The forests of Penang Hill offer exceptional opportunities for ecosystem and sustainability studies. Here you will find an unbroken swathe of pristine yet accessible ecosystems from hill and lower montane forest, to coastal mangroves and lowland forest, contained within Penang National Park. In 2019/2020 the Foundation provided Research Grants towards studies to describe the diversity of cyanobacteria, wild edible and medicinal fungi, and the endemic Penang Hill Vampire Crab. In 2021, we are continuing to provide Research Grants that … [Read more...] about Advancing research in the proposed Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve
Research Grant Recipients
Macaca Nemestrina Project
THF Research Grant Macaca Nemestrina Project is a long-term behavioural and ecological study of Southern pig-tailed macaques which has been conducted near the Segari Melintang Forest Reserve (SMFR), Perak, Peninsular Malaysia since 2013. Here, two groups of habituated macaques, numbering approximately 80 individuals move between the forest reserve and the oil palm plantations bordering its South-Western edge. Researchers supervised by Dr Nadine Ruppert of the School of Biological Sciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia are … [Read more...] about Macaca Nemestrina Project
The hidden diversity of subaerophytic cyanobacteria on Penang Hill
THF Research Grant During the Penang Hill BioBlitz in October 2017, many rare and relatively unknown cyanobacteria species were detected among the algae samples collected. To understand their contribution to ecosystem functioning, and potential role in biotechnological developments, further study is necessary. This research, led by Dr Faradina Merican of the School of Biological Sciences at USM will compare the diversity of cyanobacteria at the study site with existing records from comparable environments. It is expected to draw … [Read more...] about The hidden diversity of subaerophytic cyanobacteria on Penang Hill
Ethnomycological study of local wild edible and medicinal fungi
THF Research Grant A research team from the School of Biological Sciences at USM, led by Dr Rosnida Tajuddin, has been awarded a THF Research Grant to document the historical uses and sociological value of local wild edible and medicinal fungi. They will also analyse the mycotoxin potentially present in wild fungi growing in association with the roots of dipterocarp trees, to help determine whether it is safe for human consumption. This study will enhance our understanding of the conservation status of mushrooms in Malaysia and … [Read more...] about Ethnomycological study of local wild edible and medicinal fungi
Diversity and ecological characteristics of terrestrial freshwater crabs on Penang Hill
THF Research Grant For her Master’s degree in Ecology at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Siti Khadijah is conducting a 12-month study on the diversity, ecological characteristics and habitat selection of freshwater crabs that are endemic to Penang Hill. She is being supervised by a leading authority on crustaceans in Malaysia. The field research is being funded by The Habitat Foundation and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. On designated sampling days, she heads out after dark to establish 1m x 1m plots at the bromeliad garden in … [Read more...] about Diversity and ecological characteristics of terrestrial freshwater crabs on Penang Hill
