The Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve REDD Project

high resolution imagery) and field surveys; (ii) confirmation ofspecies considered potentially or likely present (see SectionG1.7), in particular species of concern under HCV 1.2 and 1.3 (seeSection G1.8); (iii) a systematic avifaunal survey of nearby LakeSebuluh, which is partly covered by the Project Zone; and (iv)follow-­‐up work for any other HCVs requiring more detailed studyto determine condition, spatial extent, and proper long-­‐termmanagement.Improved Ecosystem MappingThis component will be required to refine the currentunderstanding and delineation of ecosystem types in the ProjectZone, which will enable improvements in carbon estimation;description of flora and fauna known or likely to be present;population estimation of rare, threatened, or endemic/restricted-­rangespecies (especially wetland specialist birds); anddevelopment of more detailed management activities to ensurelong-­‐term conservation of ecosystem and associated biodiversity.Accurate ecosystem mapping will require a combination of GIS,remote sensing, and field survey techniques to describevegetation types based on structural attributes and diagnosticspecies assemblages. Mapping should take advantage of anyhigh-­‐resolution imagery or aerial photography used for othercomponents of the Rimba Raya project (e.g., carbon estimation)to develop a draft vegetation map integrating these data withother secondary sources such as improved soil maps, geology,and RePPProT land systems.Confirmation of Species Likely or Potentially PresentApart from the orangutan and a limited number of other species,most of the biodiversity data prepared for the PDD areinferential, based on geographic range of species and availabilityof suitable habitat rather than on direct observation. For thisreason, most species are listed as likely or potentially present inthe species tables. Field surveys will be required during Phase IIto confirm the presence of these species in the Project Zone, soas to deepen understanding of the overall biodiversity value ofthe area and spatial patterning of biodiversity within it. This workwill be vital to prioritize conservation actions and develop moredetailed monitoring plans. In the medium term, it should beadequate for surveys to focus on major taxonomic groups,including plants, birds, mammals, and herptofauna. In the future,surveys can be expanded to include less studied groups, includinginsects, fish, and aquatic invertebrates. The surveys should bedesigned as general inventories of all species encountered, butwhere possible special emphasis should be placed on confirmingthe presence of species listed under HCVs 1.2 and 1.3, as well asother special taxa mentioned below.Botanical Survey. Botanical and descriptive vegetation surveysprovide the basis for understanding spatial patterning ofbiodiversity. Such surveys will be required during Phase II todocument more fully the diversity of plant species present in theProject Zone, which to date has not been formally surveyed andis certain to be diverse. The area likely shares many species incommon with nearby Tanjung Puting, but direct survey will stillbe required in order to provide a baseline for ongoing monitoringin the Project Zone. Botanical surveys should focus ondocumentation and where possible population estimation of HCV1.2 and 1.3 species (see Table 11 in Section G1.8, above). Onearea of special consideration should be the survey of orchids andother rare epiphytic plants, which are likely to be present indiverse numbers given the presence of peat swamp and kerangasforest types. This work requires specialized skills, however, which270