Hamilton
Biodiversity Park:
Revitalising Nature Through Strategic Ecological Restoration

At Sime Darby Property, we believe that urban biodiversity is more than just about flora and fau-na. It reflects the health of our environment, as a thriving and balanced natural ecosystems serves a multitude of functions and benefits for us. Hamilton Biodiversity Park ("HBP") stands as a beacon of regeneration and resilience of nature, nestled along the boundary of the Galla Permanent Reserved Forest. At the heart of this initiative is a robust biodiversity and ecosystem assessment methodology, essential for guiding successful restoration and long-term ecological health.
This 284-acre plot, once a disused oil palm plantation, now stands poised to be transformed into a thriving, healthy forest, reflecting the promise of what dedicated ecological planning can achieve.
Guided by a solid foundation of baseline data, each phase of this long-term effort to regenerate the former monoculture oil palm landscape into a thriving, bio-diverse ecosystem is rooted in careful planning and scientific insight. Biodiversity monitoring every five years will help sustain and adapt the transforma-tion, gradually fostering a resilient natural environment. Sime Darby Property has collaborated with multiple partners on this project including Lik Tin Evi-ronment Consultancy ("LTEC") and the global non-profit, Preferred by Nature. Preferred by Nature has been engaged as the Ecosystem Restoration Plan Project Planner, bringing valuable expertise and strategic oversight. These collaborations highlight Sime Darby Property's commitment to leveraging expert knowledge and fostering innovation in ecological restoration.

The Split-GIll Mushroom (Kulat Sisir)

Putra Heights is home to an astonishing array of flora and fauna that thrive within the green corridors and natural features of the development. Over 45 bird species, including both resident and migratory species, find refuge in its green spaces. Birds such as the Oriental Honey-buzzard and the Ashy Minivet use Putra Heights as a stopover during their long migratory journeys. Travelling thousands of kilometres from breeding grounds in regions including Russia, Siberia, and China to escape the winter, these birds refuel at Putra Heights before continuing their migration further south. This stopover emphasises the ecological significance of the area and highlights the role of urban green spaces in supporting global biodiversity. Meanwhile, the presence of native species, such as the majestic Grey-Headed Fish Eagle, a rare sight in urban developments, demonstrates the resilience and health of this urban ecosystem.

Thriving Flora, Diverse Fungi,
and Unique Fauna:
Hamilton's Restoration Journey

Extending the neighbouring Galla Permanent Reserved Forest, HBP boasts an extraordinary diversity of fungi, with over 49 recorded species. Among them is the Kulat Sisir, a fan-shaped edible fungus cherished by indigenous communities for its delicate structure and cultural significance. These fungi, particularly wood-decay varieties, play a crucial role in nutrient recycling and soil enrichment, underpinning the park's ecological balance. Beyond their ecological importance, these fungi serve as visual marvels and stand as symbols of Hamilton's remarkable natural diver-sity. This rich biodiversity, however, is not confined to fungi and flora alone; it extends across the park's ecosystem, encompassing a wide array of animals that exemplify the unique wildlife of the region.

Paradise Flying Snake

Sunda Slow Loris

Among the notable fauna species that call HBP home are the critically endangered Sunda Pangolin, listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The park also shelters the Sunda Slow Loris, a venomous primate, which uses venom as a defence mechanism. Nevertheless, this species plays a vital role in controlling insect populations while acting as a seed disperser. The park provides refuge for the Wallace's Hawk Eagle, an uncommon raptor that helps regulate smaller vertebrate prey populations, and the Malayan Horned Frog, an iconic frog species typically associated with clean and healthy river ecosystems. Additionally, the Striped Bronzeback and Paradise Flying Snake are among the diverse reptilian inhab-itants. Other species, such as the Large Indian Civet, Mainland Leopard Cat, along with a handful of bat species, contribute significantly to the park's ecological balance while demonstrating the variety of life that finds shelter here.

Engaging Communities and
Future Generations

Mainland Leopard Cat

In addition to serving as a biodiversity refuge, HBP aims to be a space for community engagement, a hub for environmental education, and a centre for sustainable tourism. A planned Urban Biodiversity Research Centre will collaborate with local universities, NGOs, and other stakeholders, providing a living laboratory for research and learning. The park will also be an educational re-source, connecting people to the natural world and inspiring future generations to value and protect the environment.
HBP represents a long-term commitment to not only restore but also enhance the natural environment that once thrived. This regeneration effort demands patience, scientific rigour, and community support. It is about creating a space where both nature and people can flourish together. Although the journey is just beginning, early signs of success are already visible, whether in the diverse fungi, abundant wildlife, or the renewed sense of hope for shared ecosystems. Hamilton is being nurtured into a sanctuary that honours the past, fosters harmonious coexistence between people and nature, and cultivates a resilient, sustainable future for all. Please visit https://www.simedarbyproperty.com/sustainability/urbanbiodiversity/ to learn more about Sime Darby Property's urban biodiversity efforts.

*Wildlife photos taken at site
by Izereen Mukri, Ecologist, Sime Darby Property.