Astounding discovery of unique flora and fauna at Bukit Kiara

Lim (first man in front) leading the group during the MNS Walk with Nature at Bukit Kiara.

Source: http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2013/07/02/Appreciating-mother-nature-Astounding-discovery-of-unique-flora-and-fauna-at-Bukit-Kiara.aspx (BY VIJENTHI NAIR
VIJENTHI@THESTAR.COM.MY PHOTOS BY SAM THAM 2/7/2013)

IT WAS not just another walk in the park for 28 participants of Malaysian Nature Society’s inaugural (MNS) “Walk with Nature at Bukit Kiara” programme. Led by Selangor MNS Flora Group head botanist Lim Koon Hup, the participants were briefed on the flora and fauna found along the walk. “The participants were very inquisitive throughout the walk as they did not know much about even the common plants and trees.

“It is not only interesting to learn about the greenery but also the role they play in the eco-system and how it benefits people and animals,” he said.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng, who also took part in the walk, signed a green pledge to help expedite the gazetting of Bukit Kiara.

MNS vice-president Henry Goh said the objective of the walk was to highlight the importance of maintaining the bio-diversity for present and future generations to enjoy. “We also want to ensure green lungs are preserved to off-set and absorb the ever-increasing carbon emissions due to development. It is important to have a healthy balance between development and conservation of our depleting national forests.

“In 2007, the Cabinet agreed to gazette 189ha of Bukit Kiara as a public park. Several ministers and top government officers have also made statements to this effect. However, it is puzzling that despite all the assurances, nothing has been done for the last six years.

“The Friends of Bukit Kiara and its coalition partners comprising NGOs and RAs have over the years, written and also held meetings with the relevant authorities and government agencies but nothing concrete has materialised,” he said. Goh said as the turnout was good, MNS will organise more walks into Bukit Kiara to showcase the many “nature treasures” which could still be discovered within Bukit Kiara.

Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) resident Fariza A. Jalil said she was mesmerised with what nature has to offer in Bukit Kiara. “The authorities must gazette Bukit Kiara fast or else more destruction might take place. It is a threat to the environment and where will the animals go? It will be very sad to see all the beautiful flora and fauna slowly fade away,” she said.

Another resident, Rahmat Hussien, who has been visiting the park for over 30 years, said he had never explored the trails. “I never knew that Bukit Kiara has a natural treasure trove. The flora and fauna found here are very beautiful and picture- perfect,” said the avid photographer who came with his friend Harinto Rashid to take photographs in the park.

Katie Low from Australia, who is visiting a relative here, also joined in the walk after hearing about it. “It is a good way to spend a Sunday morning,” she said.

After the walk, several participants also helped to plant trees in the park.