Biodiversity Seminar of Gunung Gagau & Tasik Kenyir

1. On 11-12 May, some 50 scientists and staffs of PERHILITAN and KETENGAH gathered at Lake Kenyir Resort & Spa to discuss the findings of the Scientific Expedition to Gunung Gagau. The expedition was conducted in february 2008 and this seminar was organised by Akademi Sains Malaysia with PERHILITAN & KETENGAH.

2. The geologists, Dr. Kamal Roslan, Dr. Che Aziz and Prof. Shaffea discussed the geological formation of Gunung Gagau (1376 m above sea level) and the geology of the surrounding areas as geoassets. The geological heritage of Gua Bewah and Gua Taat was also discussed.

3. Three papers on herpetofauna were presented. Dr. Norhayati discussed the diversity of the herpetofauna of Sungai Tebat area; Mr. Daicus Belabut discussed the herpetofauna of Gua Bewah and mr. Hamidi discussed that of Gunung Gagau. In a way the three presenters covered the whole area of Tasik Kenyir and Gunung Gagau. While there is no new species discovered, there is a need to investigate further the lizards of Gua Bewah.

4. Ms Nik Norhazrina discussed the moss flora of Gunung Gagau that recorded a total of 45 new records for Terengganu bryoflora. Mr. Razali Jaman presented the pteridophyte flora of Gunung Gagau, with a few new records and two unresolved taxa. Dr. Mohd. Nazre discussed the flowering plants along the trail to Gunung Gagau. He pointed the occurrence of some populations of Rafflesia cantleyi and Rhizanthes infanticida at Sungai Cicir and Sungai Pak Chau.

5. In my summary, I pointed the need to translate this rich and diverse biodiversity and geodiversity of Gunung Gagau and Tasik Kenyir area for the development of ecotourism products. We took note of the future proposed physical and ecotourism development of Tasik Kenyir by KETENGAH.

*picture from KETENGAH official website