Loagan Ungar
Location:
4°14'N, 114°17'E; in the Baram River System, adjacent to the middle Baram 15 km downstream from Marudi, Fourth Division, Sarawak.
Area:
Less than 100 ha.
Altitude:
Less than 50m.
Biogeographical Province:
4.25.12.
Wetland type:
13.
Description of site:
A small, relatively isolated lagoon adjacent to the middle Baram, with a dense fringe of aquatic vegetation.
Climatic conditions:
Humid tropical climate with an average annual rainfall of 3,000 mm. The region is markedly drier than the nearby coastal zone, and has a pronounced dry season from June to October.
Principal vegetation:
The lagoon is fringed by a dense growth of Hanguana sp, and is surrounded by peat swamp forest.
Land tenure:
State owned.
Conservation measures taken:
None.
Conservation measures proposed:
Cox and Gombek (1985) have proposed that the site be gazetted as a Wildlife Sanctuary, and that Crocodylus porosus be re-introduced from captive stock. An environmental impact assessment of the proposed Batang Baram Flood mitigation project should be carried out, and ecological considerations fully taken into account before approval is given to the project.
Land use:
Intensive fishing in the lake; fishing and logging in surrounding areas.
Possible Changes in Land use:
The Batang Baram Flood Mitigation Project proposed by the Department of Drainage and Irrigation (DID) includes a flood-path to the west of the site and a short-cut to the southeast. The project has not yet been funded.
Disturbances and threats:
The DID Batang Baram Flood Mitigation Project could have a drastic effect on the hydrology and ecology of the site. The proposed flood-path I would bypass the lagoon on the western side, and the proposed river short-cut A would bypass a loop in the Baram River immediately to the southeast of the site.
Economic and social values:
The lagoon supports a small fishery.
Fauna:
The lagoon once supported a population of the Estuarine Crocodile Crocodylus porosus. Re-introduction of this species has been proposed, as suitable nesting habitat still exists at the site.
Special floral values:
None known.
Research and facilities:
A crocodile survey was carried out in 1985.
References:
Cox & Gombek (1985); DID Sarawak (1986).
Criteria for Inclusion:
0.
Source:
Sarawak Department of Drainage and Irrigation.