By Karen Bong
KUCHING, April 15: The discovery of two new species, a unique land snail and a previously undocumented plant, in Simunjan Forest Reserve and Sabal Forest Reserve underscores the immense ecological value of Sarawak’s protected forests, which must continue to be preserved through sustainable management.
Forests Sarawak director Datu Hamden Mohammad revealed that researchers identified a new land snail species, Hemiplecta gambut sp., in the peat swamp ecosystem of Simunjan, notable for its distinct shell characteristics.
He added that another new species, a plant known as Sulettaria kimiana sp., was also discovered in Sabal Forest Reserve and is currently undergoing scientific documentation and publication.
“These discoveries demonstrate that our forest reserves are invaluable reservoirs of biodiversity that must be preserved sustainably,” he said in his speech text at the opening of the Seminar on the Scientific Expedition of Sabal and Simunjan Forest Reserves 2026 at a hotel here on Tuesday (April 14).
The event was officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
Hamden noted that the findings were the result of two major scientific expeditions, the Sabal Forest Reserve Expedition 2024 and the Simunjan Forest Reserve Expedition 2025, conducted in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).
The Sabal expedition, held from Nov 17 to 30, 2024, involved 108 participants and covered an area of about 2,613 hectares, serving as a key site for forest restoration, research, and social forestry initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Simunjan expedition, conducted from Aug 16 to 25, 2025, focused on a 3,884-hectare peat swamp forest, described as a unique “forest island” surrounded by development pressures.
The expedition brought together 105 participants from multiple agencies, including Sarawak Forestry Corporation and the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), to collect baseline data on flora, fauna, soil, and water quality.
In addition to the new species discoveries, Hamden said researchers also recorded the presence of the rare tarsier, a fully protected species under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998, further highlighting the ecological significance of the Simunjan forest.
He emphasised that scientific expeditions are not merely academic exercises but long-term investments that provide critical data for conservation planning and sustainable forest management.
“The data collected supports evidence-based decision-making by the government, particularly the Forest Department, in ensuring a balance between development and environmental conservation,” he said.
Hamden added that the expeditions also contribute to Sarawak’s aspiration of positioning itself as a globally recognised hub for tropical biodiversity research, driven by strong collaboration with local and international institutions, including universities, research bodies, and non-governmental organisations.
Findings from both expeditions have been compiled into special publications titled “Exploring Nature’s Recovery: Biodiversity Resilience” and “Simunjan Peat Swamp Forest Reserve: Biodiversity Resilience and Hidden Wonders,” which serve as key references for science-based conservation efforts in the State.
The seminar, held following the expeditions, brings together researchers, government agencies, NGOs, and local communities, featuring 26 oral presentations and 10 poster sessions aimed at sharing insights and strengthening collaboration in protecting Sarawak’s increasingly threatened ecosystems.
Hamden said such platforms are vital in fostering deeper understanding and coordinated action to ensure the long-term preservation of the State’s rich biodiversity for future generations. — DayakDaily
