Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore 66(1): 3–14. 2014 3 The conservation of Peninsular Malaysian Geostachys (Zingiberaceae) K.H. Lau Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia laukh@frim.gov.my ABSTRACT. There are currently 15 species of Geostachys in Peninsular Malaysia of which 13 are hyper endemic to their localities. Four taxa are categorised as Endangered, eight as Vulnerable and one each as Near Threatened, Least Concern and Data Deicient. Maps showing the Extent of Occurrence and Area of Occupancy for each species are included. Key issues and recommendations on conservation measures, particularly with respect to ecotourism, are discussed. Keywords. Area of occupancy, assessment, conservation, extent of occurrence, Geostachys, Peninsular Malaysia Introduction Geostachys (Baker) Ridl. is a genus of lesser-known gingers distributed in Vietnam, Thailand, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. Of the 25 taxa currently known (The Plant List, 2013), 15 occur in higher altitude lush rain forests of Peninsular Malaysia (Lau et al., 2007; Lau & Lim, 2012). This makes Peninsular Malaysia the genus hotspot. Among the 15 taxa, 13 are hyper-endemic to their localities and the other two are quite widespread. In Malaysia, the main threats to lowland forest are from deforestation and changes in land use. Despite their preference for higher altitudes, Geostachys habitats suffer from similar disturbances. While there are several works describing the genus in Peninsular Malaysia (Ridley, 1899, 1920, 1924; Holttum, 1950; Stone, 1980), none address the conservation perspective. This paper discusses threats faced by the species and their conservation status. It also complements an earlier account (Lau & Lim, 2012) by presenting further insights into the current conservation issues involving the genus. Materials and methods Dried specimens from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Herbarium (UKMB), Kepong Herbarium (KEP), University Malaya Herbarium (KLU), Singapore Herbarium (SING) and Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Herbarium (K) were scrutinized and recorded into 4 Gard. Bull. Singapore 66(1) 2014 the Botanical Research and Herbarium Management System (BRAHMS). All species were assessed using the modiied Malaysian Red List Categories (Chua, 2012). The modiication from the standard IUCN (2001) system involves the addition of a Rare (RA) category. This category has this deinition: the taxon is not exposed to any known direct or plausible potential threat and does not qualify under the ive IUCN criteria AND occurs in not more than two sites OR has an Extent of Occurrence (EOO) not more than 100 km2 OR Area of Occupancy (AOO) not more than 10 km2. A taxon data information sheet was completed for each species and the information was uploaded into the Malaysia Clearing House Mechanism website (http://www.chm.frim.gov. my/). The EOO and AOO were calculated for each species using ArcView GIS 3.2a software. Forest cover data was obtained from the Third National and State Forest Inventories (1991–1993). Field efforts were made to gather fresh data and analyse current threats. Results Table 1 summarises the conservation status of each species of Geostachys in Peninsular Malaysia. Table 1. Conservation status of Geostachys following the modiied Malaysian Red List Categories. Species G. belumensis G. decurvata G. densilora G. elegans G. erectifrons G. leucantha G. megaphylla G. montana G. penangensis G. primulina G. rupestris G. secunda G. sericea G. tahanensis G. taipingensis Category EOO (km2)* AOO (km2) Endemicity VU D2 EN D2 NT LC VU D2 VU D2 VU D2 DD EN B2ab(iii) EN D2 VU D2 VU D2 VU D2 VU D2 EN D2 n.a. n.a. 3,172 23,108 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 4 8 32 24 4 4 8 Hyper-endemic Hyper-endemic Widespread Widespread Hyper-endemic Hyper-endemic Hyper-endemic Hyper-endemic Hyper-endemic Hyper-endemic Hyper-endemic Hyper-endemic Hyper-endemic Hyper-endemic Hyper-endemic 4 8 4 4 4 4 4 8 *EOO can only be calculated if at least 3 localities are present. The species calculated to be Endangered (EN) are Geostachys decurvata (Baker) Ridl., G. penangensis Ridl., G. primulina Ridl. and G. taipingensis Holttum, Conservation of Peninsular Malaysian Geostachys Fig. 1. Distribution of Endangered (EN) Geostachys species in Peninsular Malaysia. 5 6 Gard. Bull. Singapore 66(1) 2014 all of which are hyper-endemic (Fig. 1). Found growing discreetly within the cool atmosphere of hill forests in Perak, Penang and Pahang, these taxa are endangered mainly due to low numbers of individuals per species. With the exception of Geostachys penangensis, several attempts to locate additional populations of these species in these forest reserves proved futile. Geostachys decurvata and G. taipingensis occur sympatrically on Gunung (G.) Hijau, Maxwell’s Hill. These two taxa have both been very infrequently collected and G. taipingensis has not been collected for the herbarium since 1949. Lau (2006) reported the rediscovery of Geostachys primulina from Fraser’s Hill for the irst time in more than 80 years. Geostachys penangensis can still be found quite abundantly on Penang Hill (Lau, 2004) with populations at several locations on the hill such as Government Hill, Tiger Hill, Western Hill and Moniot Road West. However, road widening activities along the main road (Jalan Tuanku Yahaya Petra) have caused much destruction to the clumps. The increase in human activities on the hill is of concern and long-term monitoring of the impacts on the populations is required. In addition, the sites of these four taxa are also used as eco-forest trails and are exposed to the risk of being trampled. The Vulnerable (VU) taxa are Geostachys belumensis C.K.Lim & K.H.Lau, G. erectifrons K.H.Lau, C.K.Lim & K.Mat-Salleh, G. leucantha B.C.Stone, G. megaphylla Holttum, G. rupestris Ridl., G. secunda (Baker) Ridl., G. sericea (Ridl.) Holttum and G. tahanensis Holttum (Fig. 2). In Taman Negara National Park, three taxa are found, namely Geostachys erectifrons, G. sericea and G. tahanensis. Their distributions are, however, very localised. So far, Geostachys erectifrons is only known from the area between Permatang and Kubang campsites (Merapoh) at an elevation of 1000–1200 m (Lau et al., 2005). Scattered clumps can be seen on ridges and slopes along both sides of the main trail. The distribution of Geostachys tahanensis is also very restricted, occurring on a different side of the mountain near Kuala Tahan Rest Camp, formerly known as Wray’s Camp, at about 1100 m above sea level. Geostachys sericea has a wider distribution on both the Kuala Tahan and Merapoh sides, but is loosely scattered from the lower montane forest to upper montane forest. Until more populations are discovered beyond these well-used trails and spots, they remain vulnerable as they are at risk of being trampled or collected. For Geostachys belumensis, some of the populations in Gerik are now likely protected since 18,866 ha of the Amanjaya Forest Reserve (FR) was gazetted in May 2013. The area has also been identiied as an important wildlife corridor under the Central Forest Spine (CFS) Masterplan. This provides protection to many other lora and fauna species along the East-West Highway. Recent discoveries include populations in Piah FR (Perak) and G. Tebu (Terengganu) (C.K. Lim pers. obs.). However, the type location of this taxon, which is in Gerik, is showing signs of degradation due to encroachment. In particular the surrounding area has been cleared, probably for the harvesting of non-timber forest products. Geostachys leucantha and G. megaphylla are found in G. Ulu Kali (Genting Highlands) and G. Brinchang (Cameron Highlands) respectively. Although there are no immediate direct threats to these populations, the environmental impacts arising from non-forest land use will likely affect the viability of the populations. Infrastructure projects, such as for resorts, power lines and slope enhancement structures, as well as Conservation of Peninsular Malaysian Geostachys Fig. 2. Distribution of Vulnerable (VU) Geostachys species in Peninsular Malaysia. 7 8 Gard. Bull. Singapore 66(1) 2014 forest clearance for agriculture, especially around Brinchang town and above, have imposed great pressures on the health of the species’ populations. For Geostachys rupestris, which is found on G. Jerai (Kedah), dumpsites at forest fringes are slowly degrading the quality of the habitat where clumps once grew. Part of the forested area on G. Jerai serves as a tourist attraction. In the pristine forest of G. Batu Puteh (Perak) Geostachys secunda is found along trails used by the local communities and are, therefore, at risk of being trampled. The two more widely distributed species are Geostachys densilora Ridl. and G. elegans Ridl. Geostachys densilora is mainly found in the mountainous area along the Titiwangsa Ridge in the Cameron Highlands and on Fraser’s Hill (Fig. 3). Until recently this species was only known from Pahang and Perak but a 2010 expedition to G. Chamar and G. Chamar Anak, Kelantan revealed new sites for Geostachys densilora. These new populations occur at an elevation of 1300 m and 1700 m respectively. This has expanded its AOO to close to 32 km2. At the type locality in G. Korbu it was last collected in 1913 and it is not known if it still occurs there; further investigation is needed to verify its status. Most populations of Geostachys elegans are restricted to the state of Pahang although the type locality is G. Ledang in northern Johor (Fig. 4). The populations in both Taman Negara National Park and G. Ledang State Park are relatively safe within their Protected Areas (PAs). Geostachys montana (Ridl.) Holttum is Data Deicient (DD) as it could not be relocated on G. Berembun in the Cameron Highlands (Fig. 5) even after several attempts. There are two possibilities, i.e., either the original locality details were inaccurate or it has gone extinct in the wild. Further research is required to determine its status in the near future. Discussion Protected areas remain the best places for material for taxonomic research and the most likely place for the discovery of new species. In Malaysia, the pristine conditions of its National and State Parks and other protected forest areas provide the last refuges for rich biodiversity that tropical forests are famed for. For instance, examples of new species discovered from protected areas in Malaysia include two new Geostachys species (Lau et al., 2005) in Taman Negara National Park, another Geostachys species in Maliau Basin, Sabah (Lim & Lau, 2006), a Pennilabium orchid in Endau Rompin National Park, Johor (O’Byrne et al., 2009), two gingers from the genus Scaphochlamys in Krau Wildlife Reserve, Pahang (Sam et al., 2010) and 13 new species of Begonia from G. Mulu National Park and G. Buda National Park, Sarawak (Sang et al., 2013). These, and many others, indicate that more inventory attention should be given to areas that are ‘botanical black holes’. It is anticipated that more new species will be found in the future as the diversity in the protected areas continues to be studied. With 60% of the world’s Geostachys species occurring in Peninsular Malaysia, with more than 85% of these taxa hyper-endemic, this region is regarded as the genus Conservation of Peninsular Malaysian Geostachys Fig. 3. Distribution of Geostachys densilora Ridl. in Peninsular Malaysia. 9 10 Gard. Bull. Singapore 66(1) 2014 Fig. 4. Distribution of Geostachys elegans Ridl. in Peninsular Malaysia. Conservation of Peninsular Malaysian Geostachys Fig. 5. Distribution of Data Deicient (DD) Geostachys species in Peninsular Malaysia. 11 12 Gard. Bull. Singapore 66(1) 2014 hotspot. Therefore, conservation of these gingers should be given priority. While some taxa occur in Protected Areas, there are many which do not. These taxa are exposed to threats such as habitat encroachment and land use changes, i.e. in the Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands. The expansion of forest trail packages by tourist operators in the Cameron Highlands could further disturb the ecosystem due to higher footfall. Currently, there are no speciic guidelines and support given to the ecotourism companies to encourage conservation mindfulness. In the Genting Highlands, massive developments over recent decades have altered the forested landscape and environment and consequently affected the viability of all species of lora and fauna. In the development of management plans for such sites, the effects of how changes in land use negatively impact on the environment, and how this can be mitigated, must be researched. The occurrence of Geostachys species in tourist sites also means additional conservation measures to protect the taxa must be adopted. For instance, although the habitat is well-protected in National and State Parks, the populations of Geostachys species themselves may not be. Stricter rules and regulations should be imposed on forest trails which are heavily used by tourists. These should include a total ban of removal of any lora and fauna found in the forests, and higher ines if caught doing so. Hikers should not be allowed to clear vegetation for the setting up of camps anywhere in the forest outside designated camping grounds. This is to protect the indiscriminate or unintentional removal of rare plants. Also, unauthorised clearing of new forest paths must be prohibited for the same purpose, to avoid the killing and trampling of plants and disturbance of the ecosystem. Prominent notice boards should be erected at strategic locations to serve as reminders. There are a few ecotourism models that have set good examples of balanced development, such as can be found on Fraser’s Hill and Maxwell’s Hill. These places have developed into niche-market tourist attractions. On Fraser’s Hill, the annual bird race competition that attracts thousands of people has proven that retaining forested areas is rewarding. The annual event has also directly increased the public’s awareness of forest conservation. On Maxwell’s Hill, where the state government-owned resort has full administrative authority, including accessibility to the peak, the impact from tourism is very much minimized. For example, only authorised vehicles have access to the hill. Tourists have to be carried in these vehicles from the base of the hill to their destinations and the somewhat antiquated transport style adds allure to the concept of the cool private highland getaway. The threat assessment process itself has been a daunting task. It has been long believed that taxa which are conined to protected areas are not really at any risk of extinction due to decades-old protection legislation (Chua, 2012). However, each should be reviewed on a case by case basis. It has not been easy to determine the conservation status for some species, especially those from protected habitats where threats are nevertheless believed to exist. The three species in Taman Negara National Park may at irst seem to it into the Rare (RA) category (sensu Chua, 2012), but further analyses showed that they deserved a threatened category. Although their AOO qualiied the species under both categories, i.e., not more than 10 km2, the RA category 13 Conservation of Peninsular Malaysian Geostachys is not suitable for species under threat. Therefore, for the reasons discussed above, the Vulnerable category is more appropriate. It is clear that the survival of Geostachys is very much dependent on the management strategies employed by forest managers who in turn have to balance their management practices with their obligations to deliver government policy. What is needed is that Malaysia’s biodiversity heritage is given ample attention and protection so that its full potential can be appreciated not only now but also by future generations. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. I am grateful to Datuk Seri Lim Chong Keat for irst bringing the genus to my attention, and for his sincere guidance throughout the process. Many of the localities would not have been rediscovered without his keen knowledge. Dr Lillian Chua was very helpful with her critical comments and suggestions during the early stage of the manuscript. Her expertise with conservation assessments is much appreciated. Sincere gratitude also goes to Hamidah Mamat and Wendy Yong S.Y. for their technical input in the preparation of the maps. Further thanks are due to the herbarium curators at K, KEP, KLU, SING and UKMB for access to specimens. The work could not have been completed without the assistance of the staff of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), Johor State Park, Penang Botanic Gardens and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The State Forestry of Kedah, Penang, Perak and Pahang granted the forest permits. References Chua, L.S.L. (2012). Conservation. 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