Forest Type In Sabah

The natural vegetation of Sabah is mainly influenced by two factors: soil (edaphic factor) and elevation (altitudinal zonation) (www.forest.sabah.gov.my). Thus, more than 10 forest types can be recognized.

In general, Sabah’s vegetation is spread out from coastal beach forest and mangrove to lowland dipterocarp forest, hill dipterocarp forest and eventually montane forest.

1. BEACH FOREST
Beach forest occurs along much of Sabah's coastline as well as on some offshore islands. However it is decreasing due to increasing coastal development schemes. Casuarina equisetifolia (rhu pantai) is a dominant tree species colonizing beaches.

  2. MANGROVE FOREST

Mangrove forest cover a greater  area in Sabah than in other states in Malaysia, occurring mostly along the eastern and southeastern coasts of the state. The most common species of  mangrove trees is  the  Rhizophora sp.  and Bruguiera sp., often growing in almost pure stands. Although large scale harvesting of mangrove chips for export was phased out in 1986, mangroves are widely used locally for  piling, firewood and charcoal production. Mangroves are also important in physically protecting the coastlines and serve as the habitat and breeding ground for fish and prawns.

3. NIPAH FOREST
Nipah forest is sometimes found mixed with mangrove. It is not as salt tolerant as mangrove and usually occurs where there is more fresh water. Local settlement often uses the Nipah palm leaves for roofing or "atap", and the sap is used for fuel. Certain areas in Sandakan were once known as "energy plantations" because of the large areas of nipah.

4. TRANSITIONAL FOREST

Transitional forest occurs between mangrove,  nipah or swamp forest and dry land forest. It is dominated by such species  such as the ‘Nibong’ (e.g.  Oncosperma sp. etc.) palms, rattan and ‘Merbau’ (Intsia palembanica).  

5. SWAMP FOREST

Swamp forest may be broadly separated into peat swamp and fresh water swamp, occuring mostly in river deltas. Fresh water swamp, occurring mostly in river deltas. Fresh water swamps receive their water supply from streams and rivers, while peat swamps receive moisture solely from rainfall.

6. DIPTEROCARP FOREST

Dipterocarp forest (Dipterocarp literally means "twowinged fruit") is the major forest type in Sabah. These forests are taller  than any  other  broad-leaved tropical rainforest in the world, and their market value is in the high range compared with  other rainforests in the world. Buttresses  are common features on trees from lowland forests of this type, as is the phenomenon of cauliflory - the production of flowers  and fruits on stems. It  is the dipterocarp forest that most  of the best timber species occur. Normally growing  at up to 900m above  sea level, dipterocarp forest can be further subdivided into at least 8 different types, each with its own unique features influenced by the location and the height from sea level.

7. RIVERINE FOREST

Riverine forest is distinct from those in the hinterland in terms of species composition. Generally less market value than timer, riverine forest plays an important role in absrbing effects of flood, protecting riverbanks, reducing soil erosion from hill slopes into rivers.

8. HEATH OR KERANGAS FOREST

Heat forest or "Kerangas" is characterized by small trees with small, leathery leaves, climbing plants and often, epiphytes plants associated with ants. These forests occur on highly leached, thin soils with sandstone. Examples ma be seen on the forested hills in the Sandakan Peninsula. They are relatively poor in timber trees and wildlife.

9. ULTRAMAFIC FOREST

Ultramafic forest possesses a different forest structure than other forests with smaller tree crowns and leaves, and a characteristically even tree canopy cover. Some examples can be found on hills near Telupid, Sabah.

10. MONTANE FOREST

Montane forest is normally defined as forest growing at 900m or more above sea level. In Sabah, it is found mostly in the Crocker Range and on Mount Kinabalu. Oaks and chestnuts are prevalent, often appearing stunted due to prevailing strong winds and a harsher environment.

11. CLOUD FOREST

Cloud forest occurs from about 2,200m above  sea level and grows on very  shallow soils. Prominent examples may be  seen at 3,300m  onwards on Mount  Kinabalu,  where lichens and red rhododendrons growing on conifers such as the Dacrydium beccarri trees are common sights.  

12. SUB-ALPINE FOREST

Sub-alpine foresT occurs only on Mount Kinabalu above 3,000m. Here, the trees, growing on patches of soil trapped between rock crevices, are less than 0.5m high. They are twisted, gnarled and have few leaves that are quite thick.

This article is edited and republished from www.forest.sabah.gov.my with permission. This article is for Wood-based Technology Program, Politeknik Kota Kinabalu information only, profitable tendency is non of our business.