Current view: Text account
Site description (2003 baseline):
Site location and context
(I) Physical CharacteristicsBanjaran Nakawan constitutes a continuous chain of hills stretching north to south on the Perlis State's border with the Satun Province of Thailand, with Thaleban National Park making up the Thai side of the range.Two Forest Reserves [Mata Ayer (2,156 ha) and Wang Mu (2,859 ha)] form the northern portion of the range, with Wang Tangga (private and State-owned land) in between them. The Perlis State Park is made up of these three areas. There are plans to incorporate the southern part of the range comprising of Bukit Bintang and Kurong Batang Forest Reserve into the Perlis State Park (hereafter PSP). Sungai Timah drains Mata Ayer and Wang Mu areas before flowing into the Timah-Tasoh Dam, which is situated adjacent to the proposed park (Bourke, 2000; DWNP, 1993; Hymeir 2000b; Khoo, 1997; Sharma, 1992; Latiff
et al, 2001). The range comprises of granite and mudstone in the northern tip and limestone of the Setul Formation for the rest of the Range. The northern portion of the of Mata Ayer lies on granite while the southern sections, Wang Tangga and Wang Mu lies on the dark-grey limestone of the Setul Formation (Sharma, 1992; Basir Jasin and Zaiton Harun, 2002), which is the oldest limestone in the peninsula. The Setul Formation is dated as Ordovician to Lower Devonian in geological times. This continuous formation with extensive cliff faces, interspersed with forest-covered valleys differs from the typical tower karst found in the peninsula (Kiew, 1993). The rock sequence is overlain by a sequence of clastic sedimentary rock that comprises shale, siltstone and sandstone and is known as the Kubang Pasu Formation. The age of the formation ranges from Carboniferous to Permian and the rock is conformably overlain by a Permo-Triassic limestone sequence, which is known as the Chuping Formation (Kamal Roslan Mohamed and Che Aziz Ali, 2001). Caves, cave formations and permanent underground streams are unique features to this range (Hymeir, 1998; Jones, 1965; Sharma, 1992; Hymeir et al, 1998).(II) Climatic ConditionsThe state park experiences warm and dry season from January to April, with temperature varying from 21-32
oC, and wet season in between September to December. The average annual rainfall is between 2,000-2,500 mm (Rahimatsah Amat and Kasim Osman, 2002).
Over 130 species of birds have been recorded recently through several surveys (DWNP, 1993; Gregory-Smith, 1995; Sharma, 1992; Noramly and Kanda Kumar, 2002; Shahrul Anuar Mohd. Sah
et al., 2001, 2002; Sharma
et al., 1996). The avifauna of the area has Malaysian-Thai affinities and suincluding some that are threatened, therefore qualifying for the Globally Threatened Species and Biome-Restricted Assemblages categories. The nominated site was also discovered to be another important area for migratory waterfowl and raptors especially for the northern region (Lim and Lim 2001). However, further surveys and observations are needed for confirmation. Great Hornbill, (Noramly, SE), - PSP76 Biome 14 (30NT), 2 VU, 1 dry zone
Non-bird biodiversity: A high level of floral species in Perlis State are restricted to limestone. The limestone forests found in the park are significant due to the occurence of some species with Indo-Chinese and Indo-Malayan floral element (Kiew, 1993). At least 215 species in 65 families, 22% being endemic to Malaysia and eight species to Perlis, are confined to such habitat. Some of the limestone endemics found in PSP are; Buxus holttumiana, Canarium perlisanum, Dischidia tomentella, Paraboea aff. lax, Epithema sp., Impatiens sp., Justicia rupestris and Tectaria manilensis var. chupingensis (Kiew, 1993). Sixteen and 56 species of freshwater aquatic plants and algae respectively (Ahmad Ismail et al., 2001).Seventy-one species and one variety of mosses in 36 genera and 19 families at Wang Kelian (Ahmad Damanhuri and Haja Maideen, 2001). Additional surveys at Wang Mu and surrounding areas recorded 56 species and two varieties in 28 genera and 13 families (Yong et al, 2002).Thirteen fungi species in nine genera (Muskhazli Mustafa and Faridah-Hanum, 2002).At least 66 taxa of pteridophytes, 57 species of ferns and nine species of fern-allies (Jaman et al., 2001; Maideen et al., 2002).Twenty aroid species with at least four considered rare; Arisaema roxburghii, A. wrayi, Rhaphidophora beccarii, Typhonium filiforme and T. flagelliforme (Baharuddin Sulaiman and Mashhor Mansor, 2002).One hundred and twenty-nine species of flowering plants from 164 genera and 76 families including a new record for Malaysia, Tetrasigma obtectum (Vitaceae) (Faridah-Hanum et al., 2001; Latiff et al., 2002).One hundred and thirty-one species of trees from 82 genera and 37 families were recorded in 1999 (Latiff et al., 2001) and another additional 35 species from 26 genera and 9 families were recorded in 2000 (Latiff et al., 2002).Fifty-four species of herbaceous plants from 27 families were encountered, several new to PSP and Perlis including the populations of Tectaria shahidaniana (F: Dryopteridaceae) (Rusea et al, 2001; 2002).Discovery of a local endemic medicinal plant, Goniothalamus umbrosus (Mat-Salleh and Lim 2001).Two freshwater crabs, Somanniathelphusa sexpunctata and Siamthelphusa improvisa, and two prawns, Macrobrachium tropii and M. pilimanus, respectively in Sungai Pelarit (Norhidayat Kamaruzzaman et al., 2002).Twenty-one species of gastropods including 6 new records (Jambari Hj. Ali and Azmi Yaakob, 2001).Twenty-two species of cicadas in 12 genera [(F: Cicadidae (14 species in 9 genera), Tibicinidae (8 species in 3 genera)] (Zaidi et al, 2002; 2001a).Twenty-five butterfly species in 20 genera representing 13 subfamilies in 4 families (Papilionidae, Pieridae, Nymphalidae and Hesperidae were recorded for Wang Kelian (Zaidi et al., 2001b).Thirteen species (4 families) and 46 species of amphibians and reptiles respectively (DWNP, 1993; Ibrahim Jaafar et al, 2001; Sharma et al, 2001).17 species from 8 families of freshwater fishes at Tasik Meranti and its tributaries, dominated by Systomus binotatus and Rasbora cf. sumatrana (Amiruddin B. Ahmad et al, 2001). Another 24 species representing 11 families of fishes were recorded from the headwaters of Sungai Timah (Abdullah Samat et al, 2002). Cyprinids form the major component of the freshwater fish community in PSP.Large population of bats especially Hipposideros diadema and H. larvatus roosting in caves within the area (Zubaid Akbar et al, 1987).Fifty-nine species of mammals (DWNP, 1993; Hymeir, 2000a; Sharma, 1992, 1994; Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim and Maarof Hassan, 1994; Shukor et al, 2002, 2001). (I) Globally threatened mammals (IUCN, 2002): CRITICAL: [Sumatran Rhinoceros Dicerorhinus sumatrensis]*; ENDANGERED: South-east Asian White-toothed Shrew Crocidura fuliginosa; VULNERABLE: Stump-tailed Macaque Macaca arctoides, Common Porcupine Hystrix brachyura, Serow Capricornis smatraensis; NEAR THREATENED: Banded Leaf-Monkey Presbytis melalophos, Long-tailed Macaque M. fascicularis, White-handed Gibbon Hylobates lar, Pangolin Manis javanica; DATA DEFICIENT: Malayan Sun Bear Helarctos malayanus(II) Globally threatened reptiles (IUCN, 2002): ENDANGERED: Elongated Tortoise Indotestudo elongata, Spiny Turtle Heosemys spinosa; VULNERABLE: Malayan Flat-shelled Turtle Notochelys platynota, Giant Asian Pond Turtle Heosemys grandis; NEAR THREATENED: Asian Leaf Turtle Cyclemys dentata(III) Globally threatened plants (IUCN, 2002): CRITICAL: Dipterocarpus kerrii, D. baudii, Parashorea lucida, Shorea guiso, S. hypochra; ENDANGERED: Hopea ferrea; VULNERABLE: Hopea odorata[ ] - Not confirmed* Reported present at the Wang Kelian area in the past by the locals, but the remaining forested area may not support any viable population. Its survival in the area is remote.
Due to its climate, the forests in PSP differ from that characteristic of most of the peninsula. It contains one of the last remaining stands of semi-deciduous forest - the White Meranti-
Gerutu seasonal forest - and secondary
Schima-bamboo forest. It also holds the most significant area of semi-deciduous forest over limestone in the country (Khoo, 1997; Sharma, 1992; Rahimatsah Amat and Kasim Osman, 2002; Latiff
et al, 2001). The White Meranti-Gerutu seasonal forest is characteristic of the Burmese-Thai region and is slightly different to the more common Red Meranti forest found in the peninsula. The White Meranti consists of several
Shorea species, dominated by
Shorea hypochra, and on the limestones,
Shorea roxburghii. The
Gerutu in PSP consists of several
Parashorea species, mainly
Parashorea stellata.The
Schima-bamboo forest is the predominant vegetation in the secondary forest and is of limited distribution in the peninsula.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The establishment of PSP has raised several conservation and socio-economic issues which may threaten the survival of the state park (Khoo, 1997; Rahimatsah Amat and Kasim Osman, 2002). (a)Illegal Collection and HuntingDue to rural poverty and the general absence of environmental awareness, incidence of exploitation of medicinal and ornamental plants has been observed. Local communities collect plants such as
Impatiens mirabilis, Cycas clivicola, Eurycoma longifolia, Labisia pumila and
Orthosiphon aristatus for immediate financial gain, fueled by high demands from urban populations ( Rahimatsah Amat and Kasim Osman, 2002, Rusea
et al., 2002). The absence of some expected species of birds, the lack of abundance of most of those species encountered during surveys and their shyness, seems to indicate that poaching of birds within the park boundaries is a possibility. An encounter with a presumed trapping station on a wild fruiting fig tree reinforced the suspicion (Noramly and Kanda Kumar, 2002). Illegal collection of cave formations is also a threat (Khoo, 1997).(b)DevelopmentInappropriate tourism development within PSP may arise and lead to poor visitation rates and the failure to generate revenues needed to meet the economic expectations of the implementing agency of the State government. Consequently, the threat of disenchantment with the programme by the State government believing that PSP serves no useful purpose, while the local communities will decrease their likelihood to make concerted efforts to protect the park's resources.The development of houses adjacent to the PSP boundary in Kampung Wang Kelian could also potentially threaten the liability as more unregulated activities (eg. poaching) and illegal intrusion occurs. The local Sunday market at the international borders, with its increasing popularity and human traffic, has seen more semi-permanent structures erected and cleanliness degenerate (Rahimatsah Amat and Kasim Osman, 2002)Developments around the Timah-Tasoh Dam may cause eutrophication and algal bloom, thus contaminating the water supply (Kumari and Ishak Ariffin, 1988). Clearence of water fringe vegetation has led to visible decrease in waterbird numbers utilizing the dam (Hymeir Kamarudin,
pers. comm.).(c)Introduction of exotic speciesThe introduction of exotic species of plants and wildlife has also occurred within PSP. Exotic trees planted at the park administrative centre has been removed and replaced with local species. Illegal translocation of Long-tailed Macaques (
Macaca fascicularis) from other problem areas into PSP may lead to intraspecific competition with the local population over resources and territories (Rahimatsah Amat and Kasim Osman, 2002). The bird population within PSP may decline due to high nesting failures caused by raids from the macaques. Introduced fishes,
Systomus gonionotus and
Oreochromis mossambicus, has been reported from Tasik Meranti (Amiruddin B. Ahmad
et al., 2001).(d)Transboundary park issuesTransboundary cooperation between both the PSP and Thaleban National Park is hampered by communication and financial problems, which threaten to result in over-exploitation of resources on one side of a border that would eventually create severe conservation problems.Security is also of concern. Due to its extensive length of the international boundary and the difficulties of regulating human movements, several threats have surfaced primarily the presence of illegal immigrants seeking employment in Malaysia and smuggling of drugs, firearms and goods (eg. diesel fuel, rice and cooking oils) among residents living adjacent to both parks (Rahimatsah Amat and Kasim Osman, 2002).
In early 1990, the Perlis Forestry Department proposed to the State Government to gazette the Wang Mu Forest Reserve as the state park. Under the
Perlis State Conservation Strategy, WWF Malaysia recognised the significance and importance of Mata Ayer Forest Reserve as a habitat for diverse and special species of flora and fauna, for its protective function with respect to watershed and protection from soil erosion and was recommended for conservation. Following subsequent surveys, it was proposed that the Mata Ayer and Wang Mu Forest Reserve be gazetted as a part of the PSP (Sharma, 1992). In 1993, The State Government agreed in principle to establish 1,000 ha of the Mata Ayer Forest Reserve as Wang Kelian State Park. In 1996, the proposed state park was extended to include Mata Ayer Forest Reserve, Wang Tangga and Wang Mu Forest Reserve (Latiff
et al., 2001). Currently, PSP is a park in name alone. However, steps are being taken to formally gazette the identified areas. Gazettement has been proposed under the National Forestry Act 1984 where some amendments as the National Forestry (Amendment) (Adoption) Enactment 1994 [SUK.(Ps.) 04/090 SK.6]are being made to accommodate state parks (Khoo, 1997). Currently, PSP is classified as a water catchment area and forest sanctuary for wildlife (under gazette plan no. PW 1292) of the National Forestry Act Section 10(1)(e)(f) (Rahimatsah Amat and Kasim Osman, 2002). The objectives of the establishment of PSP are listed down by Kasim and Rahimatsah (2002). However, the current classification of forest does not provide adequate protection for the park as it does not provide the different management objectives and zoning required for a state park. Thus, a model legislation has been proposed for PSP known as National Forestry Act 1984 (Amendment) (Perlis) Enactment 2001, which inserts an additional classification known as "state park" to the existing Section 10(1). On acceptance of the new classification (state park) by the State Legislative Assembly, the existing classes of Permanent Forest Estates will be reclassified as "state park" using Section 10(3). Rules for the "state park" would then be established using Section 111, where legal administration and management of the state park will be established.The Timah-Tasoh Dam is administered by the Perlis State Government through the State Drainage and Irrigation Department and is open to the public. Currently there are no plans by the State Government to increase the protection of the lake. Protection of both sites will ensure the continuity of the hydrological cycle and the state's water supply. The area has also been identified to possess ecotourism potential (Kadderi, 2001; Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, 1996; Abdullah Mohd. and Mohd. Ariff Jamaluddin, 2001; Mohd. Ariff Jamaluddin and Abdullah Mohd., 2001).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Nakawan Range (Malaysia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/nakawan-range-iba-malaysia on 22/11/2024.
