32 research outputs found
A RAPID ASSESSMENT ON VERTEBRATES IN UiTM KUALA PILAH CAMPUS AND ITS ADJACENT FOREST RESERVE, NEGERI SEMBILAN
No full textDuring the Forest Biological Diversity Scientific Expedition Programme, a rapid assessment was carried out at the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Kuala Pilah Campus in Negeri Sembilan, which is built next to the Pelangai Forest Reserve (PFR). The rapid assessment was executed based on direct observation, animal calling,footprints and mark,and active search around the campus and its adjacent forest. In total, 45 species of vertebrates were recorded based on the two days survey, which includes five speciesof mammals, 32 species of birds, and eight species of herpetofauna. Out of 45 species, only White-handed Gibbon (Hylobates lar) and Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus)are categorised as threatened species under IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.In conclusion, this information presented herein should not be treated as exhaustive and more systematic surveys should be carried out to assist the university and forestry department in terms of vertebrates’documentation within their management landscapes
Vertebrates of Resak (Tambahan) Forest Reserve and Its Adjacent Area, Pahang
No full textSoutheast Pahang Peat Swamp Forest (SEPPSF) covers four forest reserves (FRs) namely Pekan FR, Nenasi FR, Kedondong FR and Resak FR. Previously, 204 species of birds, 56 species of mammals, and 47 species of herpetofauna have been recorded at SEPPSF. Recently, a rapid assessment using binoculars was carried out for two days from 18-19 May 2023 covering Resak (Tambahan) FR and its adjacent areas including oil palm plantations and Rompin town. A total of 52 species of birds from 25 families and one species of reptile were recorded. Of these, 36 species are classified as Totally Protected while eight species are Protected species according to Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. There are four Vulnerable (VU) species that were recorded namely Black Hornbill, Lesser Adjutant, Large Green-Pigeon, and Javan Myna. This result indicates a “snapshot” of vertebrates of the forest complex due to the short duration of the survey. Therefore, more intensive survey is needed to update the dynamics of the wildlife community in this area
Vertebrates of Resak (Tambahan) Forest Reserve and Its Adjacent Area, Pahang
No full textSoutheast Pahang Peat Swamp Forest (SEPPSF) covers four forest reserves (FRs) namely Pekan FR, Nenasi FR, Kedondong FR and Resak FR. Previously, 204 species of birds, 56 species of mammals, and 47 species of herpetofauna have been recorded at SEPPSF. Recently, a rapid assessment using binoculars was carried out for two days from 18-19 May 2023 covering Resak (Tambahan) FR and its adjacent areas including oil palm plantations and Rompin town. A total of 52 species of birds from 25 families and one species of reptile were recorded. Of these, 36 species are classified as Totally Protected while eight species are Protected species according to Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. There are four Vulnerable (VU) species that were recorded namely Black Hornbill, Lesser Adjutant, Large Green-Pigeon, and Javan Myna. This result indicates a “snapshot” of vertebrates of the forest complex due to the short duration of the survey. Therefore, more intensive survey is needed to update the dynamics of the wildlife community in this area
Development of Malaysian Mammal Online Database
No full textMalaysia is one of 17 mega diverse countries in the world. Despite this fact, there is still no online standalone database that focuses on Malaysian mammals. Creation of a mammalian database would allow researchers and conservationists to utilize the database for research, policy making and to answer broad scale of biodiversity questions. Human development have contribute to the depleting of mammal population and species extinction rate is faster than the effort of cataloguing them. The aim of this study is to 1) identify online database features and the type of data required for mammal database, 2) collect and populate database from existing mammal data to assist the said database and 3) to test the acceptance of the database by user of this study. The secondary data from existing database was collected to determine the required features needed in the database. The database adhere to TDWG standard that facilitates exchange of biological information. Rapid Prototype Model was utilized as development method and Omeka Classic was used as platform of Content Management System. The mammal data was collected online and populate into the database. The acceptance testing in form of questionnaire were distributed to verify whether the database is function properly and meet the requirement of the study. We present MYMODS, a comprehensive mammal database with 361 mammal species in Malaysia deposited in the database. The development of this database will enable the researcher and conservationist to seek and identify mammal information based on species’ scientific name, description and IUCN Red List. We believe that MYMODS will contribute to the digital knowledge that provide tools for mammal research and contributes in management of biodiversity and conservation in Malaysia. MYMODS is available at https://cercom.uthm.edu.my/mymods
Avifauna at Padang Chong Forest Reserve, Perak
No full textAvifauna are widely visible and can be found in a variety of habitats, including primary forests up to the urban gardens. Surveys on avifauna using the mist-netting technique were carried out at Padang Chong Forest Reserve (PCFR) in Perak for five sessions starting from June 2022 until November 2022. From these, a total of 176 individuals from 49 species were recorded. The main objective of these surveys was to document and update the avifauna diversity at this forest reserve. Grey-throated Babbler (Stachyris nigriceps) was the most abundant with 27 individuals captured throughout the surveys followed by Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica) and Oriental-dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca) with 14 individuals and 11 individuals captured respectively. From the surveys, it is shown that a diverse array of avifauna, with the remaining individuals representing a variety of species, each with fewer than 10 individuals recorded. Out of 49 species of avifauna, only Brown-chested Jungle-flycatcher (Cyornis brunneatus) is listed as Vulnerable, and the remaining species are listed as Near Threatened and Least Concern. These brings the checklist of avifauna in PCFR a total of 85 species from 19 families. Understanding the species richness of avifauna in Padang Chong Forest Reserve (PCFR) is crucial for effective conservation management strategies since this forest reserve is identified as one of the ecological corridors in Central Forest Spine (CFS) initiative known as A-PL2
Assessment of Non-Volant Small Mammals at Lenggor Forest Reserve and Mersing Forest Reserve in Johor, Malaysia
No full textSurveys of non-volant small mammals were conducted in two fragmented forest reserves within Johor, namely Mersing Forest Reserve (MFR) and Lenggor Forest Reserve (LFR), which are part of the J-PL1 ecological corridor under the Central Forest Spine (CFS) initiative. The surveys were conducted from June to October 2024 to document the diversity of non-volant small mammals at the MFR and LFR. In each forest reserve, six transect lines measuring 100m in length were established at distances of 300m, 500m, and 1000m from the forest edge. Ten collapsible cage traps were set along each transect line and operated for five consecutive nights per session. A total of four sampling sessions were conducted at each site. Apart from this, observation was made to document arboreal species. Overall, 15 species are recorded from both forest reserves. MFR recorded 15 species (six families), while LFR recorded 11 species (four families). Species diversity (Shannon-Wiener Index) is comparable between MFR (H′ = 1.658) and LFR (H′ = 1.635). Notably, two Vulnerable species, namely Maxomys whiteheadi and Maxomys rajah, were also documented at both forest reserves. These findings portray the ecological significance of LFR and MFR as vital habitats that support a diverse community of non-volant small mammals. Hence, maintaining and enhancing habitat connectivity within the J-PL1 corridor is crucial for preserving ecological integrity and ensuring the long-term survival of non-volant small mammal populations in this ecological corridor and its adjacent areas
Reptile species composition at three forest reserves in the Central Forest Spine ecological corridor B-SL1, Selangor, Malaysia
No full textCentral Forest Spine (CFS) is an important initiative to reconnect fragmented forest areas in the Peninsular Malaysia. According to the master plan (PIRECFS 2022), 39 ecological corridors have been identified, including CFS B-SL1, which connects Raja Musa Forest Reserve, Bukit Tarek Forest Reserve, and Gading Forest Reserve in Selangor. A review of existing research on reptilian diversity in these reserves revealed a lack of studies, with some focusing on the Bukit Tarek Forest Reserve. This study aims to document the reptile species present in CFS B-SL1. Fieldwork was conducted in May, June, August, September, and October 2022, with two sampling sessions in each forest reserve. A total of 25 pitfall traps were used for five consecutive nights, and active searches were done for two nights per session. The study identified 18 species from nine families, with Calotes emma being the most frequently captured species (n=31). Gading Forest Reserve constitutes the highest number of species (12 sp). The Agamidae family accounted for the highest families in B-SL1, which is 65.08%. Jaccard’s similarity dendrogram indicated Gading Forest Reserve and Raja Musa Forest Reserve clustered together, although the similarity was below 0.4. Kruskal-Wallis test indicated no significant difference in reptile diversity across three forest reservesThe rarefaction curve indicates that more species could be discovered if the sampling effort were increased. Recommendation includes proposing buffer zones at the corridor and monitoring the usage of herbicides at the plantations within the corridor. The study suggests that more time and effort are needed to uncover additional reptilian species in these forest reserves
Herpetofauna surveys at CFS ecological corridor (J-PL2: Panti Forest Reserve-Ulu Sedili Forest Reserve), Johor, Malaysia
No full textHerpetological surveys were conducted at Panti Forest Reserve and Ulu Sedili Forest Reserve of Johor in March and April 2019. These forest reserves are identified as one of the designated primary linkages under the Central Forest Spine (CFS) Masterplan, named as J-PL2 or previously known as CFSII PL3. The objective of the study is to document updated list of herpetofauna species recorded at the J-PL2. During this study, onehectare study plot was established at Panti Forest Reserve and Ulu Sedili Forest Reserve, respectively. Each study plot was equipped with 10 transect lines. A total of 25 pitfall traps were deployed at each study plot. These traps were set for five consecutive nights per session, with a total of two sampling sessions per site. In addition, active search was also conducted for a minimum of two hours at each site during every sampling session. As a result, a total of 30 individuals comprising of 13 species of herpetofauna were recorded at J-PL2. Panti Forest Reserve harbour highest number of herpetofauna with nine species (five families) followed by Ulu Sedili Forest Reserve with six species (five families). Amphibians was the most species captured in Panti Forest Reserve with six species, whilst the number of species recorded for both amphibians and reptiles at Ulu Sedili was similar with three species. Furthermore, five species of the herpetofauna representing by one amphibian and four reptiles are new additional recorded herpetofauna species when compared to a compilation of previously listed species at both forest reserves. Pelobatrachus nasutus, Draco haematopogon and Naja sumatrana are among the latest species recorded through this study. Referring to this information, hopefully the significance of J-PL2 as an important shelter for various herpetofauna species could be reflected and proper conservation actions must be undertaken to protect and sustain their population
Species Composition of Rodents at Padang Chong Forest Reserve, Perak
No full textThere are at least four families of rodents identified in Peninsular Malaysia namely Muridae, Sciuridae, Hystricidae, and Rhyzomidae. Although rodents are widespread throughout Peninsular Malaysia, information on rodents at Padang Chong Forest Reserve (PCFR) is scarce. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to identify and document the species composition of rodents at PCFR. Samplings were carried out at two plots along the gradient from the border of PCFR namely Plot 1 (500m) and Plot 2 (1km). The size of the respective plot is 1ha with 10 transect lines (AJ), 100m in length separately. These plots were sampled for five times from June to November 2022. Based on this study, a total of 65 individuals from nine species of rodent were documented. These nine species were identified from two families namely, Muridae (5 spp) and Sciuridae (4 spp). Of these, Leopoldamys sabanus was recorded as the highest captured species (25 individuals), followed by Maxomys whiteheadi (19 individuals) and Callosciurus notatus (7 individuals). There is no significant difference in terms of species composition between these plots, Plot 1 (n=33) and Plot 2 (n=32), which further supported by t-test value result (t-test=0.928; p(value)> 0.05). However, there is a single representative of Sundamys muelleri captured in Plot 1 which prefers the riverine area (around 10m). Callosciurus notatus were captured most in Plot 2 (6 individuals) compared to Plot 1 (1 individual). Certain areas nearby to Plot 2 were opened for agricultural purposes which explained the existence of this species at Plot 2. From this information, it is hoped that further actions can be taken to conserve the area to ensure the small mammal communities are preserved
Species Composition of Rodents at Padang Chong Forest Reserve, Perak
No full textThere are at least four families of rodents identified in Peninsular Malaysia namely Muridae, Sciuridae, Hystricidae, and Rhyzomidae. Although rodents are widespread throughout Peninsular Malaysia, information on rodents at Padang Chong Forest Reserve (PCFR) is scarce. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to identify and document the species composition of rodents at PCFR. Samplings were carried out at two plots along the gradient from the border of PCFR namely Plot 1 (500m) and Plot 2 (1km). The size of the respective plot is 1ha with 10 transect lines (AJ), 100m in length separately. These plots were sampled for five times from June to November 2022. Based on this study, a total of 65 individuals from nine species of rodent were documented. These nine species were identified from two families namely, Muridae (5 spp) and Sciuridae (4 spp). Of these, Leopoldamys sabanus was recorded as the highest captured species (25 individuals), followed by Maxomys whiteheadi (19 individuals) and Callosciurus notatus (7 individuals). There is no significant difference in terms of species composition between these plots, Plot 1 (n=33) and Plot 2 (n=32), which further supported by t-test value result (t-test=0.928; p(value)> 0.05). However, there is a single representative of Sundamys muelleri captured in Plot 1 which prefers the riverine area (around 10m). Callosciurus notatus were captured most in Plot 2 (6 individuals) compared to Plot 1 (1 individual). Certain areas nearby to Plot 2 were opened for agricultural purposes which explained the existence of this species at Plot 2. From this information, it is hoped that further actions can be taken to conserve the area to ensure the small mammal communities are preserved
