Author: Adcihllyine Jambre & Henry Jamis; Published Date: 9th December 2024
High Conservation Value (HCV) areas are vital ecosystems that hold exceptional biological, ecological, social, or cultural significance. These areas often include habitats crucial for biodiversity, such as those supporting rare or endangered species, ecosystems that regulate water cycles, and sites of cultural or heritage importance. The protection and sustainable management of HCV areas are essential for maintaining ecological balance and fostering harmony between environmental preservation and human development.
In Sapulut, HCV areas are rigorously identified, monitored, and conserved to safeguard their irreplaceable value for both nature and local communities. These areas are classified into six key values, which encompass biodiversity, ecosystem services, cultural significance, and the dependency of local communities on these resources. The following section highlights some of the prominent HCV areas under Sapulut’s stewardship, underscoring their critical importance and the efforts taken to protect them.
Salt Licks
Salt lick in NFM area
The salt lick resembles a small, muddy volcano, its surface marked by a grayish hue. In the center, bubbles rise to the surface, reminiscent of boiling water. A camera trap installed in the area has captured frequent visits from mammals, including elephants, sambar deer, and long-tailed macaques, all of which come to take in the essential minerals.
Salt licks are naturally occurring mineral deposits that provide vital nutrients such as sodium, calcium, magnesium, and other trace elements critical for the health and survival of wildlife. These areas are particularly important for herbivorous species that may lack sufficient minerals in their regular diets. Additionally, salt licks attract a variety of other species, including predators, making them focal points of biodiversity. The salt lick area is classified as HCV 4. In Sapulut, two key salt lick areas have been identified, located in NFM and ITP areas.
Video of Salt Lick Bubbling
Video of Animals consuming Salt Lick
Salt lick in ITP area
The salt lick is a large stone formation, standing approximately 30-40 meters tall, and appears as though it has been split in half. Water cascades from the top, creating a small waterfall, and continues its flow at the base, where it forms a river bordered by large stones. Over time, the constant flow of water has eroded the stone’s surface, resulting in a wavy, textured appearance with distinct patterns shaped by the relentless movement of the water.
Video of Salt Lick in ITP Area
Batu Saap
Batu Saap is a prominent limestone formation and a significant geological and cultural landmark within the Sapulut Forest Reserve. Renowned for its distinctive rock structures, it holds ecological, historical, and possibly cultural value. The site is distinguished by massive stone formations, likely shaped over centuries by natural processes of erosion and weathering.
These stone formations play a crucial role in supporting local biodiversity, serving as habitats for a variety of species, including Rare, Threatened, and Endangered (RTE) animals and plants. Notable species found here include the Sunbear, Rafflesia tengku-adlinii, Rhizanthes lowii, and many others. Sapulut is commited to conservation efforts, conducting regular field monitoring twice a year to assess and maintain the ecological health of the area. This ongoing monitoring ensures the protection of both the region’s biodiversity and the historical and cultural significance of Batu Saap.
Batu Tantaliwau
Batu Tantaliwau, like Batu Saap, is a limestone formation renowned for its ecological and community significance. Situated within the Sapulut Forest Reserve, it spans an area of 23.60 hectares. Classified under HCV 1 and HCV 3, this formation is home to a cave that serves as a habitat for bats and birds, underscoring its ecological importance as a natural refuge.
Additionally, a nearby river acts as a crucial water catchment area for the communities living in the Sapulut forest region. This water source is vital for daily life, further enhancing Batu Tantaliwau’s significance not only as a key environmental feature but also as a fundamental resource for residents. Thus, Batu Tantaliwau is recognized for both its rich biodiversity and its integral role in supporting the well-being of surrounding communities.
Video of Gua Batu Tantaliwau
Kerangas Forest
A kerangas forest is a unique ecosystem typically found in regions with acidic, nutrient-poor soils, often characterized by dense vegetation, including shrubs, small trees, and mosses. These forests are generally located in cooler climates or high-altitude areas and are recognized for their distinctive flora and fauna. The vegetation in kerangas forests is often stunted, with a mix of hardy plant species specially adapted to survive in the challenging environmental conditions.
In Sapulut, two notable Kerangas forest areas, Kerangas 1 and Kerangas 2 are home to several species of Nepenthes, the carnivorous plants. Among these species are N. ampullaria, which is listed as Least Concern, and N. fusca and N. veitchii, which are classified as Vulnerable. Other species found in these forests include N. reinwardtiana and N. tentaculata, both of which are also categorized as Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List.
To safeguard this rare ecosystem, Sapulut conducts regular HCV monitoring in this Kerangas forests. This ongoing monitoring effort is crucial for the conservation of the vulnerable Nepenthes species and plays a key role in preserving the region’s overall biodiversity.
Water Catchment
A water catchment is an area where rainfall accumulates and drains into a common outlet, playing a crucial role in regulating water flow, maintaining water quality, and supporting both ecosystems and local communities. Sapulut recognizes its water catchments as HCV 4 and HCV 5, highlighting their significance in providing essential ecosystem services, such as flood control (HCV 4) and supplying clean water for community needs (HCV 5).
Key water catchments within Sapulut are located in the villages of Kg Bigor, Kg Kainggalan, Kg Bukokoh, Kg Simatuoh, Kg Saliku, Kg Tononom, and Kg Nantayap.
To protect these vital resources, Sapulut conducts HCV monitoring twice a year. This monitoring includes regular inspections of the surrounding area and maintenance of HCV signboards, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable management practices that safeguard both ecological health and the well-being of local communities.
Burial Ground
Burial grounds are culturally and spiritually significant sites that serve as vital links between communities and their heritage. These sacred spaces are safeguard under HCV 6, which protect areas essential for preserving the cultural identity and traditions of local communities.
In Sapulut, two burial grounds have been designated as HCV areas. To ensure their continued protection, Sapulut conducts regular HCV monitoring twice a year. Protecting and monitoring these burial grounds not only honors local traditions and ancestors but also contributes to maintaining the ecological integrity of the region. These efforts foster community trust and promote sustainable management practices, ensuring the long-term preservation for both cultural and environmental values.
