Biodiversity Study of Mangrove Forest in Lawas Sarawak

Abstract

Mangroves are one of the most abundant biological diversity with a valuable ecosystem. They are found on sheltered shores and in estuaries in tropical and subtropical regions. Mangrove ecosystems are made up of organisms that interact with each other in mangrove habitats. It is estimated that mangroves cover more than double the number of species found on land, with the best results occurring in tropical coastal areas. Mangroves are found in Malaysia, particularly in Sarawak, and have an area of around 167,312 ha, which is valuable both financially and ecologically. However, the majority of mangroves found in Southeast Asia are endangered, partially denuded, and have poor species diversity. Sarawak is one of the least affected areas, but there are only a few mangrove surveys being conducted there. The main goal of this study is to conduct a biodiversity study of the mangrove forest in Awat-Awat, Limbang, Sarawak. To support the objectives of the study, three transects were established. The results showed more than 20 species of this mangrove area from upstream to downstream, as well as some wildlife species. This abundance of biodiversity was due to the good environmental conditions, such as less pollution on the soil and better water quality. The ecological function of plants, animals, and the environmental conditions, such as the soil and water, are interdependent and interact to sustain their existence in the same environment, which is Awat- Awat Mangrove Forest (Lawas Limbang) Malaysia. This area can be supported as a potential edu-ecotourism research and development area for the mangrove region of Sarawak in Malaysia.