KOTA KINABALU: A wildlife and resources survey will be conducted to discover the ecological riches of Sabah’s renowned Maliau Basin, dubbed the “Lost World” due to its uncharted landscapes.
The two-week Maliau Basin Resources and Wildlife Survey, beginning on Monday (May 13), is aimed at cementing Sabah's conservation efforts across extensive terrain in the Maliau Basin Conservation Area.
Yayasan Sabah director Datuk Gulamhaidar Khan Bahadar (pic) said the survey was part of efforts by Yayasan Sabah Group in drafting the third Maliau Basin Strategic Management Plan.
"(This) study is to gather the latest information on the biodiversity of flora, fauna and animal species in Maliau Basin and its surrounding area," he said.
The survey's objectives include compiling essential data, documenting wildlife abundance and distribution, assessing the area's potential for tourism development, and identifying research questions for future exploration, he added.
A total of nine campsites have been identified for the survey to ensure comprehensive coverage within a 5km radius.
The survey is spearheaded by Sabah Wildlife Department and also involves the Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Parks, NGO Hutan-KOCP, WWF-Malaysia, Sabah Environmental Trust, Sabah Tourist Guides Association and various universities.
This survey is the second following an initial one conducted in 2013.
After the survey, a seminar will be held to reveal the findings.
