Activities Report Jul 2000 Newsletter

Park Extension of Perlis State Park
       The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) welcomes the Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim's decision to extend the Perlis State Park from around 5,300 ha to around 10,800 ha. which will cover the whole Nakawan Range which stretches for 36km from Wang Kelian in the north to Kuala Perlis in the South. It is a good move as it also protects the wildlife and plants, the important water catchment area for the state of Perlis plus the local culture, livelihood (orchards) and mining history of the area.  The Perlis State Park complements Thailand's Thaleban National Park and   forms a transboundary park, which will fully protect the now threatened limestone range.
       The limestone range is unique as the flora has characteristics of the semi-deciduous forest (which turns colour and dropped their leaves) with Thai-Burmese influence, and the secondary Schima-bamboo forest. Many plants are endemic here (found nowhere else in the world). There are more than 143 non-timber plant species here. A significant feature are the caves and the cave fauna is very rich in bat species. The forest supports some bat species typical of the seasonal tropics. There are many species of wildlife in the Nakawan Range including the rare Stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides) which is also a threatened species. Other threatened species include the Low's squirrel, panther, and the serow. Some 88 species of birds spotted here including the threatened Chestnut-necklaced Partridge, Helmeted Hornbill and the endemic Gurney's Pitta. There are 35 species of reptiles, of which 21 species are snakes and 6 freshwater turtles. The loss of large mammals like the elephant and the Sumatran Rhinoceros from the area earlier, emphasises the need  to take action to protect the remaining threatened species.
        MNS will also like to thank WWFM for their efforts in coming up with the Park management plan for the State, recommending management strategies for the State Park's natural and cultural resources, eco-tourism, long-term objectives and the legislative and administration framework for the Park.
       Hopefully, the other states will follow the example set by Perlis to protect more forests reserve by changing its status of protection to the highest level. This will attract the ever increasing nature tourist who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded cities.
24 April 2000, Kuala Lumpur 

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Created on 5th Jul 2000