Exploring wonders of northern Meliau Range in central Sabah

THE ultramafic land in Sabah covers approximately 4.6% of the landmass, highlighting its limited yet significant geographical extent. Although low in nutrient and high in minerals, this area holds considerable biodiversity importance, serving as a critical habitat for hyperendemic plants found exclusively in this region. One of the ultramafic localities in the Beluran district is the Meliau Range, which was formerly a Class II production forest reserve, has been re-gazetted as a Class I protection forest reserve in 2015 due to its significant importance in biodiversity and the provision of ecosystem services. This 22,932 ha-protected area, administered by the Beluran District Forestry Office, is partly bordered by oil palm plantations to the north and the production forest of Ulu Tungud Forest Reserve to the south. Little is known about the northern part of the Meliau Range Forest Reserve (FR) in central Sabah, unlike the southern part, which was explored 20 years ago. Hence, an expedition to study the flora and fauna, as well as the communities living near the northern part of the Meliau Range was organised by the Forest Research Centre (FRC) of the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD), in April, 2025.