A study was conducted to characterize soil properties of a rehabilitated-degraded forestland and an adjacent natural forest in two major forest types, representing the lowland and hilldipterocarp forests at Bidor and Kinta Forest Reserves, respectively. Twelve soil profiles were dug at both sites. At Bidor site, the soil profiles were under rehabilitated secondaiy forests (B1 and B2), an abandoned Acacia mangium plantation (B3 and B4) and natural forests (B5 and B6) of lowland dipterocarp. However, at Kinta site, the soil profiles were located in differing topography: rehabilitated secondaiy forests at 450 m (K1 and K2), rehabilitated secondaiy forests at 550 m (K3 and K4) and natural forests at 650 m (K5 and K6) above sea level. The effect of rehabilitating the forests could be seen by the accumulation of organic matter in the uppermost layer, which was assumed to be at an intermediate stage of mineralization. The soil morphology in natural forests of Bidor site exhibited a thicker and darker upper horizon than that of the rehabilitated sites, whereas, those at Kinta site had pronounced soil color in the upper horizon, though to come from decomposition of organic matter. The soils were very acid (pH <5.5), having low activity clay resulting in low (<16 cmol c kg-1) Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), available P (Av. P), total nitrogen and exchangeable bases, but high in exchangeable Al. High exchangeable A1 was the main cause of soil acidity. The main source of negative charge was the organic matter which affected the CEC, Points Zero Salt Effect (PZSE) and op values. The soils were considered as strongly weathered, devoid of 2:1 type clay minerals. Kaolinite and gibbsite dominated the clay fraction of the soils at both sites. It is recommended that soil characteristics be taken into consideration prior and during the rehabilitation of degraded forestland in tropical rainforests.
Rafflesia is the most magnificent and largest flower in the world. In Southeast Asia, the species becoming endangered due to anthropogenic activities such as logging, conversion of forest into large-scale agricultural areas, urbanization and unsustainable ecotourism. This paper has specifically highlighted the efforts that have been taken by the Kelantan State Forestry Department (KFD) in ensuring the sustainability and survival of this gigantic flower in its natural habitat. A survey by Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) shows that many populations of Rafflesia were situated in the forest reserves under the administration of KFD, such as in Lojing, Mt. Chamah, Mt. Basor and Mt. Stong. A lot of initiatives have been implemented by KFD such as organising scientific expeditions and the establishment of the High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF). In July 2011, the State Government of Kelantan declared an area of 404 ha (1,000 acres) bordering Sg. Berok Forest Reserve in Lojing Highlands as the Rafflesia Preservation Area. This recognition by the state government resulted from collaboration efforts of UMK, KFD and South Kelantan Development Authority (KESEDAR). To date, KFD has established a total of two HCVFs in Kelantan and a new area of 50 ha in Compartment 1, Lojing Forest Reserve has also been dedicated for the protection of Rafflesia. This paper was also briefly discussed several issues and challenges in conserving Rafflesia in Kelantan such as the expansion of large-scale agricultural plantation, participation of local community, tourism and income generation, international and internal funds for conservation works, and provide an integrated tourism and management plans. Hopefully, this effort will lead to the establishment of a centre of excellence in nature conservation, ecotourism and scientific research of Rafflesia in Kelantan.
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