Biological Heritage

The biological natural resources and natural ecosystems of Labuan Island comprise mangrove forests, rivers, islands, and coastal areas. According to the Labuan Development Blueprint Report, natural areas on land in 2015 covered a total of 884 hectares or 9.3% of Labuan’s total land area (excluding small offshore islands).

Mangrove swamp areas cover nearly 5% of Labuan’s land, with the majority dominated by mangrove forests. The three largest mangrove areas are Kinabenuwa (374.21 ha), Sg. Gersik (95.91 ha), and Sg. Ganggarak (81.20 ha). Flora and fauna data for mangrove forests are limited to the Kinabenuwa area. The mangrove flora of Kinabenuwa consists of 47 species from 23 families. Of this number, 29 are tree species. Among the most significant species are Merbau Ipil (Intsia bijuga), classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, Hybrid Gedabu (Sonneratia × hainanensis), classified as Critically Endangered, Gedabu (Sonneratia ovata), which is Near Threatened, and Gelam Laut (Osbornia octodonta), a Bornean endemic species.

Birds are the most conspicuous and easily observed fauna in the mangrove ecosystem, and are suitable as ecotourism attractions. A total of 12 bird species have been recorded in the Kinabenuwa mangrove forest and along the coastal area of Kg. Bebuloh. The most significant species is the Mangrove Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis rufigastra), which is listed as Near Threatened. This species is rarely encountered outside popular bird watching destinations in Sabah such as Sukau and the Danum Valley. An inventory of avian species diversity along the Chimney Trail to Tg. Aru Beach area recorded 15 species. All species recorded in this area are commonly found and listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

The Labuan Marine Park consists of Pulau Rusukan Besar, Pulau Rusukan Kecil, and Pulau Kuraman, located to the west of Labuan Island. The Labuan Marine Park area extends 2 nautical miles from the mean high-water mark at low tide. All three islands are encircled by shallow water coral reefs (3.8 m deep) that grow on granite outcrops and are rich in marine life, particularly reef fish and coral species. A total of 161 species from 54 genera and 15 families have been recorded (Julian et al., 2012). Among the most species-rich genera are Acropora (14 species), Montipora (13 species), and Favia (7 species). The estimated live coral cover is approximately 32.3% (Unimas, 1999).