2025 Banding Trail Adventure Discovers Over 500 Biodiversity Species

GERIK, July 20 (Bernama) -- A total of 519 species of biodiversity, including flora, fauna and fungi, were discovered in the Banding Island area here through the Banding Trail Adventure (BTA) 2025 programme, significantly enriching Malaysia’s national biodiversity database.

According to the Banding Island Foundation (PBF), the three-day expedition, which began last Friday, involved 50 participants comprising local university students and research experts. The group explored a 4.7-kilometre area on the island to identify and document species found within the ecosystem.

"Throughout the expedition, participants engaged in systematic sampling and identification activities, focusing on biological realms such as Plantae, Animalia, Fungi, and Protista. These were carried out using a scientific approach grounded in field research.

"The collected data forms a biodiversity checklist or 'Species Checklist' for Pulau Banding. The information not only contributes to the national biodiversity database, but also plays a vital role in identifying and monitoring endangered species, while promoting awareness and environmental conservation efforts,” said the foundation in a statement today.

BTA 2025 was organised by PBF in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, the Tropical Rainforest Research Centre (TRaCe), the EMKAY Foundation, and Belum Rainforest Resort.

The programme also saw the involvement of the Belum Forest Friends (BFF), Exotic Animal Teaching Laboratory (EXOTEL), Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Perak Wildlife and National Parks Department, Perak State Forestry Department, as well as several local universities such as Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Universiti Teknologi MARA and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

The programme made history when it was officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for achieving the Most Biodiverse Species Identified in a Programme, with the certificate presented during the closing ceremony held today.

Meanwhile, EMKAY Group executive chairman Datuk Fazwinna Mustapha Kamal,  in her speech at the closing ceremony, said that only 10 per cent of the biodiversity around Royal Belum has been studied to date.

She emphasised that many secrets and natural treasures remain undiscovered and underscored the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts to protect these invaluable resources.

"I was informed that over 400 species of flora and fauna have been identified during the BTA 2025, which demonstrates that the Banding Trail shares the same rich biodiversity of flora and fauna as Royal Belum, but in a more enclosed, enclave setting.

"This effort is more than just an academic expedition...it sends a strong message that forests are not merely to be observed, but to be appreciated, preserved, and deeply understood," she said.

PBF Board of Trustees chairman Datuk Prof Emeritus Dr Abdul Latiff Mohamed said that the foundation is planning to develop the BTA into a permanent interpretive trail to provide a platform not only for ongoing research but also as an inclusive, nature-based learning space for extracurricular education.

"I hope that more researchers and institutions will choose Pulau Banding as a long-term research site and training ground to nurture the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards," he said.

-- BERNAMA