Page 7 - Nature World Sample

Foreword

It is with great pleasure that we introduce The Natural World Universiti Malaya, a
remarkable work that captures the diversity and richness of the flora and fauna present
on the University’s Kuala Lumpur campus in Pantai Valley. This work is a testament to
the University’s unwavering commitment to research and scholarly inquiry, and it reflects
our deep appreciation for the natural world.

The UM campus has a rich history of Ceariagrion chaoi damselfly; the stingless bee,
scientific exploration and discovery, spanning Parishnogaster mellyi, constructing its nests using
over six decades. The extensive grounds, existing nests of the paper wasp Ropalidia stigma;
covering approximately 373 hectares, provide first records of several plants, including those that
a remarkable living laboratory for the study of attract male fruit flies and serve as host plants for
biodiversity, offering a unique opportunity for true fruit fly larvae; and plants with aberrant and
research and education. conjoined flowers.

The publication of The Natural World The documentation of the biodiversity present
Universiti Malaya is a significant achievement on the UM campus is an essential aspect of the
that reflects our commitment to preserving University’s research activities, and this publication
and disseminating the University’s scholarly serves as a vital tool for understanding the dynamics
achievements and the research and intellectual of ecosystems and their conservation. It is our hope
pursuits of its academic community. This work is that The Natural World Universiti Malaya will inspire
a remarkable resource, showcasing selected life future generations of researchers to explore and
forms from the plant, fungi, and animal kingdoms, appreciate the remarkable natural world of the UM
including some newly discovered species. campus.

The author’s personal experiences and We applaud the Universiti Malaya Press’s
expertise, acquired over decades of study decision to commission this work, as it
and exploration, inform this work. The book reflects the Press’s commitment to preserving
presents a comprehensive illustrated overview and disseminating the University’s scholarly
of the diverse natural life present on the achievements. The Natural World Universiti Malaya
campus, offering a valuable tool for learning is a remarkable achievement and a testament to
and innovation. It highlights various unique the University’s unwavering dedication to research,
features of the natural world on the UM campus, scholarship, and the pursuit of knowledge.
including the world’s largest trypanosome of
frogs, Trypanosoma raksasa; the phenomenon Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Mohd Hamdi Abd Shukor
known as ‘Yellow Rain’ caused by the honey bee Vice Chancellor
Apis cerana; the rediscovery of the Fiery Coraltail Universiti Malaya

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