ORCHIDACEAE IN AYER HITAM UTARA, LAST REMAINING PEAT SWAMP FOREST IN JOHOR, MALAYSIA

Abstract

Ayer Hitam Utara Forest Reserve is the last remaining peat swamp forest in Johor, south Peninsular Malaysia and represents a critical refuge for biodiversity, including the diversity of Orchidaceae. However, the peat swamp forest is exposed to various threats and pressures from land-use changes, forest fires and drainage activities. Monitoring of biodiversity and conservation measures are urgently needed to preserve Johor’s largest and only remaining peat swamp forest and indirectly its orchid diversity. This study aims to document the diversity of orchid species within the forest reserve and evaluate in terms of conservation aspects and concerns. Field survey were conducted using purposive sampling methods and species were identified according to morphological and taxonomic analyses. A total of 55 orchid species from 31 genera and four subfamilies, including three species endemic to Malaysia and one species endemic to Peninsular Malaysia. Results highlights the diversity significance of orchids in Johor’s peat swamp forests, contributing valuable insights into their ecological and habitat preferences. This study provides additional data to further understand regional biodiversity patterns, taxonomic significance and highlights the importance of incorporating orchid conservation in peat swamp forest management strategies.