Beaufort: Forest edges within oil palm plantations are functioning as crucial ecological corridors for wildlife, facilitating safe movement between forest reserves and surrounding landscapes, a recent study reveals.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) has highlighted findings from a study conducted by experts from the Global Environment Centre (GEC) near the Binsulok and Klias Forest Reserves in Beaufort, Sabah. The study indicates that these forest edges play a significant role in supporting the movement of various fauna species.
MPOGCF, in a statement, reported that wildlife observed using these corridors include large mammals such as sambar deer, bearded pigs, leopard cats, and proboscis monkeys, along with smaller mammals, reptiles, resident birds, and migratory bird species. The study monitored wildlife movement patterns over 12 months with 13 strategically installed camera traps along the boundaries of oil palm plantations adjacent to forest reserves.
MPOGCF noted that the biodiversity data collection project began in December 2024 and concluded in December 2025, involving several privately owned oil palm plantations and independent smallholders in the Beaufort district, southwestern Sabah. The study, funded by MPOGCF, was a collaborative effort with various Sabah State Government agencies, including the Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Wildlife Department, and Sabah Biodiversity Centre, as well as plantation companies and smallholders.
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 an important peatland area comprising intact peat swamp forests and mangrove ecosystems that serve as a habitat for wildlife, while playing a role in climate change mitigation and flood management in Beaufort, Sabah. In addition to biodiversity research, MPOGCF stated that 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 community patrol teams aimed at preventing peatland fires and initiatives to form Community Fire Brigades under the supervision of the Beaufort Fire and Rescue Department.