MERSING, May 24: A team of 78 Malaysian and international researchers recently spent five days studying the Lenggor and Mersing Forest Reserves, which are part of the Central Forest Spine, a huge stretch of connected forests that helps wildlife move safely across Peninsular Malaysia.
They found many rare plants and animals, including pitcher plants (Nepenthes rafflesiana and gracilis), wild orchids, and iconic species such as the Great Argus pheasant, Rhinoceros hornbill, Malayan tapir, and sun bear. These discoveries show that the area is still rich in life and worth protecting, according to a report by Bernama.
The project was led by the Johor Forestry Department, with support from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) and partners like Copenhagen Zoo Malaysia. The findings will be published in a book and presented at a seminar next year.
To keep the momentum going, Johor Forestry and UTHM signed a Letter of Intent to create a “CFS Living Lab” — a long‑term research and education hub focused on forest conservation.
Local villagers from nine communities in Kluang and Mersing also joined the new Sahabat CFS (Friends of CFS) initiative, acting as guardians of the forest to prevent illegal logging and protect wildlife.
The Central Forest Spine, covering 6.7 million hectares, is vital for large animals like tigers and elephants, linking fragmented habitats so they can roam freely.
The exploration confirmed that Johor’s forests are still teeming with life, and the government, scientists, and local communities are working together to keep them that way.
WE