o_19ko2dt161ng2j4e1tgnoqv1s45a.pdf

CONSERVATION STRATEGIES OF SHOREA LUMUTENSIS (DIPTEROCARPACEAE) IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA
Shorea lumutensis is one of the rare and endemic dipterocarps in Peninsular Malaysia. It was
assigned as critically endangered according to IUCN (1994) version 2.3 criteria (CR A1cd,
C2a) due to suspected population reduction of at least 80% over the last 10 years and the
population estimated to number less than 250 mature individuals. Taxonomic characteristics of
S. lumutensis have been described by Symington (1943) and Ashton (1982). It is a mediumsized
to large tree with irregular longitudinally fissured bark and short buttress (Fig. 1). The
leaves are leathery and oblong-elliptic in shape and have about 14 pairs of nerves, prominent
beneath and usually markedly glaucous on the undersurface. The species produces hermaphrodite
flowers (about 9 mm long, petals linear and pale yellow in color with 20-25 stamens) and
subsessile fruits with three outer and two inner wings. Locally known as balau putih (putih in
Malay means white, referring to the leaf undersurface), it is reported to be restricted to the
western part of Peninsular Malaysia.
Very little is known about the biology of S. lumutensis. Consequently, we do not know how to
address specific conservation problems and how to set conservation strategies and priorities.
This research was aimed to assess the population ecology and population genetics of
Fig. 1. Morphological characteristics of S. lumutensis.
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