Vegetation and botanical highlights of Pulau Sakar Forest Reserve

Pulau Sakar Forest Reserve, which was regazetted as Class VI forest reserve (Virgin Jungle Reserve) with an area of about 760 ha, is largely formed from intrusive igneous rocks, and is located on the large ultramafic island in Darvel Bay, Lahad Datu. A survey conducted on the vegetation quality in August 2009 shows that the reserve comprises 58% disturbed lowland ultramafic forest, 40% secondary vegetation with various qualities, while 1% of the reserve has been encroached by local villagers at the northeast portion of the VJR, and 1% classified as mangrove vegetation. A total of293 taxa from 80 families have been recorded from the reserve. Nine taxa found in the reserve are endemic to Borneo, and 3 are endemic to Sabah. None of the plants recorded is found to be endemic to Pulau Sakar. This paper also discusses the threats in the reserve, and puts forward recommendations in maintaining the integrity of this ultramafic ecosystem.