Kuala perlis: The black tokay gecko (Gekko cf. dam) has been identified exclusively in Perlis, Malaysia, marking a significant discovery during a scientific biodiversity expedition in the Bukit Papan Forest Reserve and Kurong Batang (South) Forest Reserve near Kuala Perlis.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the lead researcher, Dr. Razak Terhem from Universiti Putra Malaysia's Faculty of Forestry and Environment, reported that although the species is not endemic to Perlis, as it also exists in Thailand, the discovery highlights Perlis as its southernmost distribution point within Malaysia. The findings were shared during the expedition's closing ceremony, attended by local government officials.

Dr. Razak emphasized the discovery's significance in showcasing Perlis as a unique biodiversity area, with distinct habitats shaped by microclimates, limestone formations, and forest ecosystems. Additionally, the expedition uncovered an unidentified orchid species, potentially new to science, along with four ginger species, one of which was observed flowering for the first time since 2001.

The expedition, conducted from August 16, gathered 105 researchers from various institutions and organizations to explore biodiversity, ecology, and forest resource management. Researchers documented a diverse array of species, including 16 mammals, 60 birds, 70 butterflies, and 25 herpetofauna, alongside 28 woody plants, 18 orchids, 20 ferns, and 150 climbing and creeping plant species.

Furthermore, the team recorded over 120 fungi findings, with 33 being new records for Perlis. The expedition's scope extended beyond species inventory to include studies in hydrology, geology, GIS mapping, cave mapping, archaeology, and community-based ecotourism potential, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the region's ecological and scientific value for future forest management and conservation efforts.