OIL PALM PLANTATIONS SERVE AS IMPORTANT CORRIDORS FOR SAFE WILDLIFE MOVEMENT - MPOGCF

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- Forest edges within oil palm plantations are not merely transitional zones, but function as important ecological corridors that enable wildlife to move safely between forest reserves and surrounding landscapes, according to a recent study.

The Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF), in a statement, said that findings from a study conducted by experts from the Global Environment Centre (GEC) near the Binsulok and Klias Forest Reserves in Beaufort, Sabah, indicated that these forest edges played a significant role in supporting the movement of various fauna species.

"Wildlife recorded using these corridors include large mammals such as sambar deer, bearded pigs, leopard cats and proboscis monkeys, as well as smaller mammals, reptiles, resident birds and migratory bird species.

"Over 12 months, a total of 13 camera traps were strategically installed along the boundaries of oil palm plantations adjacent to forest reserves to monitor wildlife movement patterns," it said in a statement today.

MPOGCF noted that the biodiversity data collection project, which commenced in December 2024 and concluded in December 2025, involved several privately owned oil palm plantations and independent smallholders in the Beaufort district, located in southwestern Sabah.

The study, funded by MPOGCF, was carried out in collaboration with various Sabah State Government agencies, including the Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Wildlife Department, Sabah Biodiversity Centre, as well as plantation companies and smallholders.

MPOGCF said the primary objective was to identify wildlife species in oil palm plantations adjacent to forest reserves and examine biodiversity presence to support conservation management within peatland ecosystems.

The findings from the assessment served as a reference to support wildlife conservation management within the Klias Peninsula Peatland Landscape (KPPL).

KPPL is a highly important peatland area comprising intact peat swamp forests and mangrove ecosystems that serve as a vital habitat for diverse wildlife, while playing a key role in climate change mitigation and flood management in Beaufort, Sabah.

In addition to biodiversity research, MPOGCF said the project also implemented awareness campaigns on peatland fire prevention, promoted responsible land use practices and strengthened biodiversity conservation efforts by engaging local communities, including oil palm smallholders and school students.

The project further supports the role of smallholders through the establishment of community patrol teams aimed at preventing peatland fires, as well as initiatives to form Community Fire Brigades under the supervision of the Beaufort Fire and Rescue Department.

-- BERNAMA