Long Pasia Swamp Forests
Location:
4°30'-4°32'N, 115°33'-115°42'E; 65 km south of Sipitang, in the highlands on the Sarawak border, Sabah.
Area:
c.800 ha of swamps; catchment area c.50,000 ha.
Altitude:
c.1,450m.
Biogeographical Province:
4.25.12.
Wetland type:
14 & 21.
Description of site:
High altitude peat swamp forest associated with seasonal freshwater swamps. There is a small freshwater pond to the east. Water is permanent, but there is seasonal flooding with rainfall.
Climatic conditions:
Humid tropical climate; the average annual rainfall in the nearest lowlands is about 2,500 mm. The rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with slight peaks in April-May and October-November. Temperatures range from 12°C to 22°C.
Principal vegetation:
No information.
Land tenure:
Partly state owned and partly owned by Sabah Forest Industries.
Conservation measures taken:
Partly included within a Virgin Jungle Reserve of over 9,000 ha, gazetted in 1984.
Conservation measures proposed:
No information.
Land use:
No exploitation. Part of the hinterland is being logged by Sabah Forest Industries, with the intention of planting fast-growing exotic trees in some areas.
Possible Changes in Land use:
Logging surveys have been carried out in recent years, and there is a possibility that the forest resources will be exploited in the future.
Disturbances and threats:
No information.
Economic and social values:
A unique area of highland swamp forest; the only large area of highland swamp forest of this type in Sabah and therefore of considerable scientific interest. The swamp forest performs a valuable function in regulating the water supply to areas downstream.
Fauna:
Known to be an important refuge for wildlife, but no details are available.
Special floral values:
Agathis borneensis grows on the ridges. The flora includes a variety of rare orchids and rhododendrons with Sarawak affinities.
Criteria for Inclusion:
1a, 2b.
Source:
A. Phillipps.