Zarinah Waheed

Research Focus

The biodiversity gradient between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia 

We will compare the biodiversity gradient between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia; within Sabah, this gradient will be analysed from the west coast to the east coast by focusing on selected target groups. It would be unrealistic to work with absolute maximum numbers of coral species. For this reason, my target groups are the coral families Agariciidae, Euphylliidae, and Fungiidae. Species of these families are taxonomically well known and are easily identified in the field. Reliable data can be obtained on these species presence or absence per reef area surveyed.

Beta diversity of the Semporna reef complex 

Semporna is assumed to have high species richness due to the availability of various reef habitats. An assessment of the coral richness and community composition in the Semporna reef complex in Sabah will be done by looking at the diversity along onshore-offshore gradients representing various reef zones. This information will show the changes in species composition of assemblages between different sites within an area and  can be useful to design MPA boundaries and decide on Priority Conservation Areas (PCAs) as it reflects the environmental variability (e.g. distance from shore, depth, salinity) that are operating in the area. Similar investigations are being planned for the Banggi Islands (proposed Tun Mustapha Park).

Connectivity and dispersal patterns of model species

Studies have conclusively shown that Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can enhance the biomass and diversity of over-exploited communities. However, marine protected areas can only be successful if they are placed strategically, that is, at areas with optimal larval recruitment and also areas that are deemed as the main sources of coral larvae. Direct measurements of mean larval dispersal are extremely difficult. Genetic patterns of isolation by distance have the potential to infer larval dispersal distance and can help set the appropriate geographic scales on which MPA systems will function well. As most coral reef organisms have a pelagic larval dispersal phase, the utility of genetic similarity for recognizing regional patterns of genetic connectivity between marine populations appears to be useful. We plan to examine the genetic population structure of three model species, Tridacna crocea (boring giant clam), Heliofungia actiniformis (mushroom coral), and Linckia laevigata (blue sea star) in order to get an insight on dispersal patterns of these species among the study sites in Malaysia. 

Taxonomy of Hard Corals 

I was a recipient of the Martin Fellowship in 2008. During my stay in Naturalis I trained in the basic study of hard coral taxonomy, focusing on the family Agariicidae that were collected from the Banggi Islands, northern Sabah. As a PhD student, I am continuing my training in taxonomy on this family.


Leptoseris gardineri at Banggi Islands (left) and deposited in the reference collection of Naturalis (right)