DBKL Herbarium Preserves Capital's Biodiversity Legacy

Hidden amid the hustle and bustle of the capital, the  Herbarium at Perdana Botanical Garden remains largely unknown to the public. Yet this living archive plays a vital role in preserving the natural heritage of Malaysia, safeguarding evidence of plant life as rapid urban development continues to encroach upon green spaces.

Since commencing operations in March 2017, the facility, managed by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), has amassed more than 5,000 plant specimens from across the country, including samples collected from as far away as Long Banga in Sarawak.

The herbarium continues to actively expand its collection, documenting both rare and unidentified plant species. Its latest additions were gathered from Bukit Dinding in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur.

Speaking to Bernama, research officer Syazwani Azeman said each dried plant specimen on display represents far more than a scientific collection; it serves as tangible proof that a species once existed in a particular place at a specific point in time.

“The significance of a herbarium may not be immediately apparent, but in the long term it becomes an important record showing that a plant species once existed in a particular area.

“Ten or 15 years from now, that species may no longer be found in its original habitat due to development or ecosystem changes, but we will still have physical evidence available for future generations of researchers,” she said in a recent interview.

A METICULOUS SCIENTIFIC PROCESS

As an important scientific reference centre, the herbarium also serves as a repository of biodiversity memory, documenting changes in the natural landscape, particularly in rapidly developing urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur.

Syazwani explained that every specimen collected undergoes a lengthy and meticulous process before it is permanently preserved, beginning in the field and ending in the storage room.

Each dried plant leaf on display is not just a scientific collection but physical evidence of the existence of a species in a location at a particular time.

“Plant specimens are usually collected when they bear flowers or fruits because these features make species identification easier.

“If a complete specimen is available, we collect one that includes both flowers and fruits. If not, we will still collect specimens that are either flowering or fruiting. We also gather voucher specimens, which are collected first and identified later, for educational and record-keeping purposes,” she said.

Upon returning from the field, the samples are cleaned and trimmed before being pressed and dried in a specialised oven at temperatures ranging from 55 to 65 degrees Celsius for between four and seven days.

“The specimens are then left at room temperature for a day before undergoing quarantine in a freezer for another four to seven days to prevent insect infestations or fungal growth,” she added.

The identification process follows, after which each specimen is labelled with detailed scientific information, including the collection location, date, habitat description and GPS coordinates, effectively providing every recorded plant with its own “birth certificate”.

The specimens are then mounted and stitched onto special archival sheets before being curated and organised according to plant family and alphabetical order within a compact storage system that resembles a library catalogue.

A RECORD FOR DECADES, A RESOURCE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Syazwani said herbarium specimens can survive for decades, even centuries, if properly maintained, making the facility an invaluable resource for long-term scientific research.

She cited collections at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), where specimens hundreds of years old remain in excellent condition, requiring only occasional replacement of supporting materials such as mounting paper.

The identification process is carried out before the specimen is labeled complete with scientific information, collection location, date, habitat, and GPS coordinates.

“The original specimens are preserved because they are important for research. A herbarium is designed for the long term,” she said.

According to her, researchers and students frequently visit the institution to conduct studies on various plant species.

Beyond its research function, the herbarium also plays a crucial role in urban biodiversity conservation efforts and ecosystem monitoring.

NEW COLLECTIONS FROM BUKIT DINDING

During a recent Bernama visit, DBKL Herbarium  staff were busy processing specimens collected from Bukit Dinding during fieldwork conducted in mid-May, involving approximately 40 to 50 plant samples.

Syazwani said the effort marks one of the first biodiversity documentation initiatives in the area, which previously had no official representation in the DBKL herbarium collection.

The specimen will be left at room temperature for a day before undergoing a quarantine process in a freezer for four to seven days to prevent insect or fungal attacks.

“We have never had collections from Bukit Dinding before. Even if the same species has been collected elsewhere, it is still important to document it as the locality is different,” she said.

The field survey also yielded several interesting species that are still undergoing identification, including a number of wild ginger species with striking red flowers.

She said the team plans to submit a report on the findings and produce public awareness materials, possibly in the form of posters, to highlight the area's rich biodiversity.

In line with technological advancements, the Perdana Botanical Garden Herbarium is also embarking on a digitisation initiative in collaboration with the Malaysia Biodiversity Information System (MyBIS), expected to begin in July. The project aims to broaden access to biodiversity data for researchers,  educational institutions and the public.

VOICES FROM BUKIT DINDING

Meanwhile, Friends of Bukit Dinding (FoBD) vice-president Inci Anggie Narina Syafruddin said studies conducted by various institutions have identified the area as one of Kuala Lumpur’s important biodiversity hotspots.

She noted that although Bukit Dinding was previously regarded as having limited biodiversity value due to its secondary forest status, recent findings suggest otherwise.

Specimens in the herbarium can last for tens to hundreds of years if properly maintained, making the center an important resource for long-term research.

“A baseline biodiversity assessment conducted by the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) in 2023 recorded 175 plant species, 92 butterfly species, 81 bird species, 28 herpetofauna species (reptiles and amphibians), nine odonata species (dragonflies) and five mammal species in the area,” she said.

The presence of wildlife such as leopard cats, civets, monkeys, wild boars, snakes and monitor lizards further underscores Bukit Dinding’s role as a refuge for urban wildlife.

“The 2023 baseline study identified numerous species in the area, and the findings were further strengthened in 2024 through collaboration with the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health (SCPH), which employed bioacoustic monitoring and camera traps,” she said.

She added that visitor movement data obtained through Strava Metro recorded more than 360,000 visits throughout 2024, although the actual figure is believed to be higher.

“Bukit Dinding is unique because it serves as an urban community hub. Its importance extends beyond species diversity and ecology; it is also a space for education, biodiversity awareness and fostering connections between people and nature, which are becoming increasingly rare,” she said.

She added that FoBD will continue gathering new empirical data to strengthen understanding of the ecological value and importance of the urban green space.