CAMERON HIGHLANDS: A new species of liverwort discovered in Cameron Highlands' Mossy Forest, here, has officially been named Mastigopelma latiffiana, in the highest honour to Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Mohamad.
The species was discovered during the Mossy Forest Biological Diversity Scientific Expedition last March, led by Abdul Latiff who had previously received various national-level awards.
Liverwort researcher, Associate Professor Lee Gaik Ee from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), said she decided to name the new species of liverwort Mastigopelma latiffiana as the highest honour to him (Abdul Latiff) who has extensive experience in research in this country.
She said, Abdul Latiff, better known as Pok Teh, is no stranger to this country, a leading figure who has contributed significantly to producing many researchers in various fields of research.
"My decision to name the new species of liverwort discovered in Cameron Highlands last year as Mastigopelma latiffiana is also my acknowledgement as a student to a teacher who has contributed greatly.
"I cannot repay my professor, Abdul Latiff, for all that he has done except by immortalising his name on the new species of liverwort," she said at the Mossy Forest Biological Diversity Scientific Expedition Seminar here yesterday.
The seminar, organised by the Pahang State Forestry Department, was officiated by Pahang state secretary, Datuk Seri Zulkifli Yaacob.
A total of 28 papers were presented by researchers from eight universities and several other agencies focusing on studies of forest ecosystems, ecology, flora and fauna, recreation, geology, archaeology and socio-economics.
Gaik Ee said, after retiring, Abdul Latiff now serves as a part-time lecturer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and he is also the head of the Mossy Forest Biological Diversity Scientific Expedition.
"By immortalising the name of the new species of liverwort as Mastigopelma latiffiana, I hope the contributions and sacrifices of Prof Abdul Latiff who supported me in conducting research will never be forgotten.
"I am proud to be the first individual to immortalise his name on the new species of liverwort found clinging to tree trunks at an altitude of 1,900m above sea level in the Mossy Forest area," she said.
Meanwhile, Abdul Latiff said he could only express his gratitude to Gaik Ee who decided to immortalise his name on the new species of liverwort.
"I never expected my name to now be associated with the liverwort found in Cameron Highlands," he said, touched by the recognition received.