Introduction: Sabal Forest Reserve and The Scientific Expedition

Abstract

The Sabal Forest Reserve (Sabal FR) is a vital ecological area located in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, serving as a hub for biodiversity and scientific study. situated between latitudes 0" 58' - 01 ' 04' N and longitudes 110" 51' - 110" 57' A, the reserve is a significant component of Sarawak's biodiversity and topographical despite its relatively small size. Sabal FR was gazetted in 1927 (Notification No. 331) with an initial area of 4,600 ha. Expansions and additions were made in "1953, 1962, and 1982, bringing the total area to V,833 ha. However, the size of Sabal FR subsequently decreased when a portion of the reserve, measuring 4,7A9 ha, was gazetted as Sabal National Park on 22f,. Aay 2018. The reserve's area was further reduced for the construction and expansion of the Pan-Borneo Highway project (Package 3), connecting Serian and Sri Aman. This project, which included a two-lane road alignment and road reserves, has reduced the current area of Sabal FR to 2,163 ha (Figure 1).