In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have uncovered fossil evidence of an endangered tropical tree species for the very first time.
The remarkable find was made in the lush rainforests of Brunei, a small nation on the island of Borneo.
This discovery, led by researchers from Penn State, provides a rare glimpse into the ancient history of Asia’s rainforests and emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts in the region.
The study, published on May 8 in the American Journal of Botany, reveals fossilized leaves of a towering tree species called Dryobalanops rappa, known locally as the Kapur Paya.
These fossils, estimated to be at least 2 million years old, represent the first direct evidence of this species in the fossil record.
Today, the Kapur Paya still exists in the carbon-rich peatlands of Borneo, including in Brunei, but it is classified as endangered due to deforestation and habitat loss.
“This discovery provides a rare window into the ancient history of Asia’s wet tropical forests,” said Tengxiang Wang, a doctoral student at Penn State and the lead author of the study.
According to Wang, finding these ancient leaves proves that Dryobalanops rappa has been a vital part of Borneo’s forests for millions of years.
It highlights the species’ ecological importance and the urgent need to protect its remaining habitats from further destruction.
Peter Wilf, a professor of geosciences at Penn State and co-author of the study, noted that the fossil record of Asia’s rainforests has been surprisingly limited compared to those of the Amazon and African rainforests.
This lack of historical evidence made the discovery even more significant, providing concrete proof of the long-standing presence of these towering trees in Borneo’s tropical forests.
To identify the fossils, researchers analyzed the microscopic features of the preserved leaf cuticles. Remarkably, the details matched perfectly with modern Dryobalanops rappa leaves, down to the last cellular structure.
This level of preservation allowed scientists to confirm that the tree species thriving in Borneo’s rainforests today has roots that stretch back millions of years.
Dipterocarps, the tree family to which Dryobalanops rappa belongs, are the giants of Asia’s rainforests. These trees are crucial not only for biodiversity but also for carbon storage. However, they are increasingly at risk due to deforestation and the rapid destruction of their natural habitats.
The discovery of these ancient fossils strengthens the argument for conserving these majestic trees, not just for their ecological role today, but as survivors of millions of years of natural history.
Wang emphasized that conservation is not only about protecting living species but also about preserving ancient survivors that have withstood the test of time. Understanding the deep historical roots of these trees gives new weight to conservation efforts, highlighting that protecting these forests also means preserving a living piece of Earth’s ancient ecosystems.
Wilf added that Penn State’s paleobotany group, along with international partners, continues to uncover important fossil evidence across Southeast Asia. These discoveries are shedding light on the long and largely unknown history of the region’s tropical forests, which are now facing unprecedented threats.
The fossils found in Brunei are more than just remnants of the past—they are a powerful reminder of the need to protect these ancient giants and their unique ecosystems before they disappear forever.
