Borneo lowland rain forests, Tropical rainforest ecoregion across Borneo island, Indonesia and Malaysia.
The Borneo lowland rain forest is a forest ecoregion on Borneo island spanning Indonesia and Malaysia, with multiple canopy layers that create different light conditions below. It contains over 15,000 plant species, many of which form the backbone of the ecosystem.
During the Pleistocene epoch, this forest was part of Sundaland, a larger landmass connecting Borneo with Java and Sumatra. This ancient land bridge shaped how species developed and spread across the region over millions of years.
Local communities have long relied on forest plants following traditional methods, with many species playing a role in Indonesian and Malaysian healing practices. This knowledge passes down through generations and shapes how people connect with the land.
Only a small fraction of the forest has official protection, such as Ulu Temburong National Park in Brunei and Danum Valley Conservation Area in Malaysia. Visiting requires careful planning, so it helps to check access conditions and local requirements in advance.
The forest is home to 260 species of Dipterocarp trees, with 155 found nowhere else in the world. These hardwood species are crucial to the forest's structure and function.
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