The objective of forest restoration is to rehabilitate degraded areas where stand stocking are absent or inadequate by planting fast growing indigenous or dipterocarps species for future timber production and to enhance wildlife habitat, especially orang utan habitats. In 2007, the largest area planned for forest restoration was 500ha, within compartments 105 & 107 of Northern Ulu Segama Forest Reserve. However, only 348 ha had been achieved since planting only started in June and this was attributed to the inadequate supply of planting materials.

There are two recommended ways to implement the forest restoration activities.

Firstly is the rehabilitation and enhancement of wildlife habitats in areas zoned for conservation. This involves intensive mix-planting of pioneer species, dipterocarp species, other indigenous species and endemic fruit seedlings. This can be a combination of single line planting of pioneer or fruit seedlings in open areas and cluster 3 planting of dipterocarps or other indigenous species under shade cover.

Secondly, the area for timber production, whereby the main goal is to restore with high value timber and this should be economically viable for future harvesting with a short cutting circle. Species recommended are fast growing pioneer species, such as laran, binuang ,magas, talisai and other.

Planting and maintenance program are done by contractor which appointed by Yayasan Sabah and WWF Malaysia, except for Sime Darby funding area is done by SFD staff.

Poorly stocked areas for rehabilitation and/or enrichment planting are selected by diagnostic ground surveys supported by aerial photo. Planting line or clusters spaced at 12.5 m are marked in the field with a planting density of approximately 240 plants/ha.

Rehabilitation in 2017

Many plant species in USM are gradually depleted due to past logging especially in Bukit Piton FR. Planting of pioneer species, dipterocarps, common species and 'fruit trees' are essential to avoid forest simplification and improve ecosystem structure and community assemblages, similar to pristine conditions.

Restoration works in Bukit Piton FR since 2007

The restoration works which was initiated in 2007 had received full supports from various stakeholders in 2010 i.e. Yayasan Sabah, WWF-Malaysia, and Sime Darby which provide sufficient funds to restore habitat and enough food sources for orang-utan. A total of about 11,253 ha had been restored in Bukit Piton FR since the project inception in 2007. In 2017, the restoration projects have successfully planted about 1,118.38 hectares or 94% from the targeted area as stipulated in the Annual Work Plan (AWP).

Based on the continuous monitoring of planted seedlings in 2016, the mortality rate is ranging from 3% to 17% (three to five years after planting) as shown in Table 2. The mortality rate in 2016 was roughly reduced to 7.29% as compared to data in 2015. The mortality rate is contributed by seedlings quality, technique of planting, wildlife disturbance, weeds competition, wildlife disturbance and weather condition.

Opening of planting line at Cpt.111, Bukit Piton Forest Reserves in 2017

Map showing compartments for forest restoration in 2017

The maintenance activity plays an important role in the restoration projects to ensure survival of the planted seedlings from creepers and shrubs especially in the open area. In 2017, about 10,767.14 hectares were successfully maintained (planted seedlings inclusive of previous years planting). Maintenance programme consisted of line and point clearance and resupply of dead seedlings. However, for the Sime Darby planting area, the maintenance activity has included fertilizing and application of herbicides, which were strictly in compliance with FSC guidelines and SOP. On the aspect of mortality rate of planted seedlings, it revealed the range of mortality varies from 6% to 17%. The maintenance achievement is shown the following Table.

(From Left) Seraya Majau and (Right) Kapur Paji in Cpt.111, Bukit Piton Forest Reserve which were planted in May, 2017 and maintained in November, 2017