Journal of Sustainability Science and Management Special Issue Number 1: The International Seminar on the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea 2016: 48-60 ISSN: 1823-8556 © Penerbit UMT TREE SPECIES COMPOSITION IN PULAU BIDONG AND PULAU REDANG ELIZABETH PESIU*1, MOHD TAJUDDIN ABDULLAH1,2, JAMILAH SALIM2 AND MUHAMMAD RAZALI SALAM2 Centre for Kenyir Ecosystem Research, Kenyir Research Institute, 2School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia. 1 *Corresponding author: elizabethpesiu@yahoo.com Abstract: Island is a landmass surrounded by water and occupied by extensive stands of forest with diverse tree species. Tree is a critical plant formation because it is the major component that made up the forest canopy. The availability of extensive forest canopy is crucial for most animals such as birds, mammals, insects, and reptiles mainly for food, shield and shelter. However, information on the composition and distribution on the tree taxa in the off-coast islands of Terengganu are scarce. Therefore, a study was carried out to provide taxonomic lists of tree species in the islands of Terengganu that covers Pulau Bidong and Pulau Redang. Forest plot of 50m x 50m was used to analyze the loristic composition of tree taxa. The plot was divided into four equal square subplots of 25m x 25m. All trees with 5cm dbh and above were tagged, measured in terms for dbh size and height, recorded and identiied. Voucher specimens were taken for further veriication purposes. A total of 102 tree species were recorded comprising of 37 families and 66 genera. This inding is relevant in our understanding of the forest ecosystem dynamic for conservation management purposes. Keywords: Species composition, forest management, dipterocarp, Pulau Bidong, Pulau Redang, tree species composition, South China Sea. Introduction Study on islands have been raised and developed since a long time ago to give way for a better understanding on ecology and evolution. The idea of evolution and speciation by Darwin and Wallace is once designed through studies on islands (Vitousek et al., 1996). An island is a landmass that is surrounded by the ocean and occupied by extensive stands of forest with diverse tree species and faunas. Together, they made up the land and sea ecosystem of the universe. According to Zimmer (2012), there is signiicant bonding between the life on the land and life on the ocean, by means whenever the links are shattered the ecosystem would experience a big effects or major changes mainly on communities or species level. The island is useful in ecological studies due to its geographic isolation from the source populations on the mainland. The populations, communities and ecosystems are resistance entities that tolerate through a geographical limitation with vital processes, properties and interactions occur in a simpler way (Vitousek et 7 (INOS).indd 48 al., 1996). However, in order to know more on such complex interactions require understanding on one of their basic biotic elements of the ecosystems such as trees. According to Suratman (2012), trees provide resources and habitat structure for almost other species of plants and animals and they are responsible for various processes that affect ecosystem dynamics (McGuire, 2002). For example, trees obtained carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis; some herbivores obtain carbon by feeding on the plants in the atmosphere, carnivores acquire carbon through hunting of other animals and decomposers gain carbon from the dead organisms. In addition, the leaching of dissolved organic compound requires the low of carbon from the terrestrial ecosystem to the aquatic ecosystem (McGuire, 2002) providing vital relationship between the land and ocean. Today, the islands of Malaysia are occupied with sizeable patches of primary forests and extensive stands of secondary forests. For example, Pulau Redang that was declared as 11/2/16 3:20 PM TREE SPECIES COMPOSITION IN PULAU BIDONG AND PULAU REDANG Marine Park in Malaysia consists of several types of vegetation that consists of lowland, coastal and mangrove forest (Khairil et al., 2012). Meanwhile, another island such as Pulau Bidong was well-known for its historical site, providing a temporary home for the Vietnamese boat people during 1970s and 1980s (Vu, 2007). In addition, Pulau Perhentian is famous for its white sandy beaches and tourism activities. Therefore, the forests bring about ecological and socio-economics importance in terms of goods and services (such as, forestry and isheries resources; recreation and ecotourism) (Khairil et al., 2012). As the islands are part of the Terengganu State Park, a lot of baseline data are required to manage and conserve these areas. Presently, data on the diversity of lora in the off-coast islands of Terengganu are scarce. In this paper, the forest management operation through inventories on tree species diversity was done. As a dominant plant forms, trees are easy to locate precisely and to count (Khairil et al., 2012). Moreover, tree is the dominant plant forms that made up the forest canopy that supports good shading and shelter to the shade speciic plants and animals especially wildlife. Therefore, the objective of this study is to provide taxonomic lists of plant species and their composition in two off-coast islands of Terengganu. The distribution and abundance data are absolutely applicable in our understanding of the forest ecosystem dynamic for conservation management purposes. Methodology Study Site The study was conducted in the off-coast islands of Terengganu that covers Pulau Bidong and Pulau Redang (N 05°48.691’ E 103°00.455). According to Khairil et al. (2012) on the studies done N 05°37.139”, E 103°03.494 in Pulau Redang, the island did experience tropical climate and is affected by the north-east monsoon (November to March) causing heavy rain, strong winds and big waves. Rainfall is reported to be as high as 615 mm in December compared to only 120 m in April after the monsoon periods 49 (Khairil et al., 2012 as in Ridzwan & Sharifah, 1996). The weather was light with some interval of median rate of rains throughout the seven days of sampling period conducted in Pulau Redang on July 2015 while in Pulau Bidong light weather happened throughout the sampling period on June 2015. Pulau Bidong is covered by the secondary forests with the size of 260 hectare. Plot establishment was done at the coastal forest near to the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu research station. It is the only area that accessible to tourists and visitors with only 4 kilometer hilly trail for hiking. It was believed that the area where the plot was established once was cleared down by the Vietnamese refugees that settled in the island. In addition, general phenology of the forest was observed within and outside of the plot. There was no sign of obvious lowering and fruiting in the plot but some tree species such as Diospyrus sp. was seen to bear fruits. A lot of leaf litters seen on the forest loor indicates leaf fall event and promotes the productions of new leaves. However, it differs for the phenology seen outside the plot. Heavy lowering and fruiting were observed around the UMT research station with the trees of Terminalia catappa (Ketapang) was in heavy fruiting whilst the Hibiscus tiliaceus in heavy lowering. Meanwhile, in Pulau Redang the study was done at Sea Turtle Research Unit (SEATRU), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. Pulau Redang with the size of 1,909 hectares are covered with a total of approximately 1,200 hectares forest area) (Khairil et al., 2012). Small patches of primary forest still can be seen at SEATRU due to the fact that the area is being protected for the turtle conservation effort. The panoramic view of the bay decorated by the sandy whitish beach and blue ocean made up the front frame work of the coastal primary forest located just behind the SEATRU cabin. Exploring inside the forest, strong stands of trees with some palms species can be seen covering the forest loor. The forest was in the middle of new leaves production with many trees observed to produce young new leaves often mistaken as lowers if seen from far. J. Sustain. Sci. Manage. Special Issue Number 1: The International Seminar on the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea 2016: 48-60 7 (INOS).indd 49 11/2/16 3:20 PM Elizabeth Pesiu et al. 50 Figure 1: Map showing the location of Pulau Bidong and Pulau Redang, indicated by the rectangular mark Plot Establishment and Data Collection The forest plot establishment was done following Remi et al. (2012) in the checklist of trees in the Crocker Range Park Permanent Research Plot, Sabah Malaysia. Forest plot with a size of 50 metre (m) x 50 metre (m) with (25 m x 25 m subplot) instead of 10 m x 10 m subplot (Remi et al., 2012) was done at both islands. The trees with 5 cm diameter breast height (dbh) and above were measured in terms of dbh and height, tagged with lagging ribbon and identiication of trees was done in-situ. For the estimation of height, clinometer was used to get the angle in degree and the height was calculated by using trigonometric calculation. There are a total of 963 standing trees for both plots. Therefore only 10 trees at the beginning being measured and the height were then compared to the other trees to give way for tree species identiication. However, for the big gigantic tree that reached 40cm dbh and above, the angle and distance was taken for each tree for height calculation. Museum voucher specimen of every tree species were taken for further identiication and veriication purposes. Results Based on the inventory, a total of 102 tree species were recorded comprising of 37 families and 66 genera. There were still few species that were unable to be identiied. The trees from the genus Bouea, Heritiera and Syzygium could not be identiied until the species level. Therefore, the species were named by using numbered morphospecies (e.g., Syzygium sp. 1) to give way for the numbering and counting of tree taxa (Senterre et al., 2015). Meanwhile, there were a total of 18 individuals of trees that still could not be identiied even at family level and still in the process of identiication. The list of tree species and respective composition recorded in Pulau Bidong and Pulau Redang was shown in Table 1. The inding of this study was then compared to the previous studies that focused on some forested island in Peninsular Malaysia as shown in Table 2. J. Sustain. Sci. Manage. Special Issue Number 1: The International Seminar on the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea 2016: 48-60 7 (INOS).indd 50 11/2/16 3:20 PM TREE SPECIES COMPOSITION IN PULAU BIDONG AND PULAU REDANG 51 Table 1: List of tree species and compositions at Pulau Bidong and Pulau Redang: B, Pulau Bidong; P, Pulau Redang Family Species B R Anacardiaceae Bouea oppositifolia (Roxb.) Meisn. 6 3 Anacardiaceae Bouea sp. 1 nil 1 Anacardiaceae Buchanania arborescens (Blume) Blume 21 nil Anacardiaceae Dracontomelon dao (Blanco) Merr. & Rolfe 1 nil Anacardiaceae Mangifera macrocarpa Blume nil 2 Anacardiaceae Mangifera odorata Griff. nil 1 Anacardiaceae Parishia insignis Hook.f. nil 3 Anacardiaceae Swintonia loribunda Griff. nil 1 Anacardiaceae Swintonia schwenkii (Teijsm. & Binn.) Teijsm. & Binn. 3 nil Annonaceae Goniothalamus tenuifolius King. nil 1 Annonaceae Polyalthia sumatrana (Miq.) Kurz. nil 1 Burseraceae Dacryodes rostrata (Blume) H.J. Lam. nil 3 Burseraceae Santiria rubiginosa Blume. nil 1 Burseraceae Santiria sp. 2 nil Calophyllaceae Mesua ferrea L. nil 3 Calophyllaceae Mesua lepidota T. Anderson . nil 1 Calophyllaceae Mesua sp. 1 nil Celastraceae Kokoona sessilis Ding Hou nil 1 Clusiaceae Garcinia eugeniifolia Wall. ex T. Anderson 1 nil Clusiaceae Garcinia hombroniana Pierre 6 nil Clusiaceae Garcinia nigrolineata Planch. ex T. Anderson 21 nil Clusiaceae Garcinia sp nil 3 Dipterocarpaceae Dipterocarpus chartaceus Symington. 2 nil Dipterocarpaceae Shorea glauca King. nil 41 Dipterocarpaceae Shorea materialis Ridl. 20 nil Dipterocarpaceae Vatica cinerea King. 74 1 Dracaenaceae Dracaena maingayi Hook.f. nil 1 Ebenaceae Diospyros pilosanthera Blanco . nil 25 Ebenaceae Diospyros sp nil 27 Ebenaceae Diospyros sp. 1 nil 1 Ebenaceae Diospyrus sp. 4 nil Erythroxylaceae Erythroxylum cuneatum (Miq.) Kurz 1 nil Euphorbiaceae Austrobuxus nitidus Miq. 32 nil Euphorbiaceae Baccaurea parvilora (Müll.Arg.) Müll.Arg. nil 3 J. Sustain. Sci. Manage. Special Issue Number 1: The International Seminar on the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea 2016: 48-60 7 (INOS).indd 51 11/2/16 3:20 PM Elizabeth Pesiu et al. 52 Euphorbiaceae Chaetocarpus castanocarpus (Roxb.) Thwaites 6 nil Euphorbiaceae Croton sp nil 7 Euphorbiaceae Drypetes sp. 3 nil Euphorbiaceae Koilodepes sp nil 9 Euphorbiaceae Madhuca sericea (Miq.) H.J. Lam nil 32 Euphorbiaceae Madhuca tubulosa H.J. Lam nil 1 Euphorbiaceae Suregada multilora (Juss.) Baill. var. multilora. nil 1 Fabaceae Ormosia sumatrana (Miq.) Prain nil 1 Fagaceae Lithocarpus rassa (Miq.) Rehder 24 nil Flacourtiaceae Hydnocarpus sp nil 1 Guttiferae Calophyllum rupicola Ridl. 65 nil Lauraceae Cinnamomum sintoc Blume. nil 1 Lauraceae Litsea sp nil 20 Lecythidaceae Barringtonia scortechinii King. nil 12 Leguminosae Archidendron contortum (Martelli) I.C. Nielsen 21 nil Loganiaceae Norrisia malaccensis Gardner. 14 nil Melastomataceae Memecylon sp nil 1 Melastomataceae Memeycylon sp. 1 nil Moraceae Artocarpus kemando Miq. nil 1 Moraceae Artocarpus lanceifolius Roxb. nil 5 Myristicaceae Knema glauca (Blume) Warb. 1 4 Myristicaceae Knema globularia (Lam.) Warb. nil 6 Myristicaceae Knema laurina (Blume) Warb. 1 nil Myrtaceae Rhodamnia cinerea Jack 10 nil Myrtaceae Syzygium cerinum (M.R. Hend.) I.M. Turner. 30 nil Myrtaceae Syzygium cinereum (Kurz) P. Chantaranothai & J. Parn. 49 nil Myrtaceae Syzygium grande (Wight) Walp. 12 2 Myrtaceae Syzygium sp. 1 nil 1 Myrtaceae Syzygium sp. 1 4 nil Myrtaceae Syzygium sp. 2 26 nil Myrtaceae Syzygium sp. 3 2 nil Myrtaceae Syzygium sp. 4 2 nil Myrtaceae Syzygium syzygioides (Miq.) Merr. & L.M. Perry. 5 nil Myrtaceae Syzygium zeylanicum (L.) DC. 3 1 Ochnaceae Brackenridgea hookeri (Planch.) A. Gray 3 nil J. Sustain. Sci. Manage. Special Issue Number 1: The International Seminar on the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea 2016: 48-60 7 (INOS).indd 52 11/2/16 3:20 PM TREE SPECIES COMPOSITION IN PULAU BIDONG AND PULAU REDANG 53 Ochnaceae Campylospermum serratum (Gaertn.) Bittrich & M.C.E. Amaral 10 nil Phyllanthaceae Cleistanthus sp nil 1 Phyllanthaceae Cleistanthus sumatranus (Miq.) Müll.Arg. nil 9 Polygalaceae Xantophyllum sp. 3 nil Rosaceae Licania splendens (Korth.) Prance 87 nil Rosaceae Maranthes corymbosa Blume nil 1 Rosaceae Maranthes sp. 1 nil Rubiaceae Aidia densilora (Wall.) Masam. nil 1 Rubiaceae Canthium glabrum Blume. nil 4 Rubiaceae Canthium nitidum 13 nil Rubiaceae Canthium sp nil 1 Rubiaceae Diplospora malaccensis Hook.f. 1 2 Rubiaceae Ixora pendula Jack var. pendula nil 5 Rubiaceae Morinda elliptica (Hook.f.) Ridl. 2 nil Rubiaceae Psydrax sp. 2 nil Rubiaceae Timonius wallichianus (Korth.) Valeton. 1 nil Rutaceae Acronychia pedunculata (L.) Miq 2 6 Rutaceae Atalantia monophylla (L.) DC nil 1 Sapindaceae Guioa bijuga (Hiern) Radlk. 11 nil Sapotaceae Madhuca longistyla (King & Gamble) H.J. Lam 3 nil Sapotaceae Palaquium obovatum (Griff.) Engl. 4 nil Sapotaceae Pouteria malaccensis (C.B. Clarke) Baehni. nil 2 Sapotaceae Pouteria obovata (R.Br.) Baehni 14 1 Simaroubaceae Eurycoma longifolia Jack 1 nil Sterculiaceae Heritiera simplicifolia (Mast.) Kosterm. nil 3 Sterculiaceae Heritiera sp. 1 nil Sterculiaceae Heritiera sp. 2 1 nil Sterculiaceae Sterculia parvilora Roxb. ex G. Don. nil 1 Symplocaceae Symplocos adenophylla Wall. ex G. Don 36 nil Ulmaceae Gironiera sp. 2 nil Verbenaceae Teijsmanniodendron coriaceum (C.B. Clarke) Kosterm., 3 1 Violaceae Rinorea sp nil 1 Unidentiied sp. 11 7 Total 686 277 J. Sustain. Sci. Manage. Special Issue Number 1: The International Seminar on the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea 2016: 48-60 7 (INOS).indd 53 11/2/16 3:20 PM Elizabeth Pesiu et al. 54 Table 2:Number of tree species with comparison of the other studies focusing on the island Study Presence studies Pesiu et al. (2015) Location Number of tree species recorded Pulau Bidong (0.25 ha) 55 Pulau Redang (0.25 ha) 55 Pulau Perhentian (Plot 1, 0.25 ha) 22 Pulau Perhentian (Plot 2, 0.25 ha) 35 Senterre et al. (2015) Pulau Babi Tengah, Johor 77 Khairil et al. (2012) Pulau Redang (Coastal forest plot, 0.1 ha) 48 Pulau Redang (Inland forest plot, 0.1 ha) 50 Pulau Singa Besar, Langkawi (0.5 ha) 84 Pulau Timun, Langkawi (0.5 ha) 75 Bukit Matchinchang Langkawi (2.0 ha) 117 Rohaiza (2011) Raffae (2003) Most of the trees in Pulau Bidong have a dbh size ranging from 5 cm until 44.99 cm dbh and the height of the trees ranging from 3 m until 22.99 m. Meanwhile, in Pulau Redang more dbh size and height class presented. The dbh size of the trees ranging from 5 until 124.99 cm while the tree height ranging from 3 m until 52.99 m. The comparison of dbh size and height of the trees in Pulau Bidong and Pulau Redang were shown in Table 3 and Table 4 respectively. Following the above information, there are 15 species listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species out of 102 species recorded in Table 4 (IUCN, 2015). Apart from that, the island tree species also have economic value and some potential uses. Listed in Table 6, were the tree species name with simple descriptions of their uses in daily life. It was found out that 34 out of 102 tree species recorded have the economic value because of their potential uses either as a timber, food, medicine and others. Discussion Tree Species Composition and Distribution The results of this study show that Pulau Bidong and Pulau Redang are occupied by a variety of tree species that is vital for ecosystem dynamics. Table 3: No of individuals of different DBH class in Pulau Bidong and Pulau Redang J. Sustain. Sci. Manage. Special Issue Number 1: The International Seminar on the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea 2016: 48-60 7 (INOS).indd 54 11/2/16 3:20 PM TREE SPECIES COMPOSITION IN PULAU BIDONG AND PULAU REDANG 55 Table 4: No of individuals of different height class in Pulau Bidong and Pulau Redang Table 5: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: The IUCN status were indicated as LC, Least Concern/ Lower Risk; NR, Near Threatened; VU, Vulnerable; EN, Endangered; CR, Critically Endangered; EW, Extinct in the Wild; EX, Extinct. The location or island were indicated as B, Pulau Bidong; R, Pulau Redang Family Species Status Location Dipterocarpaceae Dipterocarpus chartaceus Symington. CR B Dipterocarpaceae Shorea materialis Ridl. CR B Dipterocarpaceae Vatica cinerea King. EN B, R Dipterocarpaceae Shorea glauca King. EN R Celastraceae Kokoona sessilis Ding Hou VU R Sapotaceae Madhuca longistyla (King & Gamble) H.J. Lam VU R Anacardiaceae Mangifera macrocarpa Blume VU R Sterculiaceae Sterculia parvilora Roxb. ex G. Don. LC R Rosaceae Maranthes corymbosa Blume. LC R Rosaceae Licania splendens (Korth.) Prance LC B Ochnaceae Brackenridgea hookeri (Planch.) A. Gray LC B Myristicaceae Knema globularia (Lam.) Warb. LC R Euphorbiaceae Madhuca tubulosa H.J. Lam LC R Burseraceae Dacryodes rostrata (Blume) H.J. Lam. LC R Annonaceae Goniothalamus tenuifolius King. LC R Tree species from the timber family that is Shorea glauca and Madhuca sericea dominates the forested land of Redang. Similarly, Khairil et al. (2012) on the study of tree species for two forest types at Pulau Redang recorded the species of Shorea glauca to be the most important species in the island. This indicates that the forested land of Pulau Redang is still protected beyond of its popular tourism destination status that seeks for more land settlements through years. Meanwhile, little is known on the historical island of Bidong. The indings of this study make known of some dominant tree species that exist in the island such as Licania splendens, Vatica cinerea and Syzygium cinereum. Perhaps the indings of this study would give some J. Sustain. Sci. Manage. Special Issue Number 1: The International Seminar on the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea 2016: 48-60 7 (INOS).indd 55 11/2/16 3:20 PM Elizabeth Pesiu et al. 56 Table 6: Potential uses of island tree species following Burkill, (1966) Family Species Uses Anacardiaceae Mangifera odorata Griff. Food Anacardiaceae Parishia insignis Hook.f. Timber Anacardiaceae Swintonia loribunda Griff. Matches Annonaceae Polyalthia sumatrana (Miq.) Kurz. Timber Calophyllaceae Mesua ferrea L. 1. Timber 2. Illuminating oil 3. Varnish 4. Medicine Clusiaceae Garcinia hombroniana Pierre 1.Edible fruits 2. Medicinal use 3. Timber Clusiaceae Garcinia nigrolineata Planch. ex T. Anderson Timber Dipterocarpaceae Shorea materialis Ridl. Timber Dipterocarpaceae Vatica cinerea King. Timber Dipterocarpaceae Shorea glauca King. Timber Euphorbiaceae Chaetocarpus castanocarpus (Roxb.) Thwaites Little timber Euphorbiaceae Baccaurea parvilora (Müll.Arg.) Müll.Arg. Edible fruits & Timber Fabaceae Ormosia sumatrana (Miq.) Prain Ornamental & Timber Lauraceae Cinnamomum sintoc Blume. Medicinal use Loganiaceae Norrisia malaccensis Gardner. Timber (Constructions) Melastomataceae Memecylon sp. Timber & Charcoal Moraceae Artocarpus kemando Miq. Timber (house, boat building), ibre, bird-lime Fruit eaten Moraceae Artocarpus lanceifolius Roxb. Valuable timber & Fruit eaten Myristicaceae Knema laurina (Blume) Warb. Timber (Houses & beams) & Food (Edible fruits) Myrtaceae Syzygium grande (Wight) Walp. Shade trees, Fire breaks & Timber Myrtaceae Syzygium zeylanicum (L.) DC. Fruit eaten, Timber & Medicine Phyllanthaceae Cleistanthus sumatranus House building Phyllanthaceae Cleistanthus sp House building Rubiaceae Diplospora malaccensis Hook.f. Beverage Rubiaceae Morinda elliptica (Hook.f.) Ridl. Dye & Medicine Rubiaceae Timonius wallichianus (Korth.) Valeton. Timber, but little use Rubiaceae Ixora pendula Jack var. pendula Medicinal Sapindaceae Guioa bijuga (Hiern) Radlk. Timber Sapotaceae Palaquium obovatum (Griff.) Engl. Gutta-percha &Timber Sapotaceae Pouteria obovata (R.Br.) Baehni Food (Edible fruits) Sapotaceae Pouteria malaccensis (C.B. Clarke) Baehni. Food (Edible fruits) Simaroubaceae Eurycoma longifolia Jack Medicinal Sterculiaceae Sterculia parvilora Roxb. ex G. Don. Timber Symplocaceae Symplocos adenophylla Wall. ex G. Don Charms J. Sustain. Sci. Manage. Special Issue Number 1: The International Seminar on the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea 2016: 48-60 7 (INOS).indd 56 11/2/16 3:20 PM TREE SPECIES COMPOSITION IN PULAU BIDONG AND PULAU REDANG idea of the extensive forest that made up the land of Pulau Bidong and would encourage more studies focusing on the land ecosystem. Based on the comparison with the previous island-based studies (Rohaiza, 2011; Khairil et al., 2012; Raffae 2013; Pesiu et al., 2015), there are similarities in the recorded dominant families. It is found that Dipterocarpaceae and Euphorbiaceae dominate the island forest. This shows that the forested islands of Peninsular Malaysia are of the same in terms of tree taxa distribution due to its general forest formation under the tropical evergreen rainforest. Threatened Tree Species The study reveals 15 tree species that were listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened species (IUCN, 2015). Two species that really need to be brought into attention is the Critically Endangered species, Dipterocarpus chartaceus and Shorea materialis from the dominant timber family, Dipterocarpaceae. Both of the tree species were spotted in the historical Pulau Bidong. Another tree species, Vatica cinerea (spotted in Pulau Bidong and Pulau Redang respectively) and Shorea glauca (only spotted in Pulau Redang) categorized as endangered species. In addition, there are three species listed as Vulnerable which means has a high potential to be endangered. The result obtained from the studies can be the gateway of looking at the importance of tree species as a dominant element of the ecosystem in a crucial level. Crucial means to do something or starting a plan that could contribute to the conservation or monitoring of the island tree species. Perhaps a permanent plot can be establish in Pulau Bidong and Pulau Redang to monitor the growth pattern and even the loss of trees every year. Economic Potential The economic potential of the island tree species is also highlighted in this study. According to Burkill (1966), there are 34 tree species recorded comprising of 20 families has some economic potential value. Most of the trees have a potential uses generally as timber, medicine and foods. 57 Moving into each one of this general uses, some of the timber can be widely use as constructions material for house and boat building especially the highly valuable dipterocarp family, Dipterocarpaceae. However, the dipterocarp family nowadays is threatened due to their quality. In order to protect those important tree species, maybe some of the lesser known timber species can be used as a backup by the forest industries (Appanah & Ratnam, 1992). Based on the indings, there were 24 timber species recorded in the islands of Bidong, Redang and Perhentian. The importance of research is practical on identifying the tree species suitable for timber production. Next, the most practical uses of lora that most people hunting for, is the medicine or herbs. In Pulau Bidong, the famously known lora, Eurycoma longifolia locally known as Tongkat Ali is scattered through the island. Some small tracks can be seen in Pulau Bidong, mostly to make way for people searching for the plant. Realizing the value of the island tree species, attention should be brought to the local communities to sustainably care about the existence of those useful tree species. Studies done by Kulip (2003), the knowledge on the use of tree species were passed from generation to generation but the practice seems to be vanishing and fade away. Therefore, solutions were needed to instill and enhance that traditional knowledge to young generations. Some possible solutions would be through education and awareness effort. For example, scientiic research on plants through classiication and recording of plant species was one of the great attempts scientists ever done to maintain the traditional knowledge practiced by local communities. Conclusion The panoramic view of the extensive forests covering the hilly part of the islands is indeed a blooming sanctuary of tree species. However, the islands are somehow exposed to some disturbances due to land settlements mostly for tourism purpose. Therefore, conservation effort through collecting ecological baseline data is J. Sustain. Sci. Manage. Special Issue Number 1: The International Seminar on the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea 2016: 48-60 7 (INOS).indd 57 11/2/16 3:20 PM Elizabeth Pesiu et al. highly recommended to continually sustain those strong stand structures of trees decorating the small scale of island yet a vital element to every creature hidden beneath. If properly managed, the island forests can be sustainable resources both for the local communities and non-consumptive use by the eco-tourists for outdoors recreational activities and appreciation of nature. Acknowledgements As a team in the Canopy Biology, Kenyir Research Institute, we would like to express our deep appreciation to the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu and local authorities for giving us the permission of conducting our research in offshore islands of Terengganu. Also, for providing us with the excellent facilities, tools, materials and transports needed for the research. Besides, we would like to thank the School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu for giving us the permissions of using all the laboratory apparatus and materials but one and the foremost was the contributions of the Laboratory Assistant, Mr. Mazrul for sharing of knowledge. The acknowledgement continue with inancial support from the UMT and MoE research grants, namely, GGP, NRGS, TRGS and Tasik Kenyir Geopark that always complete the needs of young researches. References Appanah, S., & Ratnam, L. (1992). The Importance of Forest Biodiversity to Developing Countries in Asia. Journal of Tropical Forest Science, 5(2): 201-215. Burkill, I. H. (1966). A Dictionary of the Economic Products of the Malay Peninsula. (Vol 1-2). Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives IUCN. (2015). Retrieved from http://www. iucnredlist.org/ IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2015). Retrieved from http://www. iucnredlist.org 58 Khairil, M., Nashriyah, M., Norhayati, N., Shahril, A., & Nur Fatihah. (2012). Tree Species Composition, Diversity and above Ground Biomass of Two Forest Types at Redang Island, Peninsula Malaysia. Walailak Journal of Science and Technology, 10(1): 77-90. Kulip, J. (2003). An Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal and Other Useful Plants of Muruts in Sabah, Malaysia. Telopea, 10(1): 81-98. McGuire, A. D. (2002). Ecosystem Element Cycling. In A. H. El-Shaarawi & W.W. Piegorsch (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Environmetrics (pp. 614-618). Chichester, USA: John Wiley & Sons. Pesiu, E., Abdullah, M. T., Reuben, C., Jamilah, S., & Muhammad Razali, S. (2015). Sustainable Tourism Botany in Pulau Perhentian. Paper presented at the 2nd Langkawi International Conference on Adventure and ecotourism, Langkawi, Malaysia. Raffae, A. (2003). Tree Species Diversity, Biomass and Economic Value of 2.6 ha Plot in Langkawi Island. Master Degree Thesis, National University of Malaysia, Malaysia. Remi, R., Luiza, M., Monica, S., Reuben, N., Handry, M., & Geoffary, G. (2012). Checklist of Trees in Crocker Range Park Permanent Research Plot, Sabah Malaysia. Journal of Tropical Biology and Conservation, 9(1): 127-141. Ridzwan, A. R., & Sharifah, S. I. (1996). Pulau Redang Island Marine Park: The National Advisory Council for Marine Park and Marine Reserve. Terengganu, Malaysia: The Department of Fisheries Malaysia. Pp. 5-45. Rohaiza, D. (2011). The Diversity and Community Structure of Tree Species at Pulau Timun and Pulau Singa Besar Reserve Forest, Langkawi Island. Master Degree Thesis. National University of Malaysia, Malaysia. J. Sustain. Sci. Manage. Special Issue Number 1: The International Seminar on the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea 2016: 48-60 7 (INOS).indd 58 11/2/16 3:20 PM TREE SPECIES COMPOSITION IN PULAU BIDONG AND PULAU REDANG Senterre, B., Chew, M. Y., & Chung, R. C. K. (2015). Flora and Vegetation of Pulau Babi Tengah, Johor, Peninsular Malaysia. Check List, 11(4): 1714. Suratman, M. N. (2012). Tree Species Diversity and Forest Stand Structure of Pahang National Park, Malaysia. In G.A. Lameed (Ed.), Biodiversity Enrichment in a Diverse World, (pp. 473-492). Intech open publisher. Vitousek, P. M., Loope, L. L., Adsersen, H., & D’Antonio, C. M. (1996). Island Ecosystems: Do They Represent Natural Experiments in Biological Diversity and Ecosystems Functions. In H. A. Mooney, 59 J. H. Cushman, E. Medina, O. E. Sala & E.-D. Schulze (Eds.), Functional Role of Biodiversity: A Global Perspective, (pp. 245-259). Chichester, USA: John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Vu, Q. G. N. (2007). Journey of the Abandoned: Endless Refugees’ Camp and Incurable Traumas. Signs, 32(3): 580-584. Zimmer, C. (2012). The Vital Chain: Connecting the Land Ecosystem and Sea. Retrieved from http://e360.yale.edu/feature/the_vital_ chain_connecting_the_ecosystems_of_ land_and_sea/2529/ Description: Usually small trees under 4 ft girth, sometimes exceeding 8 ft girth. Leaves usually elliptic-lanceolate and narrowing towards both ends, apex blunt, about 3.5 to 1.7 in., about 9 nerved, the nerves being hardly more prominent on the lower than the upper surface; petioles rather slender, usually slightly less than 0.5 in. in length, sparsely grey tomentose. Figure 1: Vatica cinerea King Description: Trees 80 to 100 ft. tall. Branchlets puberulous. Leaves rather stiff, coriaceous, ovate-lanceolate acuminate, base broad round, above glabrous smooth shining, beneath glaucous when young; nerves slender ascending 7 to 9 pairs about 3.5 to 4.5 in. long, 1.4 to 2 in. wide; petioles 0.45 to 0.6 in. long, wrinkled. Figure 2: Shorea glauca King J. Sustain. Sci. Manage. Special Issue Number 1: The International Seminar on the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea 2016: 48-60 7 (INOS).indd 59 11/2/16 3:20 PM Elizabeth Pesiu et al. 60 Description: Bark orange-rown, rather issured and ibrous, the old lakes greyish. Leaves elliptic to obovate, blunt or slightly pointed tapered to the base, with many ive veins. Common in lowland forest, especially swampy ground and by rivers. Figure 3: Syzygium cerinum (M.R. Hend.) I.M. Turner Description: An evergreen, glabrous tree, bark pinkish brown, smooth, red internally. Leaves oblong, narrowly obovate, tapered to the base, the sides rather upturned and wavy, shiny, side veins 13-20 pairs, long stalk. Common on sandy and rocky coasts and riverbanks Figure 4: Buchanania arborescens (Blume) Blume J. Sustain. Sci. Manage. Special Issue Number 1: The International Seminar on the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea 2016: 48-60 7 (INOS).indd 60 11/2/16 3:20 PM