Crocker Range Research Articles

Ambient Noise Tomography of Northern Borneo Reveals Evidence of Subduction and Post‐Subduction Processes

AbstractThe region of northern Borneo in South East Asia sits within a post‐subduction setting formed by the recent termination of two sequential but opposed subduction systems. In this study we use seismic data from a recent temporary array deployment to image the crustal velocity structure beneath northern Borneo using a two‐stage Bayesian trans‐dimensional tomography scheme, in which period dependent phase velocity maps are first generated, and then used to build a 3‐D shear wave model through a series of 1‐D inversions. In the second stage, we also apply an Artificial Neural Network to solve the 1D inverse problem, which results in a smoother 3‐D model compared to the TransD approach without sacrificing data fit. Our shear wave velocity model reveals a complex crustal structure. Under the Crocker Range, a heterogeneous velocity structure likely represents remnants of early Miocene subduction, including underthrust continental crust from subsequent continent‐continent collision. In the east we observe high velocities that are interpreted to be igneous rocks in the crust generated by melting due to mid Miocene Celebes Sea subduction and later decompression melting as well as a low velocity zone that could represent underthrust sediment or duplexes from Celebes Sea subduction. A low velocity zone in the lower crust is present in a region of apparent crustal thinning. Our preferred explanation for this anomaly is remnant thermal upwelling within a failed rift that represents the on‐shore continuation of the extension of the Sulu Sea, most likely caused by rollback of the Celebes Sea slab.

The mountain giant rat of Borneo Sundamys infraluteus (Thomas) and its relations

The genus Sundamys comprises the species Sundamys muelleri, Müller‟s rat, which is widespread in the Sundaic biogeographical subregion, and three other taxa, the mountain giant rats of Borneo S. infraluteus, Java S. maxi and Sumatra S. atchinensis. Nine additional specimens of the Borneo Mountain giant rat are reported, and one field record, adding new locations to the known range of the species in the Crocker Range, notably the vicinity of Gn. Alab, and Gn. Lumaku, Sabah, and at Pa Raye, Kalimantan Utara. Measurements of the specimens, and the first from Gn. Mulu, Sarawak, are tabulated with previously published data. Trapping results indicate that this rat is confined to an altitudinal range, 900 – 2350 m, broadly corresponding with the limits of Lower Montane Forest, especially Oak-Laurel forests, and that it occurs both in pristine habitat and in disturbed forests. The topography of the uplands of northern Borneo provides connections between all locations except Mulu, which is surrounded by lowlands. A review of palaeoecological interpretations indicates that favourable habitat for this rat was more extensive in north-western Borneo in the terminal Pleistocene, but may have been more reduced than at present during warm episodes of the Holocene. Consideration of palaeo-environments in the Sundaic subregion suggests that there may have been no genetic contact between mountain giant rats of Sumatra and Borneo during the Quaternary. Although molecular evidence is lacking, it is reasonable to treat Sundamys infraluteus, S. atchinenesis and Sundamys maxi as distinct species, arising independently by vicariant evolution from a Pliocene ancestry.

The Jewel Orchids of Crocker Range Park, Sabah, Malaysia: A Review

Jewel orchids are usually recognised by their distinctive foliar and can be found in undisturbed habitats, such as Crocker Range Park, Sabah. The pristine habitat in the park provided a suitable condition for jewel orchids to thrive in their habitat. In Malaysia, jewel orchids are appreciated for their ornamental value due to their uniqueness. At the same time, in other countries, it was reported that jewel orchids are used as medicinal plants due to their medicinal properties. Although jewel orchids have been recorded in Sabah, specific studies and species checklists have yet to be made for the Crocker Range Park due to insufficient data. Moreover, the current conservation status of all recorded jewel orchid species in Sabah remains unknown. Therefore, this study comprises a review of information on jewel orchid species in the park, including other general or worldwide diversity, economic importance, conservation status, and action plans. This review used secondary data, including fieldwork collections, checklists, published journals, and available online data. From the review, eight genera and ten species of jewel orchids have been recorded in the park. Three endemic species were found from all recorded species: Anoectochilus monicae J. J. Wood, Goodyera condensata Ormerod & J. J. Wood, and Goodyera rostellata Ames & C. Schweinf. The outcome of this study can be utilised in the upcoming diversity study on jewel orchids in the park while providing the baseline for a management plan for the conservation of jewel orchids in the park.

SOIL EROSION RISK IN RELATION TO RAINFALL EROSIVITY IN GUNUNG ALAB AND INOBONG OF CROCKER RANGE PARK IN SABAH, MALAYSIA

The rainfall ability to erode and detach soil particles, resulting in soil erosion, is referred to as rainfall erosivity (R). This research aims to estimate the risk of soil erosion from rainfall intensity in Gunung Alab and Inobong of Crocker Range Park, Sabah. Daily rainfall data from 2017 and 2020 where an observed mild La Nina were extracted. The 30-minute Maximum Rainfall Intensity (I30) and Rainfall Kinetic Energy (E) were determined for estimating the R Factor. ROSE Index was then referred to in classifying the soil erosion risk. The estimated monthly R Factor in Gunung Alab ranged from 15282.2 to 32029.2 MJ.mm (ha.h)-1 in 2017 and from 16069.5 to 35401.6 MJ.mm (ha.h)-1 in 2020. Gunung Alab was rated as having an “extremely high” and “critical” risk of soil erosion 80% of the time in 2017 and 50% in 2020. At the Inobong substation, the monthly R Factor in 2017 (16069.5 to 58348.0 MJ.mm (ha.h)-1) and 2020 (16863.6 to 36246.4 MJ.mm (ha.h)-1) translates to an erosion risk (extremely high-critical) throughout 67% and 92% of the time, respectively. Given the possibility of landslides, rainfall erosivity is useful information in assessing soil erosion risk and could be used in soil and land management

MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY STUDY OF SCHISMATOGLOTTIS FROM DIFFERENT REGIONS IN SABAH USING INTERNAL TRANSCRIBED SPACER REGION

The Schismatoglottideae tribe, primarily in Borneo, is notably diverse within the Araceae family. It encompasses various rainforest herbs, adapting to terrestrial, lithophytic, and rheophytic habitats. The Schismatoglottis genus, with over 175 species, mostly exclusive to Borneo due to geological preferences, stands out. A study aimed to understand genetic relationships among Schismatoglottis species from Kadamaian-Kinabalu Park, Kionsom Recreational Area, Imbak Canyon Conservation Area, Mensalong Forest Reserve, Danum Valley Conservation Area, Tawau Hills Park, and Mantailang Crocker Range Park. The Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) regions of twelve Schismatoglottis species were sequenced. Genomic DNA was extracted from dried-silica-gel leaf tissue using a commercial kit (Promega, USA). ITS region lengths ranged from 528 bp to 708 bp. BLAST analysis accurately identified species within the Schismatoglottis genus (95% to 98% similarity). Phylogenetic analysis revealed a highly supported sister clade, uniting Schismatoglottis porpax species from Mensalong and Kionsom, despite differing elevational habitats. This pioneering study delves into Schismatoglottis phylogenetics, particularly in Sabah, with seven of the twelve species showing potential for new species classification, pending further research.

Aspects of Sabah's Tour Operators on Sabah Crocker Range Park as a New Dark Tourism Destination

Aspects of Sabah's Tour Operators on Sabah Crocker Range Park as a New Dark Tourism Destination

Biogeography of the Sunda Shelf revisited: Insights from Macaranga section Pruinosae (Euphorbiaceae)

The Southeast Asian region of Sundaland is among the world’s major biodiversity hotspots. The region’s biodiversity coupled with its complex and dynamic geographic and climatic histories makes it an ideal region to study the various factors that determine the diversification and distribution patterns of tropical biota. Here we investigate the biogeographic patterns in the partly myrmecophyticMacarangasectionPruinosaeto reveal some of the factors that play a role in determining the distribution of biota in Sundaland. We used single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) data derived from GBS, a next generation sequencing technique, in maximum likelihood and cluster analyses to determine phylogenetic relationships and population structures within this taxonomic section. Bayesian inference based on secondary calibration points and ancestral area reconstruction analyses were performed to infer spatial–temporal origins of the major lineages in the section. The results from these analyses were further substantiated using nuclear microsatellite data obtained from a broader sample set of two widely distributed species within the section:Macaranga giganteaandMacaranga pruinosa. Phylogenetic and cluster analyses reveal four well-defined, discrete species groups within sectionPruinosae, all of which but one originated in Borneo with the crown node dated at 3.58 mya. Biogeographic patterns within the species reveal a biogeographic barrier between east and west Sundaland besides bringing to light the role played by various geological factors, especially the Crocker Range, on Borneo. Patterns also reveal a biogeographic barrier between the Bangka/Belitung islands and Sumatra for ant-free, swamp-adapted species. This study provides evidence that geographic barriers, edaphic conditions, and ecological adaptations are tightly linked and that their mutual interaction determines the diversification and distribution of species.

Effect of Monsoonal Clustering for PM10 Concentration Prediction in Keningau, Sabah using Principal Component Analysis

Particulate matter (PM) has caught scientific attention in scientific research due to its harmful effect on human health. While prediction is essential for future development in Keningau, temporal clustering in Keningau has yet to be studied. Thus, this research aims to determine whether monsoonal clustering is required for meteorological and pollutant concentration data collected in Keningau. Missing data is first imputed using Nearest Neighbour Method (NNM). Then, wind direction and wind speed are converted into northern (Wy ) and eastern (Wx ) component of wind speed. Data is then temporal clustered based on monsoonal season (NEM, IM4, SWM, IM10). Both clustered and unclustered data are analysed using principal component (PC) analysis (PCA). The findings revealed that humidity in PC1 with average EV (explained variation) of 93.92 ± 0.52 contribute the most variation of PM10, followed by Wx in PC2 with average EV of 3.51 ± 0.48. Regression analysis shows that humidity and PM10 are negatively moderate to strongly correlated except for IM4 (intermonsoon April), which may be due to dry climate during the season. As for Wx, it has weak correlation with PM10. This may be due to location of Keningau at western part of Crocker range. However, the spread of PM10 due to eastern wind causes weak to zero correlation. Due to consideration of dry climate as revealed by the findings from IM4 cluster, there is need for data collected by Keningau to be clustered by monsoon.

Butterfly Diversity at the Different Elevations along Crocker Range Park, in Malaysian Borneo

The butterfly diversity and assemblages at five substations located at the different elevations along the Crocker Range Park, ranging from 396m to 1,891m a.s.l were documented in this study. The butterfly samplings were conducted from April to December 2019, involving 10 sampling sessions. The butterflies were sampled by using 20 baited traps and an aerial net at 20 sampling stations. A total of 727 individuals were sampled comprising 187 species. Nymphalidae was the dominant family at the five substations, which accounted for approximately 53% of the total species and 71% of the total individuals recorded, while Ypthima pandocus was the dominant species. The highest number of species was recorded at Keningau substation (965-1,062 m a.s.l) but the highest number of individuals was recorded at Mahua substation (1060-1,249 m a.s.l). Mount Alab substation recorded the least number of butterfly species and individuals. The overall pattern indicated that the butterfly species and abundance were relatively high at an elevation range of about 960-1,250 m a.s.l. Keningau substation was the most diverse area as shown by Shannon-Wiener Index (H’=2.885), followed by Inobong, Mahua and Ulu Kimanis substations. Ten endemic species were sampled in this study with most of these found at an elevation above 965 m a.s.l. The information obtained from this study would contribute to a better understanding of the elevational diversity pattern of tropical biota and also could serve as baseline data for conservation management at Crocker Range Park in facing threats on biodiversity, including global warming.

Enhancing Community Commitment in Conservation through Participatory Approach

Kg. Tudan is a village situated in the buffer zone of Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve (CRBR). About 402 people live in Kg. Tudan, and majority are farmers. However, the steep terrain and infertility of the soil has affected the livelihood of communities, making them dependent on the surrounding forest to support their living. The Sabah State Government, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) implemented a project in Kg. Tudan, Tuaran, Sabah from 1st July, 2013 until 30th June 2017, under a programme called "Sustainable Development for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation" (SDBEC). The project's main focus was to develop sustainable livelihoods through a participatory approach and the concept of living in harmony with the environment. After the project ended, a qualitative study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the SDBEC project implementation in Kg. Tudan and its implication towards the local communities' conservation awareness. Thirty-three villagers of Kg. Tudan were interviewed. The data was analysed using Leximancer software with results illustrated in the form of a conceptual map. The study's findings indicated that the knowledge and commitment of the community in Kg. Tudan on conservation was enhanced through a participatory approach. The study also identified that the community of Kg. Tudan required capacity building and integration of sustainable livelihoods with community-based natural resource management. We recommended for ministries and NGOs engaged in environmental and biodiversity conservation to direct more efforts towards developing sustainable practices that facilitate local communities' participation in preserving natural resources.

Collision‐Induced Subduction Polarity Reversal Explains the Crustal Structure of Northern Borneo: New Results From Virtual Deep Seismic Sounding (VDSS)

AbstractSubduction polarity reversal (SPR) is a key subduction initiation mechanism often associated with arc‐continent collision zones. Northern Borneo has long been recognized as a location where sequential but opposing subduction zones were present in the Miocene, but has not been examined in the context of SPR. Here, we exploit teleseismic data from northern Borneo to investigate crustal thickness variations using Virtual Deep Seismic Sounding (VDSS). Our results reveal a thick crustal root beneath the Crocker Range and an area of relatively thin crust in the southeast, which appears to extend northeast into the Sulu Sea, where back‐arc rifting behind the younger subduction zone developed. Overall, our findings are consistent with predictions from numerical models of SPR involving arc‐continent collision, but with several important differences—including a substantial mountain range and more limited back‐arc rifting that can be attributed to northern Borneo being an example of SPR involving continent‐continent collision.

New distribution record of the rare bat Hypsugo cf. vordermanni (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) from the Crocker Range Park, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

A female Hypsugocf.vordermanni was caught at a stream near a village road in Mantailang, Crocker Range Park, Sabah, on 12 November 2018. This bat is a new record for the national park and the second record for Sabah. It was first recorded from Banggi Island, Kudat, in 1991. The species' few records throughout its range is most likely due to sampling effort bias towards forest interior and cave-dwelling species, as this species is more likely an edge-space aerial forager. It is morphologically similar to Peninsular Malaysia's Hypsugomacrotis, but the latter has never been reported from Borneo. Therefore, additional specimen collection and molecular data for H.cf.vordermanni are needed for further species confirmation. More information on H.vordermanni ecology is also crucial in aiding the management plan for this species as it is currently classified as Data Deficient by the IUCN.

Differences in stream responsiveness between a tropical montane cloud forest and a tropical lowland rainforest

Tropical Montane Cloud Forests (TMCF) have unique hydrology considering their high moisture, steep headwater terrain, shallow soils, frequent precipitation, and the presence of horizontal precipitation. While the hydrology of Tropical Lowland Rainforests (TLRF) has been given due attention, TMCF in Malaysia have been less explored. This study compares stream responsiveness and peak flow dynamics between TLRF (substation Inobong, 5.33 ha) and TMCF (substation Alab, 8.53 ha) in Crocker Range, Sabah, Malaysia. Streams in both study site were instrumented with water level sensors and dataloggers, and meteorological stations that records data at 10-minute intervals. Two hydrograph metrices namely T res (time taken from start of precipitation to hydrograph initiation) and T peak (time taken from start of hydrograph response to peak discharge) were assessed via a combination of the Mann-Whitney test and ANCOVA. TMCF took a longer time to achieve peak water level (mean T peak=143 mins) compared to TLRF (mean T peak=118 mins). Average rainfall intensity (P i) was negatively correlated with T peak. T res was higher in TMCF (mean=141 mins) than in TLRF (mean=51 mins) and was not affected by P or P i. Understanding such hydrological dynamics in TMCF is important for better headwater resource management and for flood prevention.

Bat species diversity trend along an elevation gradient: A study in Crocker Range Park, Sabah, Borneo.

Bats (Order: Chiroptera) is a recognised group of bioindicators due to their sensitivity towards alterations in their immediate surroundings. With the threats of climate change becoming more severe on a daily basis, it is reasonable to collect data on how bat diversity is influenced by elevation. This will be useful to predict and monitor possible upslope shifting of bat species due to increase in surrounding temperature or anthropogenic pressure. Hence, this study aims to uncover the bat diversity trend at different elevations in Crocker Range Park (CRP), Sabah, Malaysia. Bat trappings were conducted in four substations within this park, covering an elevation spectrum from 450 to 1900 m a.s.l. The overall sampling managed to capture 133 individuals of bats, predominantly Pteropodidae, with the addition of two new species locality records for CRP, Murinapeninsularis and Hypsugovondermanni. Simple linear regression analyses revealed that both bat diversity and richness have an inverse linear relationship with elevation. Likewise, the Pearson’s correlation value, associating bat diversity with elevation, also shows that they have a negative relationship at r = -0.852. Heterogeneity of habitats explain this trend, as in the lower counterpart of CRP, lowland forests, which are richer in fruit and insect resources persist. Besides, lower land forests have better niche assortment, due to the distinctive layers stratification, allowing bats utilising different guilds to thrive in the same vegetation profile. This study further emphasises the role of CRP to protect most of the bat species found in Borneo, as well as serving as the baseline data for the future studies that look into the impact of temperature increment towards the upslope shifting of the bat population in CRP.

Developing a Predictive Model for Plasmodium knowlesi-Susceptible Areas in Malaysia Using Geospatial Data and Artificial Neural Networks.

Plasmodium knowlesi is an emerging species for malaria in Malaysia, particularly in East Malaysia. This infection contributes to almost half of all malaria cases and deaths in Malaysia and poses a challenge in eradicating malaria. The aim of this study was to develop a predictive model for P. knowlesi susceptibility areas in Sabah, Malaysia, using geospatial data and artificial neural networks (ANNs). Weekly malaria cases from 2013 to 2014 were used to identify the malaria hotspot areas. The association of malaria cases with environmental factors (elevation, water bodies, and population density, and satellite images providing rainfall, land surface temperature, and normalized difference vegetation indices) were statistically determined. The significant environmental factors were used as input for the ANN analysis to predict malaria cases. Finally, the malaria susceptibility index and zones were mapped out. The results suggested integrating geospatial data and ANNs to predict malaria cases, with overall correlation coefficient of 0.70 and overall accuracy of 91.04%. From the malaria susceptibility index and zoning analyses, it was found that areas located along the Crocker Range of Sabah and the East part of Sabah were highly susceptible to P. knowlesi infections. Following this analysis, targetted entomological mapping and malaria control programs can be initiated.

Human Activities and Conservation Awareness between Community Use Zone (CUZ) Areas of Kinabalu Park and Crocker Range Park, Sabah

The Parks Enactment 1984 prohibits any human activities in the Park in order to conserve thenatural ecosystem but in reality there are some people living inside the Park and doing cultivation. Community Use Zone (CUZ) is a management option in an attempt to strike a balance between the conservation priorities of the Park and the livelihoods of the local communities who depend on the Park for survival. This study looks into the relationship between types of crops planted within the CUZ areas, evaluate the contribution for the local communities’ livelihood, and determine the perception and conservation awareness of local community activities. The data for this study was collected by using face-to-face interview technique. Closed and open-ended structured questions were used in the interview. Apart from that observation was useful to obtained information which cannot achieve from structured interviews. Percentage, mean and range were used to summarize the results. With the use of socioeconomic survey and economic valuation on sales products approach, it was possible to determine the objectives of this study. Major crops grown are permanent crops such as rubber trees, fruit trees, and cash crops such as vegetables, cocoa and coffee trees were identified as the type of crops that were cultivated for economic sources by farmers in Kg. Sayap, Kota Belud and Kg. Mongool Baru Ulu Senagang, Keningau/Tenom. Rubber trees contributed the highest source of income followed by fruit trees such as durian, langsat and rambutan, cocoa trees and vegetables. The study showed that the perception and conservation awareness of the local communities in both villages had high awareness level. They are aware of the issues that concerning forest conservation. The study had determined that the CUZ is a tool management for the local communities to survive their living which is recommended to be applied but further research on the local communities’ livelihood dependency on protected areas should be conducted for the sake of forest conservation.

Carefully examining Bornean Stegonotus (Serpentes, Colubridae): the montane groundsnake population in Sabah is a new and distinct species.

During a taxonomic revision of species in the genus Stegonotus Duméril et al., 1854, we re-examined over 90% of all known museum specimens from this taxon. Of the five specimens available to us from the island of Borneo, three are clearly distinct from the other two. The latter are from the lowland rainforest in Sarawak, Malaysia, which includes the type locality of S. borneensis, and therefore these specimens retain that name. We here describe the other three, which include the paratype of S. borneensis, as a new species from Sabah, Malaysia. The new species can be differentiated from S. borneensis and all other species of Stegonotus by the combination of a high number of ventrals ( 210) combined with a low number of subcaudals ( 70), a short tail (indicated by a low subcaudal ratio of 0.25), 17-17-15 dorsal scale rows, a snout-scale ratio of 1/4-1/3, the "gull wing +" condition of the rostral, the number of supralabials touching the eye, and a dorsal color pattern featuring a dark gray-brown head offset from a lighter-brown rest of the body. The number of subcaudals in the holotype of the new species is only 21% of the number of ventrals, the lowest proportion in the genus. The new species is found at elevations above 1000 m in the cool, montane habitats of the Crocker Range and around the foot of Mt. Kinabalu, Southeast Asia's tallest mountain, from where it has been known but taxonomically unrecognized since at least the 1880s.

Tourists’ Perceptions of Insects as the Determinants of Insect Conservation through Entomological Ecotourism

Insects are commonly featured in recreation and tourism around the world, despite the generally negative public perception surrounding them. Many people enjoy watching butterflies in insectarium gardens, observing and collecting dragonflies, and admiring the light displays of fireflies. In many cases, activities like these are becoming increasingly popular and these positive interactions with insects encourage public appreciation of insects, but vary acuities in their forms and approaches. Thus, understanding the pattern of insect appearances in recreation and tourism activities in a variety of discernments can provide important insights into effective ways of promoting insect conservation through ecotourism, which is often overlooked in biodiversity conservation strategies. However, these types of interdisciplinary studies are relatively new and remain limited in both entomology and tourism sciences. A field survey was carried out at Kangkawat Research Station, Imbak Canyon Conservation Area, where a 1 kilometre entomological ecotourism trail was designed and developed to incorporate insects in enhancing ecotourism at the reserve. Insects that can be found along the 1 kilometre trail were recorded and the collection was conducted using baited traps and sweep netting. Based on the insects survey, the Shannon Diversity Index (H’) of Kangkawat is 4.60 while Simpson Index is 176.72 with Fisher Alpha Index at 313.3 that concludes Kangkawat Research Station insect richness to be the second highest after the Crocker Range.
 
 In adressing the knowledge gaps between insect conservation and ecotourism, a survey on attitudes towards insects was designed and then completed by 384 tourists around Kota Kinabalu City. The standardized questionnaire known as the Personal Meaning of Insects Map (PMIM) was administered to tourists and their responses were elicited prior to and after observing insect photos. The results shows that “spider” had the 100% connectivity in response to the most detested insect based on their previous encounters with insects. This result shows that there is an existing entomology knowledge gap among the respondents, indicating the need for further interventions in terms of nature interpretation. Therefore a quality guided nature interpretation as an educational tool should take into account how the general public understands (or misunderstands) insects further and where interpretive information could be better applied if we are to develop management and educational tools that address human-insect encounters.

Insect Diversity of Sg. Kangkawat Research Station in Imbak Canyon Conservation Area (ICCA), Sabah

The nocturnal insect diversity was very high, with more than 100 insect species in a square metre in all light-trapping sites. The mean Shannon Index was 4.60 while Simpson Index was 176.72. It is interesting to note that Sg. Kangkawat insect richness appears to be the second highest after Crocker Range, when compared with 25 other forest reserves in Sabah. There were more than 13 endemic species and a subspecies recorded during the survey, including an undescribed species of moth (Geometridae, Plutodes sp.). In view of the high diversity and intriguing insect fauna, Sg Kangkawat Research Station has potential in promoting nature tourism for special interest tourists. Encroachment is among the threats within this forest reserve. For the general public, the boundary of some parts of the forest reserve is still not clear. Hence, it is important to have more signages to denote the forest reserve boundary. Public awareness and environmental education have to be enhanced among the local communities so that they are aware of the significance of biodiversity conservation of forest resources. The threats and issues have indirectly affected the insect fauna. As such, the forest quality would have to be enhanced in order to maintain the interesting and endemic insect fauna for biodiversity conservation. On-going cooperation with the relevant authorities, such as Sabah Forestry Department and Sabah Wildlife Department, will enhance conservation efforts and curb future encroachment. Further biodiversity research with relevant agencies should be encouraged.

Ethnobotanical and Phytochemical Studies on Indigenous Zingiber spp. (Zingiberaceae) from Tambunan District, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia

Studies on the ethnobotany and phytochemical on three species of wild Zingiber (Zingiberaceae) namely Z.Z. pseudopungens, Zingiber chlorobracteatum and Zingiber coloratum were conducted in Timbou Village, Tambunan District, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia, Alab Mount and Mahua waterfall, Crocker Range from 1st Oct. until 7th Oct 2019. The objectives of these studies were to survey the ethnobotanical uses of the three wild Zingiber species used by the local Dusun communities of Tambunan, to extract essential oils from the major Zingiber species and lastly to determine the chemical components in the essential oils and to test it against bacteria. Ethnobotanical uses for these three Zingiber species are as follow, Z. pseudopungens leaves and stem are bitter; Z. viridifalvum sap is drinkable, medicine as anti-venom for snake-bite, pith cooked as soup and whole plant is for decorations and Z. coloratum plant is used as decorations, rhizome boiled made into soup and medicinal to treat diabetes. In this study, the preliminary phytochemical screening in both polar extract of ethanol and non-polar extract of n-hexane showed the presence of major secondary metabolites in these 3 types of studied Zingiber spp. GC-MS profiling gave the composition of few major compounds. Moreover, antibacterial assays of these oils had demonstrated that the Gram-positive bacteria in this study were more sensitive to the Zingiber spp. samples compared to the Gram-negative bacteria.