CONSERVATION OF DIPTEROCARPACEAE IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Abstract

In Peninsular Malaysia, the family Dipterocarpaceae comprises 157 species. Being the most important timber family in Malaysian forestry, the family should be the subject of greater scrutiny in relation to species conservation. However, due to their ubiquitous presence in the Malaysian forests, the spesies are often assumed not to be threatened. Examination of the distribution patterns of the dipterocarps in Peninsular Malaysia indicated that over 57%
of the species have distribution patterns restricted to specific zones within the Peninsula. There are also 30 dipterocarp species that are endemic to Peninsular Malaysia. The conservation strategy for the family is discussed.