Short Notes On Mangrove Vegetation In The Proposed Extension Of Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark (KUGGP)

Abstract

This study documented the mangrove vegetation within the proposed extension of the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark (KUGGp) with transect surveys sampling conducted across four sites: Sulaman Lake Area, Sungai Kindu Kampung Serusop, and Sungai Betutai. Field surveys were carried out over three days using both terrestrial and marine observations, and a total of 24 mangrove species were identified, comprising 12 exclusive and 12 associate species. Among the surveyed zones, Kampung Serusop exhibited the highest species richness with 18 species, followed by Sungai Betutai (9 species), Sungai Kindu (7 species), and Sulaman Lake Area (5 species). Rhizophora apiculata and Rhizophora mucronata were the most widely distributed species, occurring in all four zones, while other species such as Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Avicennia alba and Ceriops tagal were restricted to specific locations, highlighting localised habitat conditions. The higher diversity observed in Kampung Serusop was attributed to the use of both terrestrial and marine survey methods. These findings emphasized the ecological importance of mangrove habitats in the proposed KUGGp extension area, underscoring their role in supporting biodiversity and providing critical ecosystem services. To preserve the long-term sustainability of Sabah's mangrove ecosystems, these zones had to be included in future conservation and management plans.