Preliminary Study On Orchid Species At Sulaman Lake Forest Reserve (Slfr) To Tuaran – Kota Belud Border Area

Abstract

A preliminary study on orchid species was carried out during the Geo Sulaman Scientific Expedition (EGOS) 2025 in Tuaran, Sabah. Orchid diversity in secondary and disturbed forests is still poorly understood, even though they are ecologically important and indicators of forest health. Therefore, this study was conducted to survey the richness of orchid species that can be found in two forest reserves: (i) Hutan Simpan Lema’as (Zone 1) and (ii) Hutan Simpan Kelawat (Zone 2); and two eco-tourism area in Zone 5: (i) Murug Turug and (ii) Monggiland. Therefore, the surveys were conducted along an easily accessible trails to record orchid species. The species were photographed, and their morphological characteristics were noted. A total of seven individual orchids were recorded in Hutan Simpan Kelawat, eight individuals along the Murug Turug Trail, and three individuals of orchids along the Monggiland Trail. However, none of the orchids were found in Hutan Simpan Lema’as. A total of 10 orchid genera were recorded along the surveyed trails, namely Aerides, Arachnis, Bulbophyllum, Dendrobium, Neuwiedia, Oncidium, Phalaenopsis, Thecopus, Vanilla, and Vrydagzynea. These results underscore the need for additional ecological surveys and imply that conditions of the habitat have an impact on orchid presence. Such initiatives are important for understanding local biodiversity and creating successful conservation plans.