MyRedList: Virtual application for threatened plant species

Abstract

In this paper, we consider the use of a virtual forest environment to increase the awareness of conservation of the endangered plants by developing a web application. Tropical rainforest in Malaysia consists of unique ecosystems, however, the population of Dipterocarpaceae, the most numerous family of flora in the tropical forest in Peninsular Malaysia, is decreasing. Some of the species in this family are listed as endangered and threatened plant in Malaysia Plant Red List. We argue that increasing stakeholder awareness of conservation activities of these endangered species through experiencing an immersive virtual forest environment in the efforts to conserve the species.