloy tower standing 40 m high and connected to a separate stairway. Built in 1992 at the cost of RM330,000, its main purpose is to house sensitive equipment to measure and monitor microclimatic and physiological conditions at various levels of the forest canopy. One of the threetowers also has an extended tower measuring 12 m affixed with a device to measure the fluxes of carbon dioxide above the canopy. Because of its building material, the towers are fitted with lightning conductors to avoid the unwanted chemistry with nature.

Attached to one of the towers, is another NIES initiative. The 475 m long woodenwalkway amongst the tree canopy once held the record for the longest

canopy walkway (suspension bridge) in the world. Known as the Pasoh

Canopy Walkway, it was built in 2005 at the cost of half a million Malaysian

ringgit. The walkway stretched between 18 anchor trees at different heights ranging from 15 to 28 m above the forest floor with four viewing platforms in

between. It ends at a 45-m tall wooden tower.

Hired skilled canopy walkway engineers among the Iban community inSarawak and Orang Asli were behind the construction of walkway. Built

with an aim to give researchers a closer reach to surrounding trees for canopyresearch subjects such as insect diversity and flower pollination, tree phenology

and microclimate variability it lacks some of the more elaborate safety featuresnormally found at the more commercial and popular canopy walkways. Thus, thecurrent condition of the Pasoh Canopy Walkway is still restricted for research

purposes rather than for heavy usage as apparent in the eco-tourism and eco-education fields. There are talks to upgrade this walkway, but until then, visitors are

recommended to contain their extreme adventure spirit and stick to the triplealuminium towers which will still be the experience to remember!

The walk along the aluminium walkway interlinking the three towers at 30 m above ground is sturdy and gives one an exhilarating view of the tree canopy expanding to the horizon and also the multi-layered forest structure below. Gentle wind and clear skies on a good day is an ideal opportunity toobserve and appreciate Mother Nature in an altogether different angle.

in the Canopy W

the rb

betwe

Hired skSarawak a

with an aim research subje

and microclimatnormally found acurrent condition

purposes rather theducation fields. Th

recommended taluminium tow

ISSUE’S FOCUSMARCH 2010

13FRIM IN FOCUS

From page 10

The FRIM/STRI/CTFS-AA Joint Research Project

The FRIM/STRI/CTFS-AA Joint Research Project conducted from 1985 until now is one of the longest and most intensive collaboration at Pasoh FR between FRIM, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), Centerfor Tropical Forest Science (CTFS) and Arnold Arboretum (AA) at Harvard University, United States of America.This project is synonymous with the 50-ha long term ecology plot at Pasoh Research Forest which wasestablished in 1985 where all stems measuring 1 cm or more in diameter at breast height (dbh) is measured and recorded every five years. Among the significant findings after 20 years of measuring and re-measuring trees is that there is a decline in tree growth rate and increase in tree mortality rates postulated to be due to increase of temperature while seed production has shown significant inter annual variation throughout the census period.

Dr Kachi and Dr Tang from NIES was involved in the forest canopy research

in Pasoh in the early 1990s

Ms Takemoto from Hiroshima University studying leaf morphology in relation to the evapotranspiration from leaves of dipterocarp species

Dr Makmom, a graduate student from UPM setting an equipment for the measurement of photosynthesis of canopy trees

Mr Kanao from Hiroshima University studying ants inhabiting macaranga trees at Pasoh

Hipposideros bicolor

Any day would not be a complete day without makinga trip to the plot, where the serene unchangingnature of the Pasoh Forest Reserve has never failed tocaptivate me. I was appointed as Research Officer in September 2007 for the Pasoh 50-ha tree demographystudy, which is a collaboration project between theForest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) and theCenter for Tropical Forest Science (CTFS) of theSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute, USA.

I was assigned to coordinate the FRIM/CTFS projects and that translated into spending most of my days in the Pasoh research forest. Previously, only three FRIM staff was stationed at Pasoh to manage an array ofestablishments comprising two dormitories in theforest station and at Simpang Pertang, also thevarious laboratories, nature trails and arboretum. It was a daunting task but somehow their commitment have braved them through obstacles.

It wasn’t hard to notice that throughout the year the station is always bustling with recreation or scientificactivities. However, most of the station’s visitors are foreigners. Thus, when I was assigned there in the early 2009, we took the opportunity to introduce some improvements to the facilities to better fulfil the demands of its guests. For instance, the meeting or seminar room was upgraded and connected to theinternet which is sheer luxury for a forest station. The dormitories and office building were given a face-lift, the laboratories were kept fairly well-equipped, and a duty roster for regular maintenance of the trails and the arboretum wasestablished.

Pasoh has so much to offer in the areas of eco-education and conservation awareness, particularlyto the local communities living in and around the area whom many are quite oblivious to its existence.Perhaps, the ‘Open Day at the Pasoh Research Station’ which will be organised this year would greatly assist in creating this awareness.

Although I foresee that the Pasoh’s managing team will face more challenging tasks in the future, I feel that spending time amidst the splendours of Pasoh forest will be a rewarding experience that I will not want to miss out upon.

A Day in PasohChallenges in Managing the Research StationMuhammad Firdaus Abdullah Sanimuhdfirdaus@frim.gov.my

FRIM IN FOCUS14

FRIM staff in Pasoh briefing students from MRSM Kuala Klawang

The ladies hostel at Pasoh station

The seminar room facilitates activities at Pasoh FRIM Research Station

MARCH 2010ISSUE’S FOCUS

MARCH 2010 FRIM

FRIM IN FOCUS 15

Another FRIM research officer, Nor Datiakma Mat Amin won a GoldMedal and the Best Overall Award trophy for her research on “Anti-Multidrug Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Activity ofEuphorbiaceae Leaves Extract” at the IIUM Research, Invention andInnovation Exhibition (IRIIE 2010). Nor Datiakma, from the FRIM Drug Discovery Centre who conducted the research for her Master’s degree, received these awards under the category of Science, Engineering and Technology. MRSA is a major threat to health sector worldwide due to its prevalence, virulence and limited therapeutic means.

Kudos to FRIMResearchers forDoing the InstituteProud

For further information on their respective research please contact Dr Kevin Ng Kit Siong atkevin@frim.gov.my and Nor Datiakma Mat Amin at nordatiakma@frim.gov.my

Dr Ng conducted genetic studies (right) onselected dipterocarp species (top)

Nor Datiakma acquired the Gold Medal (top) for the research on anti-MRSA which showed positive results in mice (below)

Two more notches were added to the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) long list of research awards and achievements, after its research officers received accolades for their research in November last year and January this year. FRIM researchers Dr Kevin Ng Kit Siong received the Japan International Award 2009 for Young Agricultural Researchers at a ceremony held at University of Tokyo, Japan while Nor Datiakma Mat Amin won a Gold Medal and the Best Overall Award trophy at theInternational Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Research,Invention and Innovation Exhibition (IRIIE 2010).

The Young Agricultural Researchers award is presented by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery (MAFF) every year since 2007 to young foreign researchers in recognition of their contribution to technological development for the improvement of the food security and environment in developing countries.Dr Ng, hailed from the FRIM Biotechnology Division Genetics Laboratory, wasselected as one of three recipients of the award for his research achievement in the field of spatial structure and impact of logging on genetic diversity of selected tropical tree species.

Scientists have forewarned that logging activities without sound scientificknowledge will cause unwarranted negative impacts that inevitably hinders the recovery of the forest. Dr Ng’s winning research has brought to light the evidence in support of the caution through genetic studies on two dipterocarp species. Shorea leprosula predominantly breeds sexually by outcrossing, while Shorea ovalis

ssp sericea breeds asexually, or is apomictic in nature. The findings which were of significant impactto current logging practices showed that outcrossed species are more susceptible to the loss of genetic diversity compared to apomictic species. Simulations have also showed that it is recommended to fell individual trees randomly rather than in clumps to ensure a better chance of maintaining genetic diversity.

MRSA infections complicate treatments and could double deaths rates among patients in hospitals. The emergence of resistant strains ofS. aureus also indicates a pressing need for alternative anti-MRSA agents which had invariably been discovered by the research. The potential ofanti-MRSA agent derived from crude extract of Euphorbiaceae leaf was unveiled, where the anti-MRSA activity is found to be comparable to Oxacillin, antibiotics used clinically for treatment of MRSA infection.The extract also demonstrates very low toxicity effect compared toanother commonly-administered antibiotics, vancomycin. The discovery of the extract could translate into a breakthrough in products catered for usage in hospitals, homes, hotels and in food hygiene.

FRIM IN FOCUS16

FRIMSilver Jubilee

AnniversaryYear

For further information (andregistration) please contact the

One-stop Centre,Forest Research

Institute Malaysia (FRIM),52109 Kepong,

Selangor, Malaysia;Tel: 603-6279 7575 or visit

www.frim.gov.my

In the spirit of togetherness andappreciation of FRIM, many more activities are also planned for FRIM staff in conjunction with the 25th year celebration.

FRIM MARCH 2010

Various activities are being lined up throughout 2010 as Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) celebrates its 25th silver anniversary in the spirit of One Malaysia.

Mark yourcalendars& join us

The logo marks the silver jubileecelebrations in 2010. 25 is the age of the Institute while 1985–2010

is the period since FRIM became a statutory body. The colour green for

FRIM symbolises the forest in pristine condition. The incomplete loop around 25 reflects the on-goingresearch and development on forestry andenvironment.

Exercise with the PeopleFEBRUARY

OCTOBER

AUGUST

Family Day and Hari Raya Celebration

Merdeka Day Car and BuildingDecoration ContestRamadhan’s Month Activities

MARCHAPRIL

MAY

12

9-10

1012-24

0707

01-31

01-31

02

27

Maulidur Rasul Celebration

MNRE and MEWR Friendly SportsChampionshipPoco-poco ContestMini Sports ChampionshipEndau Rompin Expedition

FRIM Awards DayHistory of FRIM CompetitionPrime Minister’s Visit

Fishing Competition/Joran FRIM

One-stop Health Screening DayExercise with the Special Needs People

Mountain Bike JamboreeWorld Environment DayEnvironmental Education CampBowling Championship with the Media

FRIM Bookstore Anniversary Celebration

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

AUGUST

212529

1524

02

0606

11-1325-27

01-31

World Forestry DayLaunch of FRIM Research GalleryTalk: Footsteps of the Scientist. Flora ofPeninsular Malaysia Book Launch

Behind the FRIMYears Logo

oooisisssisiisi

sttss aatatatatatuuu

Polyalthia sp of Pasoh forest