Danum Valley
Lowland
Rainforest Habitat I Wildlife I Jungle
Trails I Activities I Getting
there
Nestled in the interior of Sabah, the Danum Valley Conservation
Area is one of the last remaining preserves of primary lowland rainforest
in Asia. The Danum Valley provides visitors with an umparalled ecological
experience into the wilds and wonders of ancient tropical forests.
Within its 438 square kilometers the rich diversity of animal and
plant life display the complex interaction of a natural, dynamic
ecosystem found only in rainforests.
The hot and humid jungle teems with a variety of towering tropical
trees, lingering lianas, exotic orchids and overhanging epiphytes.
There are few places on earth that can provide such an awe--inspiring
spectacle of nature in its original, pristine state.
Danum Valley was formerly part of a 972,000 hectare forest concession
assigned to the Sabah Foundation by the State Goverment. In May
1995, the area was declared a Class I (Protection) Forest Reserve
by the Sabah Legislative Assembly, under the authority of the Sabah
Forestry Department, which prohibits the issuance of timber and
logging concessions.
Currently the Sabah Foundation works to make it a center for wildlife
research, education and eco-tourism. The Foundation also provides
infrastructural support in the form of road access, radio communication
and manpower to assist the state authorities in conserving Danum
and supporting the development of scientific and commercial establishments
for research purposes which culminated in the opening of the Danum
Valley Field Center in 1986. |
