Deep within Selangor lies a green jewel. This is the Ayer Hitam Permanent Forest Reserve. It stands as one of the last lowland dipterocarp forests in the area. Once spanning 4270 hectares in 1906, it has shrunk to about 1200 hectares.
Let’s venture into the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve. It offers a natural escape from the busy city. This reserve is easily accessible for those seeking tranquility. The British gazetted it as a forest reserve in 1923. They aimed to protect the Klang River basin’s headwaters. In 2005, it gained recognition as an Environmentally Sensitive Area Rank 1. This was due to its rich biodiversity.
The Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve is now leased to University Putra Malaysia. This arrangement began in the 1990s for 80 years. It serves as a living laboratory for students. They conduct research here.
This forest is classified as a lowland dipterocarp forest. It features Kelat and Kedondong trees. These are in contrast to other Malaysian forests. This forest once covered Cyberjaya and Putrajaya. Now, those areas are plantations or built-up lands.
Surprisingly, Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve has an untouched river basin. The streams are crystal clear. They teem with aquatic life. These streams highlight the conservation value of the Ayer Hitam forest. The Rasau, Biring and Nasih rivers drain the reserve.
The “Blue Lagoon” is a highlight. It is a pool along the Rasau river. A small waterfall feeds into it. The pool’s color changes with the weather. It turns bluish-turquoise during rainy seasons. It is yellowish-emerald in the dry season.
The Temuan Orang Asli people have lived here for 400 years. They have a tale about the waterfall. A man once dived into the deep end. Only his intestines floated to the surface.
The highest peak reaches 233 meters. Much of the reserve is hilly. The best forest is on an upland plateau. There are few trees over 1 meter in diameter. This is typical for logged forests.
Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve has lower tree diversity. However, it has interesting plant life. Rare small plants and herbs grow here. Palm undergrowth is abundant. Eugeisonna, Oncosperma and Licuala species thrive.
Wildlife is rare. Tapirs and panthers once lived here. Now, leaf monkeys, macaques, gibbons, slow loris and wild boar remain. Birdlife has declined. Argus pheasants were here in the 1990s. Now, they are gone. However, reptiles, amphibians and insects are diverse.
Today, people visit to exercise. This increases traffic and erodes trails. UPM has restricted access to the waterfall area. Only a portion of the main trail loop is open. A management plan could turn the forest into a state park.
The Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve faces threats. Development increases tree mortality. It also silts up streams. This encroachment threatens the forest’s integrity.
Remember, without conservation plans, this fragile environment will degrade. The Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve can be enjoyed while you still can. Its trails offer an escape. Appreciate the beauty. Protect this treasure for future generations.