Species Richness And Abundance Of Rhododendrons Along The Marai Parai To West Gurkha Hut Trail

Abstract

A survey conducted from October 6th to 12th, 2023, along the Marai Parai to West Gurkha Hut trails in the Mount Kinabalu area, has revealed important insights into the distribution and abundance of Rhododendron species. The survey results show considerable variation in Rhododendron populations across different elevations and habitats. Notably, Transect 7 recorded the highest number of individuals (640) and species diversity (4), suggesting this area may serve as a key hotspot for Rhododendron diversity. Transect 8 followed closely with 533 individuals and 2 species. In contrast, no Rhododendron individuals were detected in Transects 1, 3, and 11, located at elevations of 1,043 m, 1,529 m, and 3,660 m above sea level (a.s.l), respectively. Overall, 15 distinct species were identified in the Marai Parai region, with eight species observed along the trail from Marai Parai to West Gurkha Hut. These findings underscore the ecological significance of the region as a biodiversity hotspot and emphasize the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts to protect these species.