An ecosystem untouched by time
The Danum Valley Conservation Area is a 438-square-kilometer tract of lowland dipterocarp forest that has never been logged, hunted, or settled by modern humans. This is a near-pristine example of the ecosystem that once covered much of Borneo. The forest has many tall trees from the Dipterocarpaceae family, which form a canopy that can reach heights of over 70 meters. Within this small area, scientists have identified over 15,000 plant species. The valley itself is a Class I (Protection) Forest Reserve, the highest level of protection available in Sabah, managed by the Sabah Foundation (Yayasan Sabah).
The area's isolation within the upper catchment of the Segama River has preserved it as a living laboratory. Research began in earnest with the establishment of the Danum Valley Field Centre in 1986, which has since become a well-known facility for studying tropical forest ecology. The forest floor is composed of moderately acidic, nutrient-poor soil known as orthic acrisol, which has supported this ecosystem for millions of years.
A concentration of rare species
Danum Valley's undisturbed state supports a complete range of Sabah's lowland fauna. It contains significant populations of more than 120 mammal species, including 10 primate species. Among its residents are the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) and the Bornean pygmy elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis), the world's smallest elephant.
Other elusive mammals found here include the Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi), the Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus), and the banteng, a species of wild cattle. The birdlife is diverse, with over 340 species recorded, including all eight species of hornbill found in Borneo. The valley is also a habitat for 72 reptile species and 56 amphibian species.
To allow observation of the canopy life, a 300-meter-long canopy walkway is suspended up to 26 meters above the forest floor. In 2019, the world's tallest known tropical tree was discovered within the conservation area. Nicknamed "Menara," the yellow meranti (Shorea faguetiana) was measured at 100.8 meters (331 feet).