Brief photographic documentation of floral and faunal diversity in the polluted Gombak River ecosystem, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This study evaluates the biodiversity and ecological condition of the Gombak River ecosystem in Kampung Padang Balang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, amidst significant urbanization and pollution pressures. Field surveys identified 15 species, comprising 15 genera, 12 families, 12 orders, and six classes, showcasing the river’s rich but vulnerable biodiversity. Terrestrial and marine plants from the division Magnoliophyta dominated the ecosystem, accounting for 66.67% of the recorded species, with notable representatives including Trichosanthes scabra, Leucaena leucocephala, and Ipomoea triloba. Vertebrate species from the division Chordata contributed 26.67% of the diversity, with the reptile Varanus salvator and three bird species—Mycteria leucocephala, Butorides striata, and Acridotheres tristis—being recorded. Additionally, the invertebrate Junonia orithya from the division Arthropoda accounted for 6.67% of the species. Photographic documentation provided detailed visual records of the floral and faunal diversity, emphasizing the intricate ecological interactions within this urban riverine system. The results highlight the Gombak River's ecological importance and the urgent need for coordinated conservation efforts and pollution control measures to protect its biodiversity. This study serves as a foundation for future research and conservation strategies aimed at preserving urban river ecosystems amidst growing environmental challenges.