Introduction of Biological Parameters for Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) Classification for Permanent Forest Reserve: A Case Study Based on Small Vertebrates’ Assessments in Selangor

Abstract

Environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) is vital for seeking the balance between biodiversity conservation and land use planning based on the concept of sustainable development. However, the classification of ESA in Malaysia grounded on physical attributes and the biological elements neglected. Therefore, the aim of the study is to propose a new approach of ESA for permanent forest reserve classification by integrating biological parameters based on small vertebrates with the existing physical attribute of ESA classification. Three forest reserves in northern Selangor selected and four taxa of small vertebrate e.g. small mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles assessed to develop the biological parameters. Forty potential biological parameters were listed which were thoroughly screened and examined before final ten parameters were finalised. These parameters were composed of four categories including species diversity, trophic composition, origin of species and conservation status. An initial threshold values for each biological parameter were determined. The finding indicates the parameters are promising and the research need to further fine-tuned by conducting verification tests in various landscapes or regions before being integrated with physical attributes to enhance the existing classification of ESA in Malaysia.

First documentation on herpetofauna diversity in Gunung Belumut Amenity Forest, Peninsular Malaysia: Implications for conservation in an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA)

“…The implementation of ESAs is crucial for achieving a balance between biodiversity conservation and land-use planning, guided by the principles of sustainable development. However, the current classification of ESAs in Malaysia primarily focuses on physical attributes, such as slope gradients, elevations and risk levels, thereby potentially neglecting the biological aspects of the environment ( Shahfiz et al 2021 ). This evidence highlights the need for improvements to effectively fulfil the intended objectives of ESA classification.…”

Understorey bird assemblages in selected environmentally sensitive areas (ESA) of Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia

“…The identification of the Malaysian ESA is primarily based on physical attributes, such as degree of slope, elevation and risk of hazards with no biological or ecological component included ( Shahfiz et al 2021 ). Clearly, there is a need to improve this glaring omission, in order to meet its prescribed aim.…”

“…, NorHashim and Ramli (2013),Rajpar and Zakaria (2014),Barlow and Peres (2016) andShafie et al (2018). Members of the Pycnonotidae family dominated the understorey habitat of Malaysia's tropical forest.…”