A Long-Term and Large-Scale Research of the Lambir Rain Forest in Sarawak: Progress and Conceptual Background of Japanese Activities.

A long-term and large-scale research of a tropical rain forest was initiated at the Lambir Hills National Park in Sarawak in 1990. The research successfully passed the first turning point by establishing the 52 ha research plot, tree tower and walkway system, and laboratory facility within the park in 1994. The historical descriptions of the background concept and progress of Japanese activities during recent five research years were briefly given for the following purposes, 1) to promote the similar researches at another localities, 2) to declare an initiation of canopy biology by describing its definition, and 3) to offer a conceptual background for the research results expected to appear in this journal in the nearest future.