IPOH: The Taiping Municipal Council will take short- term measures to save the raintree that fell along the 630m Raintree Walk in Taiping Lake Gardens last month.
Council president Khairul Amir Mohamad Zubir however said an ornithologist (bird expert) would be consulted as well to provide advice before, during and after the tree restoration to protect a hornbill nest.
He said the presence of a pair of hornbills incubating their eggs is a key consideration in trying to avoid cutting down the tree.
“We will take short-term actions to save the fallen tree while ensuring that the habitat of hornbills and other wildlife in the area remains undisturbed.
“At the same time, the council is also planning for a conservation program as long-term action plan,” he said when contacted Monday (March 10).
On Feb 14, when the 140-year-old raintree fell due to heavy rain and strong winds, Taiping Zoo and Night Safari staff members had come together to save the hornbill’s nest by temporarily providing a perching platform.
Zoo director Dr Muhammad Ridhwan Affendi had said that he was informed about the Oriental Pied hornbill’s nest on the uprooted tree by bird enthusiasts.
Khairul Amir added that the report from the arborist stated that the tree had experienced major root decay over a long period, and that the failure of the root and trunk could be attributed to several factors.
He said the factors include lack of root plate, effect of the level of the lake water, decay mechanism, and trunk failure.
“So the arborist has recommended immediate short-term treatments such as removing dead or damaged main branches, pruning other dead branches, and removal of dead roots.
“All this is to ensure the structural load of the tree is reduced, to prevent pathogen attack, minimise decay risk, to reduce pest infestation, and to prevent disease spreading to healthy roots.
“After doing all that, the tree’s structure will become unstable, and thus it is recommended to carry out propping works, similar to what was done for another raintree that fell in 2016,” he said.
He added that while taking all the recommended measures, in this case it is important for the ornithologist to be present to monitor and protect the nest while the works are being carried out.
As for the long-term measures to protect the raintrees in stages, Khairul Amir said that would take about 10 years.
He said several treatment methods to address structural instability, root problems, and environmental factors over a long period would be looked into.
He said root pruning, root collar excavation, soil management, fungal treatment, and improving soil drainage systems are among the steps recommended.
“Despite all the steps taken, and to be taken, it is however unrealistic to expect a tree to be maintained without any possibility of failure.
“Trees are living organisms, and it is impossible to ensure they are completely free from risks such as falling or breaking branches,” he added.
