Activities undertaken during period January – March 2023
This report summarises some of the significant activities undertaken during period of January – March 2023 to implement the Recovery Project. The activities include fire prevention, biodiversity monitoring, river patrolling, aerial monitoring, and meetings with stakeholders.
- Community Fire Patrolling and Monitoring
Fire prevention patrolling was continued with community patrollers at Kg Meranti and Kg Baharu Cenderawasih patrolling fire prone areas and checking and updating the fire risk index cards and taking readings of the water level markers installed in canals. Four new Fire Danger Rating System (FDRS) boards were installed at Kg Baharu Cenderawasih on 27 March. A floating water pump was provided to Kg Baharu Cenderawasih pineapple farmers for fire fighting. All these activities are part of the early preparation for the communities prior to the predicted prolonged dry season in mid-late 2023 and to reduce fire risk within the agriculture areas. - Biodiversity Monitoring
The annual Asian Waterbirds Census (AWC) 2023 was conducted on 25 & 26 February 2023 along the Sg Bebar and the border of Ladang Pekan Barat, Ladang Bebar Utara, and Ladang Bebar Selatan. The census recorded 960 individuals of 81 bird species, with four vulnerable and seven near-threatened species including the Lesser Adjutant. Amongst the list, 19 species were not recorded in 2022 census. From 9–12 February, specialists from University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) conducted sampling in the Southeast Pahang Peat Swamp Forest which included YP plantation and are currently analyzing the results. - River Patrolling
River patrollers have been conducting monthly patrolling along Sg Bebar from Kg Meranti up to YPPH area. They have recorded land use change along the riverbank and shared such information with the Pekan District Office, to support local land management and monitoring. The patrollers also recorded the fauna observed and the phenology status along the river. A group of 2 Banded Langur were spotted in February. This langur species is categorised as Critically Endangered by IUCN, and is endemic to Singapore and Rompin Johor. This record is an important update to the biodiversity conservation and primate research groups. In addition, the patrollers also found the endangered Tapir footprints on the river bank. - Quarterly Drone Assessment
Quarterly aerial pictures for the whole stretch of proposed project area have been taken and showed that the logging canals next to YP plantation were not properly blocked or blocks were damaged. Proposed locations for canal block were submitted to key agencies and need to be built before the drought season starts. - Stakeholder meetings
Several meetings with key stakeholders to update the progress of the Recovery Project were held – with the Pahang Forestry Department, YPPH and Enggang Holdings on 22 February, and the Pekan District Office on 24 February.