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JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE AND PARKSPublished by Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) Peninsular MalaysiaPublished 2014

MANAGEMENT BOARD

AdvisorDato’ Abd. Rasid SamsudinDirector of General, DWNP

ChairpersonDato’ Misliah Mohamad Basir

Deputy Director General I, DWNP

MembersDato’ Dr. Zaaba Zainol AbidinTn.Hj.Zainuddin Ab ShukorAbdul Kadir Abu Hashim

Shabrina Mohd ShariffSalman Hj Saaban

Mohd Taufik Abdul RahmanNosrat Ravichandran

DWNP

Editor-In-ChiefDr. Sivananthan T.Elagupillay

DWNP

Editorial BoardProf. Emeritus Dr. Yong Hoi Sen, University Malaya

Prof. Dr. Shukor Md. Nor, University Kebangsaan MalaysiaJeffrine Rovie Ryan Japning, DWNP

Kayal Vizi Karuppannan, DWNP

SecretariatTan Poai Ean

Frankie Thomas SitamHartini Ithnin

Norsyamimi RosliNoor Azleen Mohd Kulaimi

Badmanathan Munisamy

HONORARY ADVISORDr. Lim Boo Liat

General Correspondence: Director GeneralDepartment of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) / PERHILITAN, Peninsular Malaysia, KM 10, Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Tel: 03-90866800 Fax: 03-90752873Email: [email protected] Website: www.wildlife.gov.my

Authorisation has been granted to the DWNP to reproduce these pages.

Printed by Universal Iprint Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur

iii

Journal of Wildlife and ParksVol. XXIX (2014) ISSN 0121-8126 CONTENTS FULL PAPER PAGE

Jeffrine J. Rovie-Ryan, Abdullah, M.T., Frankie T. Sitam,Soon Guan Tan, Misliah Mohamad Basir, Zaaba Zainol Abidin,Charles Keliang & Azroie DenelMitochondrial DNA Diversity of the Long-Tailed Macaque(Macaca fascicularis) from the Northern Region of Peninsular Malaysia 1 - 8

Masrom, H., Omar, Y. & Mohd. Norfaizal, G. Flora Diversity of Tasek Bera Ramsar Site, Pahang, Malaysia 9- 11

Amirrudin B. Ahmad, M. Fahmi-Ahmad & Syed Ahmad RizalFish Diversity in Small Streams of Sungkai Wildlife Reserve, Perak, Malaysia 13 - 21

M. Izzat-Husna & Amirrudin A. Odonata (Class Insecta) of Sungkai Wildlife Reserve, Perak, Malaysia 23 - 30

Mohd Norfaizal, G. Masrom, H., Omar, Y. & Mohd Shukri, M.A.A Preliminary Flora Survey of Sungkai Wildlife Reserve, Perak, Malaysia 31 - 35

John RasmussenFood Choice and Feeding Habits of the Flat-Headed Cat (Prionailurus planiceps)in Captivity 37 - 44

Thary Gazi Goh, Johannes Huijbregts, Hii Ning & Ahimsa Campos-ArceizBeetles Recorded to Visit Elephant Dung in Temenggor Forest, Malaysia 45 - 48

Mohd. Sanusi, M., Traeholt, C., Khadijah-Ghani, S.A., Simson, B.,Shukor M.N. & Rovie-Ryan, J. Jeffrine Evolusi Projek Konservasi Tapir Malaya 49 - 53

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CONTENTS FULL PAPER PAGE

Ang, L.H., Ho, W.M. & Tang, L.K. A Depository of Lowland Forest Tree Species Established on a Brown-Filled Site inAra Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia 55 - 60

Ang, L.H., Ho, W.M. & Tang, L.K.A Model of Greened Ex-Tin Mine as a Lowland Biodiversity Depository in Malaysia 61 - 67

Magintan, D., Mohd. Aminurddin Ahmad, Adnan Ismail & Idlan Rasdi Observation of Dhole (Cuon alpinus) at Sungkai Wildlife Reserve, Perak, Malaysia 69 - 72

Ho, W.M., Tang, L.K., Ang, L.H., Ho, S.K. & Lee, D.K. Enrichment Planting in a Greened Slime Tailings in Peninsular Malaysia 73 - 76

Journal of Wildlife and Parks (2014) 29 : 1-8 1

MITOCHONDRIAL DNA DIVERSITY OF THE LONG-TAILED MACAQUE (Macaca fascicularis) FROM THE NORTHERN REGION OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Jeffrine J. Rovie-Ryan*1, 3, Abdullah, M.T.2, Frankie T. Sitam1, 3, Soon Guan Tan4, Misliah Mohamad Basir3, 5, Zaaba Zainol Abidin6, Charles Keliang3 & Azroie Denel3

1Wildlife Genetic Resource Bank (WGRB) Laboratory, Ex-Situ Conservation Division,Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) Peninsular Malaysia,

KM10, Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia2Kenyir Ecosystem Research Centre, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu,

Terengganu, Malaysia3Outbreak Response Team (ORT), DWNP, KM 10, Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur

4Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

5Deputy Director General I Office, DWNP, KM 10, Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur6Deputy Director General II Office, DWNP, KM 10, Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur

* Corresponding author: [email protected]; [email protected]

ABSTRACT

We examined the genetic diversity of 64 long-tailed macaques from the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia covering the states of Perlis and Kedah including the Langkawi Island using the complete control region (CR) segment of the mitochondrial DNA. Standard genetic diversity including nucleotide diversity, haplotype diversity and genetic divergence were calculated. Moderate nucleotide diversity (π = 0.021) was observed which is higher than a previous study on the Penang M. fascicularis population. Twenty-three haplotypes were detected with haplotype diversity, h of 0.936. Haplotype sharing was observed among Langkawi and Perlis macaques indicating historical connection between the island and the mainland. Phylogenetic trees constructed grouped the samples into 4 groups without any obvious populations structuring.

Keywords: Control region, Genetic diversity, Long-tailed macaque, mtDNA, Northern Peninsular Malaysia, Phylogenetic relationships

INTRODUCTION

The long-tailed macaque, Macaca fascicularis, also known as the crab-eating or cynomolgus macaques are the second most studied non-human primates after the rhesus macaque, M. mulatta. Distributed across vast areas of the mainland and insular Southeast Asia (Fooden, 1995), this species is very common and lives sympatrically with the other primate species including human. Commonly used as primate model in biomedical research, M. fascicularis are the prime candidate for the study of human diseases (Villano et al., 2009, Shiina et al., 2010).

In 2007, a Non Detrimental Findings (NDF) study was conducted by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) to estimate the M. fascicularis population in Peninsular Malaysia, indicating approximately 740,000 individuals (DWNP, unpublished report). The ban imposed by the Malaysian government on primate exportation and hunting in 1985 (DWNP, 1985) led to the population increase and since then had caused conflicts with human and considered as pest (DWNP, 2006). A recent field census conducted by the DWNP in 2011 revealed a total of 127,050 conflict macaques (DWNP, unpublished report).

Jeffrine J. Rovie-Ryan, Abdullah, M.T., Frankie T. Sitam, Soon Guan Tan, Misliah Mohamad Basir, Zaaba Zainol Abidin,

Charles Keliang & Azroie Denel

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Several studies on M. fascicularis using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are available on the intraspecies variation (Smith et al., 2007), population genetics (Lawler et al., 1995; Harihara et al., 1988; Kawamoto et al., 2008; Shiina et al., 2010), phylogeography (Tosi et al., 2002; Blancher et al., 2008), and demography (Melnick & Hoelzer, 1992). In this pilot study, using the control region (CR) segment of the mtDNA, we attempt to assess the genetic diversity of the M. fascicularis from the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia.

METHODOLOGY

Sample Collection, DNA Extraction, PCR Amplification and Sequencing

Samples from conflict long-tailed macaques were collected from the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia: Perlis and Kedah (including the Langkawi Island; Figure 1). Appendix 1 summarizes the details of the samples used in this study.

Figure 1. The sampling locations (blue circles) in this study. Green circles represents sampling locations from a previous study at Penang by Rovie-Ryan et al. (2014).

Mitochondrial DNA Diversity of the Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) from the Northern Region of Peninsular Malaysia

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Total genomic DNA from 64 blood samples was extracted using the QIAamp DNA Kit (QIAGEN Ag., Germany) following the protocol provided by the manufacturer. A pair of primers; WGRB/MFCR/F15978 and WGRB/MFCR/R580 (Rovie-Ryan et al., 2014) were used to amplify the complete length of the CR. PCR amplifications were conducted using the following PCR profile: a preliminary denaturation at 98°C for 2 min followed by 30 cycles of 95°C for 30 sec, 69°C for 30 sec and 72°C for 40 sec, and later followed by a final extension period of 72°C for 3 min before the samples were cooled to 4°C. A 15µl reaction volume consisting of 0.5µl of DNA template (~15–20ng), 0.2 µl (0.13 µM) of each primers and 14.1 µl of GoTaq® Colorless Master Mix (Promega) was used. Cycle sequencing on both primers were done on the ABI PRISM®377 DNA Sequencer as provided by the 1st Base Laboratories Sdn. Bhd., Selangor, Malaysia.

Sequence Analysis, Genetic Distance and Phylogenetic Relationship

Multiple alignments of the sequences were done by using the program Geneious v5.6 (Drummond et al., 2012) and later manually checked. MEGA v5 (Tamura et al., 2011) was used to check for the sequence characterisation which includes the variable sites, conserved sites and parsimony-informative sites. DnaSP v5 (Librado et al., 2009) were later used to calculate the genetic diversity indices which includes the number of haplotypes, haplotype diversity (Hd) (Nei, 1987), and nucleotide diversity (Pi) (Nei, 1987).

The genetic distances among the samples were calculated by using the Kimura two-parameter model (Kimura, 1980) as calculated in MEGA v5. Phylogenetic trees were then constructed using the neighbour-joining (NJ), maximum parsimony (MP) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods as implemented in MEGA, and also the Bayesian inference (BI) by using MrBayes (Huelsenbeck et al., 2001) as a plug-in in the Geneious v5.6 program. Sequences of the other Macaca species, M. mulatta (AY612638), M. thibetana (NC_011519), and M. sylvanus (NC_002764), and the outgroup species of the Tribe Papionini, Papio hamdryas (NC_001992) were obtained from the GenBank database and included in the analysis. All trees were bootstrapped (Felsenstein, 1985) with 1,000 replicates.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Variation and Genetic Distance in the mtDNA CR

PCR products with the length of 1,092 and 1,093 base-pairs (bp) were obtained from the 64 individual samples. A single deletion mutation was observed in two samples from Langkawi (WDSP/12/0117 and WDSP/12/0118). This deletion mutation is similar with the findings by Rovie-Ryan et al. (2014), where they discovered the same condition in some of the samples from Penang. The authors suggested that the condition were due to genetic stress experienced by the M. fascicularis during the Pleistocene era, which included intense climatic and vegetation changes, and coupled by volcanic activities in the region.

Within the 64 samples, 998 conserved sites (91.3%) and 95 variable sites (8.7%) were detected. A total of 82 parsimony informative sites (86.3%) were detected within the 95 variable sites. Overall, the northern region M. fascicularis (N = 64) exhibit a nucleotide diversity (π) of 0.021. This is comparatively higher than the π of M. fascicularis from Penang (0.012; N= 46) as calculated by Rovie-Ryan et al. (2014). DnaSP detected 23 haplotypes (h = 0.936) from the total samples with no haplotype sharing with the Penang population. Interestingly, haplotype sharing was observed among Langkawi and Perlis samples indicating historical connection between the island and the mainland. The overall



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genetic distance calculated was at 0.021. Within Kedah, Perlis and Langkawi Island, genetic distances were similar at 0.017, 0.015, and 0.016, respectively.

Phylogenetic Relationship

Phylogenetic tree constructed using all four methods (NJ, MP, ML, and BI) produced identical topologies, thus we represent them by the ML tree (-lnL= 4348.63, Figure 2). Generally, the topology separated the M. fascicularis into 4 major groups with no obvious structuring. Two samples from Langkawi Island were grouped with the Penang population, while the remaining samples grouped with the samples from Perlis. Samples from Kedah and Perlis formed two groups (Group 2 and 4).

Figure 2. Phylogenetic tree constructed showing the four major groupings. Numbers above the branches represents bootstrapping values of 1,000 replicates.


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In summary, the findings in this study revealed that the northern of Peninsular Malaysia M. fascicularis population exhibits moderate level of genetic diversity with no obvious genetic structuring observed. This finding could help the DWNP in the management of M. fascicularis population due to the human-macaque conflict. Since the current results have no obvious population structuring, thus translocation of conflict individuals could be conducted without fearing for genetic contamination. Several translocation have been conducted in the late 1980s, from the state of Penang to the adjacent mainland, and to the Taman Negara National Park in the state of Pahang (Elagupillay, S., pers. comm.). Finally, we conclude that the CR of the mtDNA is indeed a powerful segment to be used in addressing the genetic diversity of M. fascicularis.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This pilot study is part of Rovie-Ryan J.J. PhD research work on the genetics and evolution of the long-tailed macaques in Malaysia. Special thanks to the DWNP for providing the facilities, equipments, and personnel to conduct this pilot study and also to the State Directors of DWNP Kedah and Perlis, and the staffs for their assistance. This project is funded by the DWNP, and partly by the MoSTI-MGI-MGRC-UNIMAS Proboscis genome research grant led by MT Abdullah and colleagues. The following individuals are greatly influential in making this project a success: Abdullah Zawawi bin Yazid and Mohamad Nizam bin Rahammah.

REFERENCES

Blancher, A., Bonhomme, M., Crouau-Roy, B., Terao, K., Kitano, T. & Saitou, N. (2008). Mitochondrial DNA sequence phylogeny of 4 populations of the widely distributed cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis fascicularis). Journal of Heredity, 99(3): 254–264.

Drummond, A.J., Ashton, B., Buxton, S., Cheung, M., Cooper, A., Duran, C., Field, M., Heled, J., Kearse, M., Markowitz, S., Moir, R., Stones-Havas, S., Sturrock, S., Thierer, T. & Wilson, A. (2012). Geneious v5.6. Available from http://www.geneious.com.

DWNP. (1985). Laporan Tahunan 1985 Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman Negara. Kuala Lumpur: DWNP.

DWNP. (2006). Manual pengurusan konflik manusia-kera di Semenanjung Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur: DWNP.

Fooden, J. (1995). Systematic review of Southeast Asian long-tail macaques, Macaca fascicularis (Raffles, [1821]). Fieldiana Zoology, new series (81): 1–206.

Harihara, S., Saitou, N., Hirai, M., Aoto, N., Terao, K., Cho, F., Honjo, S. & Omoto, K. (1988) Differentiation of mitochondrial DNA types in Macaca fascicularis. Primates, 29: 117–127.

Huelsenbeck, J.P., & Ronquist, F. (2001). MRBAYES: Bayesian inference of phylogenetic trees. Bioinformatics, 17: 754– 755.

Karimullah, & Shahrul, A. (2011). Condition and population size of Macaca fascicularis (long-tailed macaque). Journal of Cell & Animal Biology, 5(3): 41-46.



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Kawamoto, Y., Kawamoto, S., Matsubayashi, K., Nozawa, K., Watanabe, T., Stanley, M.A. & Perwitasari-Farajallah, D. (2008). Genetic diversity of longtail macaques (Macaca fascicularis) on the island of Mauritius: an assessment of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms. Journal of Medical Primatology, 37: 45–54.

Kimura, M. (1980). A simple method for estimating evolutionary rates of base substitutions through comparative studies of nucleotides sequence. Journal of Molecular Evolution, 16: 111-120.

Lawler, S.H., Sussman, R.W. & Taylor, L.L. (1995). Mitochondrial DNA of the Mauritian macaques (Macaca fascicularis): an example of the founder effect. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 96: 133–141.

Librado, P. & Rozas, J. (2009). DnaSP v5: A software for comprehensive analysis of DNA polymorphism data. Bioinformatics, 25: 1451-1452.

Melnick, D.J. & Hoelzer, G.A. (1992). Differences in male and female macaque dispersal lead to contrasting distributions of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA variation. International Journal of Primatology, 13: 379–393.

Nei, M. (1987). Molecular Evolutionary Genetics. New York: Columbia University Press.

Rovie-Ryan, J.J., Abdullah, M.T., Sitam, F.T., Tan, S.G., Zainuddin, Z.Z., Basir, M.M., Abidin, Z.Z., Keliang, C., Denel, A., Joeneh, E. & Ali, F.M. (2014). Genetic diversity of Macaca fascicularis (Cercopithecidae) from Penang, Malaysia as inferred from mitochondrial control region segment. Journal of Indonesian Natural History, 2(1): 14-25.

Shiina, T., Tanaka, K., Katsuyama, Y., Otabe, K., Sakamoto, K., Kurata, M., Nomura, M., Yamanaka, H., Nakagawa, H., Inoko, H. & Ota M. (2010). Mitochondrial DNA diversity among three subpopulations of cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) originating from the Indochinese region. Experimental Animals, 59(5): 567-578.

Smith, D.G., McDonough, J.W. & George, D.A. (2007). Mitochondrial DNA variation within and among regional populations of longtail macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in relation to other species of the fascicularis group of macaques. American Journal of Primatology, 69: 182–198.

Tamura, K., Peterson, D., Peterson, N., Stecher, G., Nei, M. & Kumar, S. (2011). MEGA5: Molecular evolutionary genetics analysis using maximum likelihood, evolutionary distance, and maximum parsimony methods. Molecular Biology & Evolution, 28(10): 2731–2739.

Tosi, A.J., Morales, J.C. & Melnick, D.J. (2002). Y-chromosome and mitochondrial markers in Macaca fascicularis indicate introgression with indochinese M. mulatta and a biogeographic barrier in the Isthmus of Kra. International Journal of Primatology, 23: 161-178.

Villano, J.S., Ogden, B.E., Yong, P.P., Lood, N.M. & Sharp, P.E. (2009). Morphometrics and pelage characterization of longtailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) from Pulau Bintan, Indonesia; Singapore; and Southern Vietnam. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, 48(6): 727-733.


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Appendix 1. Detailed information of the samples used in this study.

No Sample Label Location/GPS of capture

Loc

atio

n in

M

ap

Sex

Hap

. No.

1 WDSP/12/0078 Kg. Titi Kerbau, Canglun, Kedah (269200 714500) 1 M 12 WDSP/12/0079 Kg. Tengah, Derang, Kedah (276457 687221) 2 M 23 WDSP/12/0081 Kg. Tengah, Derang, Kedah (276457 687221) 2 F 34 WDSP/12/0082 Kg. Tengah, Derang, Kedah (276457 687221) 2 F 25 WDSP/12/0084 ABM, Sintok, Kedah (283213 714029) 3 M 46 WDSP/12/0085 ABM, Sintok, Kedah (283213 714029) 3 F 57 WDSP/12/0086 ABM, Sintok, Kedah (283213 714029) 3 F 48 WDSP/12/0087 ABM, Sintok, Kedah (283213 714029) 3 M 69 WDSP/12/0088 ABM, Sintok, Kedah (283213 714029) 3 M 7

10 WDSP/12/0089 ABM, Sintok, Kedah (283213 714029) 3 M 811 WDSP/12/0090 ABM, Sintok, Kedah (283213 714029) 3 F 912 WDSP/12/0091 ABM, Sintok, Kedah (283213 714029) 3 M 913 WDSP/12/0092 Tmn Putrajaya, Alor Setar, Kedah (266214 676377) 4 M 914 WDSP/12/0093 Tmn Putrajaya, Alor Setar, Kedah (266214 676377) 4 M 915 WDSP/12/0094 Tmn Putrajaya, Alor Setar, Kedah (266214 676377) 4 M 916 WDSP/12/0095 Tmn Putrajaya, Alor Setar, Kedah (266214 676377) 4 M 917 WDSP/12/0096 Tmn Putrajaya, Alor Setar, Kedah (266214 676377) 4 M 918 WDSP/12/0097 Kg. Sungai Layar Hujung, S/P, Kedah (276171 628148) 5 M 419 WDSP/12/0098 Kg. Sungai Layar Hujung, S/P, Kedah (276171 628148) 5 M 520 WDSP/12/0099 Kg. Sg. Rotan, Gurun, Kedah (278706 648805) 6 M 521 WDSP/12/0100 Kg. Jubai SC, Kulim, Kedah (296804 610770) 7 M 1022 WDSP/12/0101 Kg. Jubai SC, Kulim, Kedah (296804 610770) 7 M 1023 WDSP/12/0102 Kg. Jubai SC, Kulim, Kedah (296804 610770) 7 M 1124 WDSP/12/0103 Kg. Jubai SC, Kulim, Kedah (296804 610770) 7 M 1225 WDSP/12/0104 Kg. Jubai SC, Kulim, Kedah (296804 610770) 7 M 1026 WDSP/12/0105 Kg. Jubai SC, Kulim, Kedah (296804 610770) 7 M 1027 WDSP/12/0106 Kg. Jubai SC, Kulim, Kedah (296804 610770) 7 M 1028 WDSP/12/0107 Kg. Jubai SC, Kulim, Kedah (296804 610770) 7 M 1229 WDSP/12/0108 Kg. Jubai SC, Kulim, Kedah (296804 610770) 7 F 1230 WDSP/12/0110 Kg. Dato Kayaman, Perlis (252333 720791) 8 M 1331 WDSP/12/0111 Kg. Seri Kesinai, Perlis (255209 736975) 9 F 1432 WDSP/12/0112 Kg. Seri Kesinai, Perlis (255209 736975) 9 M 1533 WDSP/12/0120 Kg. Seri Kesinai, Perlis (255209 736975) 9 F 1934 WDSP/12/0113 Kg. Bukit Malut, Langkawi, Kedah (201141 698270) 10 M 1335 WDSP/12/0115 Kg. Bukit Malut, Langkawi, Kedah (201141 698270) 10 M 1336 WDSP/12/0117 Kg. Bukit Malut, Langkawi, Kedah (201141 698270) 10 F 1837 WDSP/12/0118 Kg. Bukit Malut, Langkawi, Kedah (201141 698270) 10 M 1838 WDSP/12/0119 Kg. Bukit Malut, Langkawi, Kedah (201141 698270) 10 M 1339 WDSP/12/0114 Kg. Kilim, Langkawi, Kedah (207797 699364) 11 F 1640 WDSP/12/0116 Kg. Kilim, Langkawi, Kedah (207797 699364) 11 M 1741 WDSP/12/0121 Kg. Titi Besi Chuping, Perlis (252884 719624) 12 M 2042 WDSP/12/0122 Kg. Titi Besi Chuping, Perlis (252884 719624) 12 F 2143 WDSP/12/0123 Kg. Titi Besi Chuping, Perlis (252884 719624) 12 F 2144 WDSP/12/0124 Kg. Melayu, Perlis (247716 734307) 13 F 2145 WDSP/12/0125 Kg. Melayu, Perlis (247716 734307) 13 M 20



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46 WDSP/12/0126 Kg. Melayu, Perlis (247716 734307) 13 M 1547 WDSP/12/0127 Kg. Melayu, Perlis (247716 734307) 13 M 1548 WDSP/12/0128 Kg. Melayu, Perlis (247716 734307) 13 M 1549 WDSP/12/0129 FRIM, Perlis (251413 736659) 14 F 1950 WDSP/12/0130 FRIM, Perlis (251413 736659) 14 M 2251 WDSP/12/0131 FRIM, Perlis (251413 736659) 14 F 2252 WDSP/12/0132 FRIM, Perlis (251413 736659) 14 M 2053 WDSP/12/0133 FRIM, Perlis (251413 736659) 14 M 2154 WDSP/12/0134 Simpang Tiga, Perlis (244234 720576) 15 M 1355 WDSP/12/0135 Simpang Tiga, Perlis (244234 720576) 15 F 2156 WDSP/12/0136 Simpang Tiga, Perlis (244234 720576) 15 F 1357 WDSP/12/0137 Simpang Tiga, Perlis (244234 720576) 15 M 2358 WDSP/12/0138 Simpang Tiga, Perlis (244234 720576) 15 F 1359 WDSP/12/0139 PKHL Sg. Bt. Pahat, Perlis (243353 722458) 16 M 2160 WDSP/12/0140 PKHL Sg. Bt. Pahat, Perlis (243353 722458) 16 F 2161 WDSP/12/0141 PKHL Sg. Bt. Pahat, Perlis (243353 722458) 16 F 2162 WDSP/12/0142 Bukit Lagi, Perlis (245693 712417) 17 F 2163 WDSP/12/0143 Bukit Lagi, Perlis (245693 712417) 17 F 2164 WDSP/12/0144 Bukit Lagi, Perlis (245693 712417) 17 F 21


FLORA DIVERSITY OF TASEK BERA RAMSAR SITE , PAHANG, MALAYSIA

Masrom, H., Omar, Y. & Mohd. Norfaizal, G.*

Strategic Resources Research Centre, Mardi Headquarters, Serdang Selangor

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

A botanical survey of the plant communities at Tasek Bera, Pahang, covering a mosaic of habitats, namely open water, rassau swamp, Lepironia reed-bed, seasonal freshwater swamp forest, and the surrounding lowland dipterocarp forest, resulted in an annotated checklist of 507 species of vascular plants in 176 genera and 83 families. The checklist includes previous collections. The largest family was Euphorbiaceae (7 genera, 7 species), followed by Dipterocarpaceae (6 genera, 10 species) and Rubiaceae (6 genera, 6 species). The largest genera were Shorea (20 species), Syzygium (14 species) and Dipterocarpus (11 species).

Keywords: Tasek Bera, Pahang, Flora diversity

INTRODUCTION

Tasek Bera is the largest natural freshwater lake in Peninsular Malaysia. It is situated in South West Pahang near the Negeri Sembilan border between 3̊ 00’-3̊ 10’ N and 102° 33’-102̊ 39’ E in the low lying, undulating plain between mountains of the Main Range in the west and hill ranges to the east. The much-branched lake and swamp systems is at an altitude of 30-35m while the surrounding low hills attain an altitude of about 80m. Access to Tasek bera is only via a few entry points: from the Ramsar site management office at Tanjung Keruin in the North, Pos Iskandar in the southern half of the lake, and Kampung Pathir (NW of Tanjung Keruin). Tasek Bera has been inhabited by the indigenous Semelai people for over 600 years. This area is surrounded by freshwater swamp forest. Recognizing its uniqueness, in November 1994, Tasek Bera was designated as the first Ramsar site in Malaysia (Shamsuddin et al., 1998). The 26000ha Ramsar site includes the former Bera Forest Reserve.

METHODOLOGY

The main aims of this study were to conduct a plant inventory and to carry out qualitative assessment of the flora diversity and composition through general field collections in August 2014 and to highlight the conservation value of this habitat and the plants it harbours. This will provide baseline data on the flora of Tasek Bera that can serve as a useful tool for the authorities-in-charge of protecting the site to monitor changes to the flora.

Collections were made of fertile vascular plants for herbarium specimens, but also of sterile specimens of major timber trees as vouchers. Plant identification and description were based on Corner (1952), Stone (1977), Turner (1995), Henderson (1930), Latiff et al. (1999), and Soepadmo et al. (1995). Some specimens were deposited in the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute Herbarium. Rapid assessment technique, i.e: plant listing based on trail survey was used to record

Masrom, H., Omar, Y. & Mohd. Norfaizal, G.10

the species composition and diversity. Standard collecting materials and methods and note taking were used (Bridson & Forman, 1992). Herbarium specimens were collected for plants bearing fertile materials, while vouchers were collected for plants that were not flowering or fruiting. Floristic notes and habitat types were also recorded. All voucher and herbarium collections were lodged at the respective herbarium. The checklist contained vouchers, herbarium records, and sighted records (species which were sighted in the sites but were not collected). Sterile materials known only at the family level are not included in the checklist, while taxa known only to the genus level e.g. Garcinia, Mangifera and Nephelium are included.

RESULTS

Included in our findings in this inventory trip, a total of 507 vascular plants from 176 genera and 83 families are documented for Tasek Bera site. Trees, terrestrial herbs and climbers together with epiphytes each comprise about one third of the flora in this area (Table 1).

Table 1. Summary of the plant inventory in Tasek Bera August 2014

FAMILIES GENERA SPECIESFerns and lycophytes 17 23 33Gymnosperms 3 3 8Monocotyledons 18 75 123Dicotyledons 45 75 343Total 83 176 507

CONCLUSION

The plant communities of Tasek Bera are unique and must be preserved for future generations, as well as the agrobiodiversity value it contains. The protection of Tasek Bera as a Ramsar site is therefore very important for the plant communities as well. In addition, freshwater swamp forest is the more endangered habitat in the region, not just in Peninsular Malaysia in particular.

Flora Diversity of Tasek Bera Ramsar Site, Pahang, Malaysia 11

REFERENCES

Bridson, D. & Forman, L. (1992).The herbarium handbook. Revised edition. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Corner, E.J.H. (1950). Wayside trees of Malaya.Vol.1. Kuala Lumpur: Malayan Nature Publications.

Kosterman, A.J.G.H. & Bompard, J.M. (1993). The Mangoes. Their botany, nomenclature, horticulture and utilization. London: Academic Press Ltd.

Latiff, A. & Faridah Hanum, I. (1999). On the vegetation and flora of Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, 6:11-72.

Shamsuddin, I., Azman, H., Ismail, H. & Chong, P.F. (1998). A consultancy report on the extent and types of vegetation cover at Tasik Bera. Kuala Lumpur: Report prepared by Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) for wetlands International – Asia pacific. Pp. 64.

Stone, B.C. (1977). Annotated list of seed plants of Pulau Tioman. In The Natural History of Pulau Tioman (Lee, D. W. et al., eds.).

Soepadmo, E. & Wong, K.M. (1995). Tree flora of Sabah and Sarawak. FRIM Publications. Kepong.

Turner, I.M. (1995). A catalogue of the vascular plants of Malaya. Gardens' Bulletin, Singapore, 47: 10.


FISH DIVERSITY IN SMALL STREAMS OF SUNGKAI WILDLIFE RESERVE, PERAK, MALAYSIA

Amirrudin B. Ahmad*, M. Fahmi-Ahmad & Syed Ahmad Rizal

School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu


ABSTRACT

The diversity of fishes recorded from several small streams within Sungkai Wildlife Reserve (SWR), Perak is presented here. A total of 26 species from 12 families were recorded during the 3-day survey. Fishes from family Cyprinidae were the most common with 11 species, followed by Channidae with four and Osphronemidae two species. We added seven species to the checklist of fishes of SWR, bring the total number of fishes known to this area to at least 41 species. Here, we update the name of previously reported fish species found at SWR by comparing the checklist to the recently published materials. However, the taxonomic status of four species mentioned in the previous publication was doubtful and we cannot assign them to any valid taxa known to us. Nonetheless, the fish fauna inhabiting the small streams here is diverse and requires further research to obtain more data to validate the checklist that is useful for conservation and planning future management program.

Keywords: Inland fishes, New records, Checklist, Cyprinidae, Stream

INTRODUCTION

Freshwater fishes within Sungkai Wildlife Reserve (SWR), Perak has been previously studied and a series of publication was published (Mohd-Sham et al., 2001, 2002, 2005). A total of 45 species were reported from various streams in this area (Mohd-Sham et al., 2005). There are several streams flowing within SWR, however only a few can be accessed easily. Despite there were studies being done on fishes living in those streams, we urge that another survey should be done here. This paper presents an updated checklist of native freshwater fish species of streams in SWR and updating the taxonomic disparities from the previously published checklist.

METHODOLOGY

Fishes were caught from Sungai Bikam, Sungai Suar and Sungai Ped in SWR using electrofishing technique within a 100 m distant. Stunt fishes were collected using a long handle scoop-net and a 3-m seine net, with a mesh size of 3 mm, was used to retain drifted fish. To reduce fish mortality, all captured fishes were placed in 3 mm collapsible loop-nets and immersed in flowing water. Small fishes were placed in an aerated bucket filled with stream water separately.

The majority of the fish species were identified in situ and released upon identification but specimens of several unconfirmed species were preserved in 10% formalin for further examination. Fish will

Amirrudin B. Ahmad, M. Fahmi-Ahmad & Syed Ahmad Rizal14

remain in fixative for at least two weeks. Specimens were later immersed in tap water to remove the fixative before transferring them into 70% ethanol for further identification and long term preservation. Preserved specimens were kept temporarily at the Ichthyological Collections of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) in Kuala Terengganu and will be sent to Institute Biodiversity, Bukit Rengit, Pahang for permanent storage. Fishes were identified using Kottelat et al. (1993), Rainboth (1996), Ng and Ng (1998), and Tan and Kottelat (2009). Nomenclature for the fish family follows Kottelat (2013).


A total of 26 species from 12 families were recorded during the three days survey on three streams at SWR. Fishes from family Cyprinidae were the most common with 11 species, followed by Channidae (four) and Osphronemidae (two). Other families made up the rest of the composition. Of the 26 species recorded in this study, seven species were additional records to SWR. We update the checklist of fish previously reported from SWR by comparing the checklist to the previously published materials (see Mohd-Sham et al., 2005). From the previous study, at least four species were considered doubtful because based on our best knowledge, these species either not inhabiting small streams like what was found at SWR or totally a different species (see below). After considering all species, the heuristic checklist of fish of SWR was produced that brings the total number of fishes known to this area to at least 41 species.

Additional fish species

Family Cyprinidae

Mystacoleucus obtusirostris

Remarks. This species was collected at Sungai Bikam. Not common here but usually abundant elsewhere. Locally known as “ikan sia”.

Rasbora bankanensis

Remarks. Several individuals were collected at stagnant water on the side of Sungai Bikam. Not common but widely distributed species.

Rasbora trilineata

Remarks. A few specimens were collected from Sungai Bikam. This small size scissor-tail rasbora sometimes is confused with the larger but relative rare, Rasbora caudimaculata. The former species is common throughout Peninsular Malaysia and frequented slow flowing streams.

Family Mastacembelidae

Macrognathus circumcinctus

Remarks. Specimens collected in this study come from Sungai Bikam having body marking beneath the belly which similar to Macrognathus circumcinctus. Locally known as “ikan tilan”.

Fish Diversity in Small Streams of Sungkai Wildlife Reserve, Perak, Malaysia 15

Family Osphronemidae

Luciocephalus pulcher

Remarks. This species was collected from Sungai Ped. Common in swampy water bodies throughout the country but has been collected from streams elsewhere. Locally knon as “ikan tumbuk lembing”.

Family Channidae

Channa gachua

Remarks. This dwarf snakehead is the smallest of all snakeheads found in Peninsular Malaysia frequented forested streams with a lot of covers. Common throughout the country. Locally known as “ikan kedak or pecat”.

Channa melasoma

Remarks. A medium size snakehead with white distal margins on unpaired fins can be found in many streams and swamps throughout Peninsular Malaysia. This fish found in abundant at Sungai Ped. Locally known as “ikan haruan palas”.

Species inquirenda in Mohd-Sham et al. (2005)

Rasbora cephalotaenis

Remarks. It was reported as Rasbora cephalotaenia in Mohd-Sham et al. (2001). Although the descriptions given by the authors close to the description of this species, for now, we tentatively removed it from the list. This species is common in acidwater swamp in Peninsular Malaysia.

Rasbora dorsicellata

Remarks. Uncertain. May be referable to Brevibora dorsiocellata which was reported from several places in southern Peninsular Malaysia but prefer slow flowing swampy habitat. The presence of this species here is questionable but could be referable to Rasbora bankanensis. The two species can be differentiated from one another in the presence of black marking on dorsal fin for the former but on the anal fin of the latter.

Acanthopsis inchosoma

Remarks. Could be a species from the genus Acanthopsis, i.e., A. dialuzona but the species epithet could referring to Acrochordonichthys septentrionalis which in the past was referred to as A. ischnosoma. We tentatively removed this species from the list because, i. Acrochordonichthys ischnosoma does not occurred in Peninsular Malaysia, ii. species in this genus has shown a very restricted distribution in Peninsular Malaysia and so far has only been recorded from large rivers like Sungai Kelantan and Sungai Pahang, and iii) the descriptions given by Mohd-Sham et al. (2001; pg. 71) did not fit the descriptions of any of the two species found in Peninsular Malaysia (for details, see Ng, 2010).

Chanda siemensis

Remarks. The correct identity could be Parambassis siamensis but this fish prefer lentic habitat.


Problems with inaccurate fish list

Many ichthyological surveys either for ecological studied or merely done for “the need to know what is there?” which get published (especially papers in the recent past) has a considerable setback. The most crucial one is that authors often rely on outdated guide to identify the collected specimens. The outcome was just another compilation of inaccurate and often incompatible information of fish fauna of a given area. Subsequently, errors are thus propagated over and over again (Kottelat & Freyhof 2007). Since the work by Mohd Sham et al. (2005) has been published as an updated and systematic checklist of fishes of an inadequately known area like Sungkai, the paper is vital for one to examine the changes in fish community over time of the similar area in the future.

In this context, we think that some of the results presented by Mohd-Sham et al. (2005) are ambiguous and need further discussion and consideration before it can be used further. The paper has several cases of taxonomic inaccuracies and redundant information that the authors have apparently unnoticed or unaware while preparing the manuscript. We took this opportunity to highlight some of the issues and shortcomings in this paper, to prevent future authors from citing inappropriate information, as well as assist the relevant authorities that might be interested in the information to be used in conservation and management of the area. We briefly pointed out the inaccuracy or oversight and provided potential explanation and suggestion to rectify the problem (see Table 1).

Nevertheless, Mohd Sham et al. (2005) paper is considered an important ichthyological work for SWR especially on the data of species richness covering a larger areas, that include more microhabitats and probably comprising higher elevation stream plus the very important additional information on species specific rarity analysis. We do hope that the current findings plus the previous results of freshwater fishes of SWR is beneficial and valuable for the management planning and conservation of the SWR. Compared to the regional species richness, the number of species reported at SWR is marginal but it may be important to freshwater fish diversity since species at SWR may act as ‘gene source’ to local diversity as the entire basin which getting increasingly disturbed.

CONCLUSION

The fish fauna living in the small streams at Sungkai Wildlife Reserved is diverse. Effort should be made to protect these species and further research should be carried out to relate their occurrence, abundance and health status to the surrounding environment that may be important for future management and conservation program.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We thank the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) for inviting and giving us opportunity to do research at Sungkai Wildlife Reserved, Perak. We thank M. Izzat-Husna and M. Fadzlin for helping us at the field. We thank School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, UMT for the providing us the equipment. This study is funded by Research Acculturation Collaborative Effort (RACE) Grant Scheme (Vot 56018).


REFERENCES

Kottelat, M. (2013). The fishes of the inland waters of Southeast Asia: A catalogue and core bibliography of the fishes known to occur in freshwaters, mangroves and estuaries. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement 27: 1–663.

Kottelat, M. & Freyhof, J. (2007). Handbook of European Freshwater Fishes. Kottelat, Cornol, Switzerland and Freyhof, Berlin, Germany.

Kottelat, M., Whitten, J.W., Karthikasari, S.N. & Wirjoatmodjo, S. (1993). Freshwater Fishes of Western Indonesia and Sulawesi. Periplus Editions, Hong Kong, 259 pp., 84 pls.

Mohd-Sham, O., Shukor, M.N., Muzamil, M. & Ak-Jalalludin, P.B. (2001). Checklist of fish species of Sungai Suar stream system in Sungkai Perak. Journal of Wildlife & Parks, 19: 67-74.

Mohd-Sham, O., Shukor, M.N. & Awangku-Jalaludin, P.B. (2002). A preliminary survey of stream fishes of Sungai Ulu Bikam in Sungkai Wildlife Reserve, Perak. Jurnal Biosains, 13(1): 43–48.

Mohd-Sham, O., Shukor, M.N., Ng, C.M. & Lee, S.M. (2005). Stream fishes of Sungkai Wildlife Reserve, Perak. Journal of Wildlife & Parks, 22: 111-118.

Ng, H.H. (2001). A revision of the akysid catfish genus Acrochordonichthys Bleeker. Journal of Fish Biology, 58(2): 386-418.

Ng, H.H. & Ng, P.K.L. (1998). A revision of the South-east Asian catfish Genus Silurichthys. Journal of Fish Biology, 52: 291-333.

Rainboth, W. (1996). Fishes of the Cambodian Mekong. FAO species identification field guide for fishery purposes. FAO, Rome, xi + 265 pp., 27 pls.

Tan, H.H. & Kottelat, M. (2009). The fishes of the Batang Hari drainage, Sumatra, with description of six new species. Ichthyological Exploration Freshwaters, 20(1): 13-69.

Table 1. Freshwater fishes known to Sungkai Wildlife Reserve, Perak. Familial arrangement and nomenclature of species follow Kottelat (2013). Asterisk (*) indicate additional species collected in the present study. Remarks were made to the fish species reported by Mohd-Sham et al. (2005).

No. Species RemarksCyprinidae

1. Accrosocheilus deauratus Referable to Poropuntius smedleyi that commonly found in headwater streams throughout Peninsular Malaysia.Poropuntius deauratus

2. Accrosocheilus hexagonolopis Referable to Neolissocheilus tweediei. Kottelat (2013) resurrected the status of this species that was previously synonymized with N. soroides. Locally known as “ikan tengas”.

3. Cyclocheilichthys apogon A common species in the country. Locally known as “ikan temperas”.


4. Epalzeorynchus siamensis Both species may be referred to Epalzeoryhchus kalopterus but this species is rarely found in shallow streams. This species frequented fast flowing streams with rock and boulders as the main substrate. Not recorded in the present study.

Epalzeoryhchus kalopterus

5. Hampala macrolepidota A common predatory species inhabiting both small streams and rivers. Locally known as “sebarau”.

6. Labiobarbus lineatus Both species are referable to Labiobarbus leptocheilus although L. fasciatus is a valid species, it has a limited distribution in Peninsular Malaysia and can be differentiated from other species in the genus by the presence of black marginal markings at the outer part and bright red coloration on the inner caudal fin lobes. The former has been collected in small stream elsewhere but the latter usually found in large stream with deeper water and river. Locally known as “ikan kawan”. Not collected in the present survey.

Labiobarbus fasciatus

7. Mystacoleucus obtusirostris8. Osteochillus vittatus Both species have been synonymised as Osteochilus

vittatus and commonly found in Peninsular Malaysia. Locally known as “ikan terbul”.

Osteochilus hasseltii

9. Puntius binotatus Referable to Barbodes binotatus10. Puntius lateristriga Referable to Barbodes lateristriga11. Rasbora bankanensis*12. Rasbora sumatrana Referable to Rasbora vulgaris. It northernmost

distribution is probably as far as south of Seberang Perai, Penang and south to Negeri Sembilan. Further north, it was replaced by Rasbora paviana. Locally known as “ikan seluang”.

13. Rasbora trilineata*14. Tylognathus caudimaculatus May be referable to Cirrhinus caudimaculatus and

subsequently was recognised as Gymnostomus caudimaculatus (Fowler, 1934) in Kottelat (2013) but the species has never been reported to occur in Peninsular Malaysia. Tylognathus caudimaculatus has been referred to Lobocheilos rhabdoura in several publications. The presence of Lobocheilus rhabdoura at the study area cannot be ruled out but we did not record this fish in the current survey.


Botiidae15. Botia hymenophysa Referable to Syncrossus hymenophysa. Although we are

sceptical about the presence of this species here, we kept in in the list since it was previously mentioned in Mohd-Sham et al. (2001) and Mohd-Sham et al. (2002) from Sungai Suar and Sungai Bikam but was not recorded in the current study.

Cobitidae16. Acanthopsis choirorynchus Referable to Acanthopsis dialuzona but was not collected

in the recent survey. This species prefer sandy bottom and the microhabitat at Sungai Bikam suit the habitat type of this species.

Balitoridae17. Homaloptera orthogoniata Referable to Homaloptera parclitella but was not found

in the current work. Although we are sceptical about the occurrence of this species here, we currently include this fish in the list. This species prefer rocky bottom stream with fast flowing water.

18. Homaloptera weberi Small size holopteriid fish previously reported under the genus ‘Homaloptera’ s.s. should be referred to Homalopteroides and the species previously reported at SWR could be H. smithi but it was not recorded this time.

Nemacheilidae19. Nemacheilus selangoricus A common bottom-dwelling species that prefer sandy

bottom stream.

Sisoridae20. Glyptothorax major Referable to Glyptothorax callopterus, a common sisorid

fish throughout Peninsular Malaysia.

Siluridae21. Silurichthys hasseltii Referable to Silurichthys scheneideri a more common

species frequented fast flowing water but the former inhabit swampy habitat.


Clariidae22. Clarias batrachus Not recorded in the present study. Locally known as

“ikan keli”.23. Propaghorus nieuhofii This species could be Clarias leiacanthus that frequented

small stream.

Bagridae24. Mystus nemurus Large catfishes previously placed under the genus

Mystus has been transferred currently under the genus Hemibagrus. Both species may be representing Hemibagrus capitulum. Locally known as “ikan baung”.

Mystus baramensis

25. Mystus micracanthus Referable to Mystus castaneus but was not collected in the current survey.

26. Leiocassis leiacanthus Species known as “Leiocassis leiacanthus” is valid but the generic name could possibly be a species known as Leiocassis poecilopterus but the species epithet may represent a fish known as Pseudomystus leiacanthus. Either species or at least the former could be found in the study area as it occurred sympatrically elsewhere.

Hemiramphidae27. Hemirhamphodon

pogonognathusA common species inhabiting forested stream. Dwelling the surface of slow flowing or stagnant water feeding on the allocthonous insects. Locally known as “ikan julong”.

Belonidae28. Xenentodon canciloides A common fish but never found in abundant in small

stream. Locally known as “ikan todak”

Syngnathidae29. Doryichthys martensii A common fish in small stream but not abundantly found.

Synbranchidae30. Monopterus albus Referable to Monopterus javanensis, locally known as

“ikan belut”.


Mastacembelidae31. Macrognathus circumcinctus32. Mastacemelus maculatus Both species may be referred to Macrognathus maculatus

but the species collected by us comparable to the previous species. Locally known as “ikan tilan”.

Macrognathus maculatus

33. Mastacembelus notopthalmus The species previously reported could be referred to Mastacembelus favus but the former is usually found in large river. Not recorded in this study.

34. Mastacembelus unicolor This species frequented rocky bottom stream. Not recorded in the present study.

Osphronemidae35. Betta pugnax Both species could be referred to Betta pugnax. Common

to many headwater streams.Betta splendens36. Luciocephalus pulcher*

Channidae37. Channa gachua*38. Channa lucius A common predatory fish in many water bodies. Locally

known as “ikan bujuk”.39. Channa melasoma*40. Channa micropletes Although we are doubtful on the presence of this species

in the study area, we kept it in the list until proven otherwise. Mohd-Sham et al. (2001) collected 23 specimens of juvenile fish and remarks “.. with beautiful yellow coloration and longitudinal black stripes” could possibly referable to the juvenile of another species, i.e., Channa striata as well. Channa micropeltes prefer lakes and large rivers. Not recorded in the present study. Locally known as “ikan toman”.

41. Channa striata A common species. Locally known as “ikan haruan”.


ODONATA (CLASS INSECTA) OF SUNGKAI WILDLIFE RESERVE, PERAK, MALAYSIA

M. Izzat-Husna* & Amirrudin B. Ahmad*

School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia

*Corresponding authors: [email protected]; [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Protected areas need to be continuously monitored for their flora and fauna for the ecosystem management and conservation purposes. Odonata is a good bio-indicator for habitat monitoring; they are ecologically conspicuous and sensitive to environmental changes. A two-day survey was done at Sungkai Wildlife Reserve (SWR), Perak in June 2014 to record the odonate diversity of the areas. Twenty-one species from seven families were collected, namely Libellulidae with seven species, Protoneuridae and Chlorocyphidae (four species each), Calopterygidae and Euphaeidae (two species each), and Platycnemididae and Coenagrionidae with a single species respectively. Despite the short collection period, this area showed a rich odonate fauna but further survey is needed to obtain a complete picture. The results formed the first checklist of odonate fauna here and may serve as baseline information for future research towards habitat monitoring, conservation and management of SWR.

Keywords: Odonata, Dragonflies, Damselflies, Sungkai Wildlife Reserve, Perak, Malaysia

INTRODUCTION

Protected areas that composed of high diversity of flora and fauna need to be continuously monitored for ecosystem management and conservation. This is important to protect the natural resources including water, soils and plants plus animal from depleting or extinction. Continuous monitoring should help checking and tracking any changes in the number of species would be present there, subsequently estimating their richness in the future (Colwell & Coddington, 1994). Moreover, result from preliminary study can be used as a guide or base and the data can be used in the future study about the ecology and biology of species present. Invertebrate group such as dragonfly has been frequently used as a subject for bio-indicator in monitoring the environment and was recommended by several researchers (Takamura et al., 1991; Hardersen, 2000; Catling, 2005) for such purposes.

Odonate fauna, either in the larvae forms utilising aquatic environment or as an adult living close to the water bodies, has been used as ecological tools to indicate the impact of human activity to aquatic and terrestrial environment due to its sensitivity towards anthropogenic activities (Kadoya et al., 2009; Reece et al., 2009 ; Fulan et al., 2010) and climate change (Hickling et al., 2005; Settele et al., 2010); In many occasions, dragonfly adults utilising almost all kinds of habitats such as ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, bogs, swamps, marshes (Das et al., 2012) and also depend on vegetation structures plus the presence of shaded areas (Claunitzer et al., 2009) to do their activities including predator avoiding and breeding. The habitats of dragonflies that depend on the water and vegetation are important and can be further used to relate to the health of the environment. Hence, this also can be done here at Sungkai Wildlife Reserve (SWR) with the aim to examine habitat changes over time. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide a baseline data on adult dragonfly in SWR that can be used for such purposes.

M. Izzat-Husna & Amirrudin B. Ahmad24

METHODOLOGY

Study area

This study was conducted along several small streams within the Sungkai Wildlife Reserve (SWR), Perak for two days. We surveyed part of Sungai Bikam (N 4° 2’ 45.8268” E 101° 17’ 50.9382”) that flowing in between the oil palm plantation on one side and the protected SWR on the other sides. The water was somewhat cloudy since it was raining for some times before the sampling was done. Water is cold and about 1 m deep. Stream bottom was dominated by sand and woody debris present in the stream and along stream banks. Banks were covered by shrubs but in certain areas were totally exposed. The second stream surveyed was Sungai Ped (N 4° 1’ 54.1878” E 101° 22’ 9.7242”) a small stream flowing through the well shaded forests. Water flows smoothly, cold, clear and shallow allowing light to penetrate to the bottom of the stream bed. Bottom substrate mainly gravels and sand can be found interspacing them. Stream banks were covered by forest.

Data collection

Samples were collected from temporary and permanent waters nearby the study areas plus along Sungai Bikam and Sungai Ped using sweep net. All specimens collected were identified to the species level using guide of Orr (2005) and Bun et al. (2012) based on morphology description of adult dragonfly.


A total of 21 species of odonates fauna belonging to 18 genera and seven families, namely Calopterygidae, Chlorocyphidae, Coenagrionidae, Euphaeidae, Platycnemididae, Protoneuridae and Libellulidae were collected from the two streams at Sungkai Wildlife Reserve (Table 1). Majority species recorded belongs to the family Libellulidae (seven species), followed by Chlorocyphidae and Protoneuridae (four species each), families Calopterygidae and Euphaeidae (two species) and families Coenagrionidae and Platycnemididae (one species). Species from Libellulidae are mostly found around open habitats, especially still water, such as drain, ponds and marshes. Some species tend to glide and hover in open area for hours, especially for the broad wings species like Zygonyx iris (Orr, 2005; Bun et al., 2010).

Sungai Bikam has 13 species from seven families and 12 species from five families were recorded at Sungai Ped. At Sungai Bikam, most species recorded belong to family Libellulidae (four species), followed by Calopterygidae, Chlorocyphidae and Euphaeidae with two species each and the other three families (Coenagrionidae, Platycnemididae and Protoneuridae) with only one species. At Sungai Ped, families Chlorocyphidae, Protoneuridae and Libellulidae shared the highest number of species (three species), followed by families Euphaeidae with two and one species from family Calopterygidae.

In term of species make up, species recorded in Sungai Bikam was slightly different with Sungai Ped, this may be due to the microhabitat heterogeneity such as the presence riparian vegetation, river substrates and perching site that influence the species assemblages that may give different result at both study sites (Wahizatul et al., 2006). Several studies suggested that species assemblages were strongly influenced by the type of vegetation presence at the study sites (Villanueva & Mohagan 2010; Carvalho et al., 2013). We also noticed that close canopy situation exists at Sungai Ped could possibly be the explanation why species recorded here is less similar to Sungai Bikam. Of the 21 species recorded in this study, only four species from three families were recorded at both sites. Vestalis amoena

Odonate (Class Insecta) of Sungkai Wildlife Reserve, Perak, Malaysia 25

(Calopterygidae), Libellago stigmatizans (Chlorocyphidae), Dysphaea dimidiata (Euphaeidae) and Euphaea impar (Euphaeidae) were found at both streams while the rest of the species only occurred at the respective stream.

ANNOTATED CHECKLIST

Calopterygidae

Neurobasis chinensis (Linnaeus, 1758)

The most conspicuous and widespread calopterygid species found at the fast flowing rivers and streams. Establishing territories and perching on boulders or marginal vegetation in the study areas.

Vestalis amoena (Selys, 1853)

Found abundant at Sungai Bikam. A common calopterygid found in areas with sandy bottom, clear, slow running lowland or montane streams in the Peninsular Malaysia (Norma-Rashid et al., 1996). Can be found perching on the stone, leave and bog in the study area. Habitually occur in primary forest and widespread in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and southern Thailand (Orr, 2005).

Chlorocyphidae

Heliocypha biforata (Selys, 1859)

Highly territorial species that abundantly observed in Sungai Ped. A common species that can be found in clear water forested stream with sandy bottom. Perching on the vegetation, stone and floating log. Can occur anywhere from small stream to broad area in clear and running water, it is widespread in tropical Asia (Orr, 2005).

Libellago lineata (Burmeister, 1839)

The most common species from the genus Libellago which inhibit the forest and cultivated areas. However, only found at Sungai Ped. It is a common species in lowland stream and rivers, widespread all over tropical Asia (Orr, 2005).

Libellago stigmatizans (Selys, 1859)

An uncommon species that can be found in small streams. It was believed to be able to adapt to living in forest and cultivated area such as oil palm plantation. May be extinct in Singapore, but can be found in many places in Peninsular Malaysia, southern Thailand and some part of Sumatra.

Sundacypha petiolata (Selys, 1859)

An uncommon species that was found in small drainage somewhere near to Sungai Ped. Observed territorial in packed of leaf. A lowland species that inhibited in sluggish, alluvial brooks and clear stream. Widespread in Sundaland (Orr, 2005).


Coenagrionidae

Pseudagrion pruinosum (Burmeister, 1839)Recorded in Sungai Bikam. A tolerant species to anthropogenic disturbance that preferred shaded area and also can be found in stream near the cultivated area. Widespread in Sundaland and mainland Asia (Orr, 2005).

Euphaeidae

Dysphaea dimidiata (Selys, 1853)

Common in lowland area. Prefer shady, stagnant and slow moving water especially grasses near streams and drain. It can adapt to forest and river near cultivated areas. Territorial, can be seen perched on log and leaf from midday until evening in study area. Widespread in Sundaland and Thailand (Orr, 2005)

Euphaea impar (Selys, 1859)

Mostly occur in shaded forest streams, perching on twigs, marginal and overhanging vegetation.

Platycnemididae

Copera marginipes (Rambur, 1842)

Can be found in the range from dense forest to cultivated areas, mostly can be found near slow-flowing streams. Preferred area with substrate comprised of pebbles, sand and mud. Widespread in Sundaland (Orr, 2005).

Protoneuridae

Ellatoneura analis (Selys, 1860)

Found abundantly at Sungai Ped, mostly preferred small stream and sluggish lowland forest stream with Pandanus (Orr, 2005).

Prodasineura humeralis (Selys, 1860)

Found only at Sungai Bikam, it is a common species. Based Orr (2005), this species was widespread in forest streams in various habitats.

Prodasineura laidlawii (Forster, 1907)

Found only at Sungai Ped, prefer shaded and clear forest stream.

Prodasineura notostigma (Selys, 1860)

Found at Sungai Ped, prefer clear forest stream, 0-1000m from sea level (Orr, 2005).


Libellulidae

Indothemis limbata (Selys, 1891)

Found at Sungai Bikam, rare and local favour over open water.

Neurothemis fluctuans (Fabricius, 1793)

Found near Sungai Ped. Prefer and very common in lakes, open area, drains and marshes.

Onychothemis culminicola (Forster, 1904)

Found at Sungai Ped. Prefer slower water with a sandy bottom. Widespread in Sundaland (Orr, 2005)

Orthetrum chrysis (Selys, 1891)

A very common and widespread species among the genus Orthetrum. Can be tolerant to the anthropogenic activities.

Trithemis festiva (Rambur, 1842)

Found at Sungai Bikam. Common in larger streams and open area. Prefer swift and clear water.

Tyriobapta torrida (Kirby, 1889)

Found at Sungai Ped, prefer shaded area, not often perch on substrate, mostly will perch on stone. Inhibits forest swamp, slowing forest stream and marches. Confined to Sundaland.

Zygonyx iris (Laidla, 1902)

Found at Sungai Bikam, prefer open and clear streams in forest. Flies fast, rapidly and seldom perch.

CONCLUSION

Twenty-one species from seven families of adult dragonflies were collected in two days through quick survey method indicated that Sungkai Wildlife Reserve may harboured rich odonate fauna but further survey is needed to obtain a complete picture of dragonfly fauna here. This result formed the first checklist of odonate fauna of Sungkai Wildlife Reserve and may serve as baseline information for future research towards habitat monitoring, conservation and management of SWR.


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We wish to thanks to Wildlife and National Park Department (DWNP) for their permission to us for doing research in Sungkai Wildlife Reserve (SWR). Special thanks to M. Fahmi-Ahmad and Syed Ahmad Rizal for their valuable help during field trips.

REFERENCES

Bun, T.H., Keng, W.L. & Hamalainen, M. (2010). A photographic guide to the dragonflies of Singapore. The Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, Singapore, 222pp.

Carvalho, F.G., Pinto, N.S., Junior, J.M.B. & Juen, L. (2013). Effect of marginal vegetation removal on Odonata communities. Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia, http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S2179-975X2013005000013.

Catling, P.M. (2005). A potential for the use of dragonfly (Odonata) diversity as a bioindicator of the efficiency of sewage lagoons. The Canadian Field- Naturalist, 119: 233-236.

Clausnitzer, V., Kalkman, V.J., Rama, M., Collen, B., Baillie, J.E.M., Bedjanic, M., Darwall, W.R.T., Dijkstra, K.D.B., Dow, R., Hawking, J., Karube, H., Malikova, E., Paulson, D., Schutte, K., Suhling, F., Villanueva, R.J., Ellenrieder, N.V. & Wilson, K. (2009). Odonata enter the biodiversity crisis debate: The first global assessment of an insect group. Biological Conservation, 142: 1864-1869.

Colwell, R.K. & Coddington, J.A. (1994). Estimating terrestrial biodiversity through extrapolation. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society (Series B), 345: 101-118.

Das, S.Kr., Rahim, A.A., Sajan, S.K., Dash, N., Sahoo, P., Mohanta, P., Sahu, H.K., Rout, S.D. & Dutta, S.K. (2012). Diversity, distribution and species compostion of Odonates in buffer areas of Similipal Tiger Reserve, Eastern Ghat, India. Academic Journal of Entomology, 5(1): 54-61.

Fulan, J.A., Raimundo, R., Figueiredo, D. & Correia, M. (2010). Abundance and diversity of dragonflies four years after the construction of reservoir. Limnetica, 29(2): 279-286.

Hardersen, S. (2000). The role of behavioural ecology of damselflies in the use of fluctuating asymmetet as a bioindicator of water pollution. Ecological Entomology, 25: 45-53.

Hickling, R., Roy, D.B., Hill, D.B. & Thomas, C.D. (2005). A northward shift of range margins in British Odonata. Global Change Biology, 11: 502-506.

Kadoya, T., Suda, S. & Washitani, I. (2009). Dragonfly crisis in Japan: alikely consequence of recent agricultural habitat degradation. Biological Conservation, 142: 1899-1905.

Reecce, B.A. & Mcintyre, N.E. (2009). Community assemblage pattern of odonates inhabiting a wetland complex influenced by anthropogenic disturbance. Insect Conservation & Diversity, 2: 73-80.

Norma-Rashid, Y., Zakaria-Ismail, M. & Hamalainen, M. (1996). Odonate fauna from Kelantan, Pahang and Muar drainages, Malaysia. Proceeding 5th National Biology Symposium UKM: 131-141.


Orr, A.G. (2005). Dragonflies of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Natural History Publication (Borneo), Kota Kinabalu, 126 pp.

Settele, J., Fanslow, G., Fronzek, S., Klotz, S., Kuhn, I., Musche, M., Ott, M., Samways, M.J. Schweigert, O., Spangenberg, J.H., Walther, G.R. & Hammen, V. (2010). Climate change impacts on biodiversity: a short introduction with special emphasis on the alarm approach for the assessment of multiple risks. BioRisk, 5: 3-29.

Takamura, K., Hatakeyama, S. & Shiraishi, H. (1991). Odonate larvae as an indicator of pesticide contamination. Applied Entomology & Zoology, 26 (3): 321-326.

Villanueva, J.R. & Mohagan, A.B. (2010). Diversity and status of Odonata across vegetation types in Mt. Hamiguitan Wildlife Sactuary, Davao Oriental. Asian Journal of Biodiversity, 1(1): 25-35.

Wahizatul Afzan, A., Julia, J. & Amirrudin, A. (2006). Diversity and distribution of dragonflies (Insecta: Odonata) in Sekayu Recreational Forest, Terengganu. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management, 1(2): 97-106.

Table 1. List of Odonata from Sungai Bikam and Sungai Ped in Sungkai Wildlife Reserve (SWR), Perak

Species collected SungaiBikam

SungaiPed

Shared species

Zygoptera

Calopterygidae1. Neurobasis chinensis ×2. Vestalis amoena × × ×

Chlorocyphidae3. Heliocypha biforata ×4. Libellago lineate ×5. Libellago stigmatizans × × ×6. Sundacypha petiolata ×

Coenagrionidae7. Pseudagrion pruinosum ×

Euphaeidae8. Dysphaea dimidiate × × ×9. Euphaea impar × × ×Platycnemididae10. Copera marginipes ×


Protoneuridae11. Ellatoneura analis ×12. Prodasineura humeralis ×13. Prodasineura laidlawii ×14. Prodasineura notostigma ×

Anisoptera

Libellulidae15. Indothemis limbata ×16. Neurothemis fluctuans ×17. Onychothemis culminicola ×18. Orthetrum chrysis ×19. Trithemis festiva ×20. Tyriobapta torrida ×21. Zygonyx iris ×

Total species 13 12 4


A PRELIMINARY FLORA SURVEY OF SUNGKAI WILDLIFE RESERVE, PERAK, MALAYSIA

Mohd Norfaizal, G.* Masrom, H., Omar, Y. & Mohd Shukri, M.A.

Strategic Resources Research Centre, Mardi Headquarters, Serdang, Selangor


ABSTRACT

Sungkai Wildlife Reserve is an important terrestrial ecosystem vegetation and source for Malaysian agrobiodiversity component. It is therefore, important to study their ecosystem and document various existing biodiversity components for management and conservation purposes. The Management and Utilization of Biological Resources Unit from Strategic Resources Research Centre (SR), MARDI Headquarters was tasked with documenting the flora composition, specifically on the rare and wild edible fruit species from the region. Other than documenting the species availability, we also collected the wild genetic resources of plants from this area for conservation purpose. This paper provides a preliminary checklist of rare and wild fruit trees recorded following a survey carried out in this specific area. This resulted in 73 species from 35 families along the 5 trails inventorized. The most diverse family was Euphorbiaceae with 11 species, followed by Rubiaceae with 7 species. Seventeen wild fruit species were identified, namely Xanthophyllum obscurum, Garcinia sp., Elaterispermum tapos, Baccaurea brevipes, B. parviflora, Phyllanthus sp., Goniothalamus sp., Polyalthia sclerocarpa, Scorodocarpus borneensis, Syzygium sp., Durio lowianus, Barringtonia scortechnii, B. macrostachys, B. edhocarpa, Horsefieldia sp., Artocarpus nitidus subsp. griffithii, and Artocarpus integer var. silvestris.

Keywords: Agrobiodiversity, Sungkai Wildlife Reserve, Perak, Malaysia

INTRODUCTION

Malaysia is blessed with tropical climate with a pronounced wet and dry season. Being located in one of the twelve mega centres of biological diversity, Malaysian rainforests contained a rich diversity of tropical wild fruits species. Among the most widely distributed fruit species are rambutan, tampoi, isau, dabai, langsat, manggis, maram, engkalak and a number of species and varieties of Artocarpus, Baccaurea, Durio, Mangifera, Syzygium and Musa. Many of the wild fruit species still have not been commercialized while their occurance are sporadically dispersed throughout Malaysia. The most popular and widely cultivated species in Malaysia are durian, rambutan, manggis, mempelam, dabai, isau and langsat. However, there are many lesser known species still growing wild and thriving in the natural forests waiting for inventorization and novel product development tests. In view of the importance of the indigenous fruit species in Malaysia, MARDI with the collaborations from PERHILITAN Malaysia has initiated an effort to catalogue and documenting the species distribution found in Peninsular Malaysia forest reserves. It has been estimated that there are about 400 edible indigenous fruit species in the country (Salma et al., 2006) which are still thriving in the wild. These fruit species also experience alternate or irregular fruiting seasons and have restricted habitats. In spite of these constraints, many of these species can be promoted or introduced to local consumers and overseas markets. As some of these indigenous species are vulnerable to loss of genetic diversity, conservation and documentation of these species is a priority.

Mohd Norfaizal, G. Masrom, H., Omar, Y. & Mohd Shukri, M.A.

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METHODOLOGY

Aims and methods of the study

The main aims of this study were to conduct a plant inventory and to carry out qualitative assessment of the flora diversity and composition through general field collections at different times of year, as well as to include records of earlier herbarium collections of Krau FR plants and to highlight the conservation value of this habitat and the plants it harbours. This willprovide baseline data on the flora of Krau FR, specifically on Sungai Teris that can serve as a useful tool for the authorities’ in-charge of protecting the site to monitor changes pattern to the flora.

Field surveys

Collections were made of fertile vascular plants for herbarium specimens, but also of sterile specimens of major timber trees as vouchers. Specimens are deposited in the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute Herbarium and are recorded in the Agrobiodiversity Information System (AgroBIS) databse for easy access. Plant identification and description were referred to Corner (1952), Stone (1977), Turner (1995), Latiff et al. (1999), and Soepadmo et al. (1995). During the field survey, six (6) trails were selected and botanised. They were Trail A, B, C, D, E and F. Plant listing and collection were also made along the riverine area in Sungai Teris. Rapid assessment technique was used during the survey to record the species composition and diversity. Standard collecting materials and methods and note taking were used (Bridson & Forman, 1992). Herbarium specimens were collected for plants bearing fertile materials, while vouchers were collected for plants that were not flowering or fruiting. Floristic notes and habitat types were also recorded. All voucher and herbarium collections were lodged at the MARDI herbarium. The checklist contained vouchers, herbarium records, and sighted records (these are species which were sighted in the sites but were not collected and do not have a voucher). Sterile materials known only at the family level are not included in the checklist, while taxa known only to the genus level e.g Garcinia, Mangifera and Durio are included.

The first inventory trip was conducted on June 2014 at five trails in Sungkai Wildlife Reserve, Perak. The length of the nature trail is between 478 m and 320 m respectively. From the two trails, four temporary 10m x 10 m simple plot were built and studied to identify the species in this area. The vegetation survey undertaken in the 2 acres area recorded on 4 plot with a total of 97 trees with diameter of 25 cm and above. The total volume and basal area amounted to 401.90 m3 and 48.992, respectively. Tree identification and naming was referred to Corner (1952) and Faridah-Hanum (2004). Leaves and immatured fruits of some identified species were collected as herbarium specimens and deposited at MARDI Herbarium.

Table 1. List of Species

Family Scientific name Local name

Myrsinaceae Labisia pumila (Blume) Fern. Vill. Kacip fatimah

Leguminosae Milletia sericea (Vent.) Bentham

Polygalaceae Xanthophyllum amoenum Chodat. Mengkapas

Guttiferae Garcinia sp.

A Preliminary Flora Survey of Sungkai Wildlife Reserve,Perak, Malaysia

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Euphorbiaceae Elateriospermum tapos Blume. Perah

Polygalaceae Xanthophyllum obscurum A.W. Benn. Minyak beruk

Commelinaceae Amischotolype griffithii (Ridley) I.M.Turner Tebu gogok

Rubiaceae Greenea corymbosa (Jack) K. Schum.

Leguminosae Mucuna sp.

Selaginellaceae Selaginella sp. Paku merak

Rubiaceae Ixora grandifolia Zoll. et Moritzi Jenjarum hutan

Leeaceae Leea sp.

Euphorbiaceae Antidesma orthogyne (Hook.f.) Airy Shaw

Selaginellaceae Selaginella plana (Desv. ex Poir.) Hieron Paku merak

Gramineae Scrotochloa urceolata (Roxb.)Judz.

Euphorbiaceae Neoscortechinii forbesii

Rubiaceae Chasalia chartacea Craib. Beberas

Annonaceae Mitrella kentii (Blume) Miq.

Olacaceae Scrodocarpus borneensis Becc. Kulim

Myrtaceae Syzygium sp. Kelat

Vitaceae Cissus sp.

Bombacaceae Durio lowianus Scort. ex-King Durian sempa

Lecythidaceae Barringtonia scortechinii King Putat bukit

Araliaceae Trevesia burckii Boerl. Tapak hantu

Lecythidaceae Barringtonia macrostachya (Jack) Kurz. Putat

Euphorbiaceae Aporusa falcifera Hook.f. Sebasah

Myrsinaceae Ardisia sp.

Rubiaceae Urophyllum sp.

Euphorbiaceae Aporusa prainiana King ex Gage.

Myristicaceae Horsfieldia sp.

Actinidiaceae Saurauia nudiflora DC. Jelatang

Euphorbiaceae Mallotus sp. Balik angin

Annonaceae Polyalthia cinnamomea Hook.f. et Thomson Mempisang

Euphorbiaceae Aporusa arborea (Blume) Mull.Arg.

Rubiaceae Urophyllum glabrum

Commelinaceae Amischotolype gracilis (Ridl.)I.M. Turner Tebu kera

Melastomataceae Sonerila sp.

Cyperaceae Cyperus sp.

Urticaceae

Mohd Norfaizal, G. Masrom, H., Omar, Y. & Mohd Shukri, M.A.

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Costaceae Costus globosus Blume

Loganiaceae Fagraea sp.

Moraceae Ficus fistulosa

Euphorbiaceae Baccaurea brevipes (5) Rambai tikus

Euphorbiaceae Baccaurea parviflora (7) Setambun

Ophioglossaceae Helminthostachys zeylanica Paku tunjuk langit

Araceae Aglaonema simplex Blume

Moraceae Artocarpus nitidus subsp. Griffithii Tampang

Moraceae Artocarpus integer var. silvestris Bangkong

Zingiberaceae Elettariopsis curtisii Baker Pepijat, Kesing

Zingiberaceae Globba patensMiq.

Piperaceae Piper sp.

Melastomataceae Phyllagathis rotundifolia (Jack)Blume Tapak leman

Rubiaceae Lasianthus sp. (bulu)

Rubiaceae Lasianthus sp. (tebal)

Annonaceae Orophea hirsuta

Euphorbiaceae Aporusa sp.

Myristicaceae Gymnacranthera forbesii

Melastomataceae Oxyspora bullata (Griff.)J.F. Maxwell

Melastomataceae Allomorphia malaccensis Ridley Senduduk gajah


Annonaceae Goniothalamus sp.

Araliaceae Aralidium pinnatifidum Tapak itik

Gesneriaceae Cyrtandra cupulata

Araceae Philodendron sp.

Vitaceae Cayratia trifolia (L.)Domin.

Euphorbiaceae Baccaurea brevipes Hook.f.(4) Rambai tikus

Euphorbiaceae Baccaurea parviflora (M.A.)Mull.Arg.(6) Setambun

Cyperaceae Mapania palustris (Hassk.ex Steud.)F.-Vill.

Dioscoreaceae Dioscorea sp.

Ulmaceae Gironniera nervosa Hampas tebu

Lecythidaceae Barringtonia edhapocarpa Putat

Annonaceae Polyalthia sclerocarpa Mempisang

Guttiferae Calxophyllum sp. Bintangor


A Preliminary Flora Survey of Sungkai Wildlife Reserve,Perak, Malaysia

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Euphorbiaceae Phyllanthus sp

Lauraceae Lindera sp.Fagaceae Castanopsis scheffleriana Berangan bukit

CONCLUSION

In line with the objective of Malaysian Authorities to conserve the natural agrobiodiversity sources, the protection of some dominant tree species in this area is extremely important. Besides their high commercial value, the trees also preserve the complex and unique ecosystem of the area. In addition, tree such as Machang, Mempisang from the families of Euphorbiaceae and Annonaceae respectively, are suitable as food sources for primates, squirrels, birds and bats. Protection of these natural sources is important for the continuation of the food chain and conservation of natural habitat of the area.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors wish to thank the Director of Strategic Resources Research Centre, Dr. Mohd Norowi Bin Hamid and The Deputy Director of Bioresource Management and Utilisation Programme, SR01, Strategic Resources Research Center, Dr, Mohd Shukri Mat Ali for their permission to join the expedition. We also wish to thank Miss Tan Poi Ean and PERHILITAN Malaysia for their hospitality and help during our expedition at this site.

REFERENCES

Corner, E.J.H. (1952). Wayside trees of Malaya. 2nd Edition. Vol. 1. Singapore. Government Printer.

Faridah–Hanum, I. & Shamsul K. (2004). A guide to the common plants of Ayer Hitam Forest, Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia. 1st Ed. Serdang. UPM Press.

PERHILITAN. (2007) Tourism Promotion Brochure.

Latiff, A. & Faridah-Hanum, I. (1999). On the vegetation and flora of Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, 6:11-72.

Salma, I., Rukayah, A., Muhammad O. & Masrom, H. (1997). Fruit trees in Temenggor Forest Reserve, Hulu Perak, Malaysia. Malayan Nature Journal, 50(3): 141-147.

Soepadmo, E. & Wong, K.M. (1995). Tree flora of Sabah and Sarawak. Kepong: FRIM Publications.

Stone, B.C. (1977). Annotated list of seed plants of Pulau Tioman. In The Natural History of Pulau Tioman. (Lee, D.W. et al. eds.), pp. 42-69.

Turner, I.M. (1995). A catalogue of the vascular plants of Malaya. Gardens' Bulletin, Singapore, 47: 10.

Whitmore, T.C (1972). Tree Flora of Malaya. A manual for foresters .Vol.2. Kepong: Longman Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.


FOOD CHOICE AND FEEDING HABITS OF THE FLAT-HEADED CAT (Prionailurus planiceps) IN CAPTIVITY

John Rasmussen*

Institute of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark


ABSTRACT

The flat-headed cat, Prionailurus planiceps, is a small Asian felid, whose ecology is not very well documented. This study aimed to uncover the food choice and feeding habits of P. planiceps in captivity. Two P. planiceps living in a small enclosure in Peninsular Malaysia were fed different types of food including fish, frogs and birds, to see which ones they prefer. They were also tested to see if they prefer living prey or dead food items. It was noted where the prey was consumed, how much was consumed and whether or not the cats would “play” with the living prey before eating it. Results indicate that P. planiceps is an opportunist and will take food in, or close to water, especially fish. It seems that P. planiceps prefers living prey over dead food items. Most food was consumed less than 1 meter from the water, however this may be only a matter of the behavior of P. planiceps in captivity. P. planiceps would always play with the living prey before consuming it. Nothing conclusive could be said about the degree of fish consumption, as the head of the fish was left uneaten in roughly half of the feeding events.

Keywords: Behavior, Dead food item, Ecology, Enclosure, Fish consumption, Living prey

INTRODUCTION

The family Felidae comprises all living cat species of the world. Today there are approximately 37 species of Felidae, of which almost half are considered threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN, 2011). The flat-headed cat, Prionailurus planiceps, is an endangered cat species native to Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra (Sunquist & Sunquist, 2002; Esabii, 2011).

Adults range in size between 446-521 mm, with a tail length between 128-169 mm, and its weight is approximately 1.6 kg (Sunquist & Sunquist, 2002). The head is longer compared to other Malaysian cats, and the sheaths of the claws are reduced. The eye placement of flat-headed cats is more anterior in the head in comparison to other cats. The second upper premolar is relatively larger, however, the upper molars are smaller in comparison to the leopard cat, P. bengalensis. The flat-headed cat has short legs, tail and ears, and its color is brownish, with a white underbelly (Muul & Lim, 1970). The cats' mouth has evolved to become better at seizing wet and slippery prey compared to the fishing cat, P. viverrinus, and it probably has greater biting power (Sunquist & Sunquist, 2002).

In the wild, few studies have been done on the ecology of the flat-headed cat, and much less on the natural diet of the species. Flat-headed cats in the wild will probably hunt for fish and they seem to feed on a range of food types. The stomach contents of a dead P. planiceps contained flesh and some fish vertebrae (Muul & Lim, 1970). P. planiceps will also hunt for frogs and crustaceans (Salakij et al., 2008), and has also been observed killing and eating small rodents (Sunquist & Sunquist, 2002).

John Rasmussen38

When a kitten was presented with live sparrows, it would completely ignore this type of food (Muul & Lim, 1970). However, a captive adult P. planiceps caught and consumed live quail (B. Simpson pers. comm.). P. planiceps has even been said to prefer fruit (Anderson & Jones, 1984).

A kitten studied in captivity would enter water when looking for food and grab pieces of fish, by completely submerging its head and grabbing the desired piece. It would also “wash” its food in the water, almost like a raccoon (Procyon lotor). After the kitten had collected a piece of food, it would drag the food at least 2 meters away from the water before consumption. The kitten captured live frogs by snarling and jumping upon them while grabbing them (Muul & Lim, 1970). Currently only 12 flat-headed cats are kept in captivity in Thailand (Thongphakdee et al., 2009), and fewer still in Malaysia. In 2002, less than 20 specimens had been collected from the wild (Sunquist & Sunquist, 2002).

The purpose of this study was to investigate the food choice and feeding behavior of flat-headed cats in captivity.

The following aspects of the cats’ food choice and feeding behavior were examined:1. What food items did the cats prefer?2. Did the cats prefer living or dead food?3. Where would the cats eat the food?

METHODOLOGY

Study site and experimental animalsOne pair of flat-headed cats (an adult male and female) were kept in a 77 m2 enclosure (Figure 1), located at Sungai Dusun Wildlife Reserve, Selangor, Malaysia, which is located in an almost undisturbed peat forest area. The area is under the supervision of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), Malaysia. The enclosure contains 2 small pools (roughly 10 cm deep) and 2 small streams (water to the streams was turned off during the whole investigation), a hollow log and a few artificial platforms on which the cats can rest.

The cats were caught in the wild a few years ago and handed over to the DWNP. They have been living in the Sungai Dusun enclosure since January 2010, and are by the date of this study, used to their current environment.

Data collection and recording equipmentSix Keep Guard camera traps (model number: KG-680V) were used to collect photos of the cats throughout all 24 hours of the day, and 1 camera trap (same model) was used to collect video of pool 1 where the food items for the cats were placed. Pictures and video were recorded on replaceable SD memory cards and were copied to a laptop computer for analysis each day at 7:00 pm. The cameras had a 1 second response time, so if an event was shorter than this (eg. a cat runs in and out of the screen), it would not be recorded. The cameras traps used heat signatures to identify when something living moved in front of the camera. Video recordings were set to record 15 second videos for each event. Camera trapping was chosen as the only method of data recording for this experiment, since the cats were (at least initially) scared of the observers, and would not come out of hiding until no one was around.

Food Choice and Feeding Habits of The Flat-Headed Cat(Prionailurus planiceps) in Captivity

39

Figure 1. Sketch of the cat enclosure with measurements of the walls' dimensions. Interior items are not to scale, but serve to illustrate the relative positions of various items, including water pools and the hollow log in which the cats would sleep during a large part of the day. The yellow dots with black arrows indicate the placement and viewing direction of the camera traps inside the enclosure. The transparent yellow zone around the pool indicates the approximately 1 meter zone around pool 1 within which events is categorized as being close to water, as described below. Chicken and frogs would be placed on the indicated feeding spots. North is pointing downwards.

Animal feeding trialsThe study took place from 8th February to 4th March 2011. The cats were fed once a day during the experiment, and were given several hours in which to finish their meal. Most of the time the cats were fed at 9 am, however initially feeding was at 3 pm. Leftover food was always collected at 7 pm.

John Rasmussen40

The cats were fed combinations of 3 basic food items; dead frogs (3-5cm, locally caught, species unknown), fish (17-20cm, catfish Clarias batrachus and Indian mackerel, Rastrelliger kanagurta), and chicken pieces without feathers (two chicken piece was roughly equal to volume of 1-2 average catfish). The cats were fed different types of live or dead food items, with live and deadfish placed in the pool, and dead frogs and chicken on plates within 10 cm of the pond edge. More trials with frogs would have been helpful, but according to the local staff who bought the food for the experiment, frogs were more difficult to acquire, and thus sometimes trials were affected by the availability of food types. The cats have always been fed on feeding plates since moving to Sungai Dusun.

On a few of the trials with chicken, a bit of carnivore supplement powder was added to the chicken, as the staff wanted them to have this with their meals. It has a scent of meat in higher concentrations, but in the amounts put on the chicken bits (1 teaspoon for the trials) it is more or less odourless (to humans). Since the cats behaved no differently with or without the supplement, the presence of the supplement on the chicken is considered to be of no consequence for this study.

When analyzing where the cats would eat the caught fish, it was decided that feeding events within a zone of approximately 1 meter from the water (and including the pool itself) was categorized as “pool 1”, which is either close to water or in water. The 1 meter zone was decided upon because the kitten described in Muul and Lim (1970) would drag the caught fish 2 meters from water, but given that this enclosure is rather small, 1 meter was decided to be enough (going more than 2 meters from one side of the pool would almost make the cat hit the walls of the enclosure). Whether or not the cats were within the zone was estimated by the observer when viewing the video recordings, and so was done in the same way by the same person each time. For data analysis Chi2-tests was performed, using a table for critical values found in Samuels and Witmer (2003).

RESULTS

Preferred types of foodDuring the trials, food items were tested against each other to see which ones the cats preferred. The different combinations and number of times were successfully tested is displayed in Table 2. There was one unsuccessful trial with dead fish and living fish, where the camera did not show which type of food was eaten first. Whenever the cats attacked the live fish to pull it out of the water with their mouths, they would submerge part, if not all, of their face when trying to grab the fish.

Table 2. The different combinations of food tested against each other during the trials and the number of trials each combination was used in.

Combination Number of succesful trialsDead fish & chicken 10Dead fish & living fish 6Dead fish, dead frog (2 units) & chicken 2Dead frog (3 units) & chicken 1

Dead fish vs chickenThe cats ate the dead fish first in all 10 trials. The chicken was always eaten only after the fish was consumed. There is a clear selection and preference for fish over chicken.


41

Dead fish vs living fishThe cats ate the living fish first in 5 of the 6 trials. The dead fish was eaten first in only 1 trial. The Chi2-test (at α = 5% level) did not show a significant difference of choosing between live or dead fish, however there was a difference shown at the 10% level (χ2 = 2.67, df = 1, p = 0.10). It would seem that the cats prefer live fish over dead fish, however further trials would be needed to confirm this using a larger sample size. It was noted that the cats often left the heads of the fish uneaten – in about half of the trials. The heads were left from both live and dead fish.

Other combinationsThere was not enough time to run enough trials to satisfy the Chi2-test sample size for fish vs frog vs chicken, or frog vs chicken. However, in the both trials of fish vs frog vs chicken, the fish was eaten first then the frog, and the chicken was eaten last. In one trial the chicken was not eaten at all. In the trial of frog vs chicken, the frog was eaten first and the chicken was eaten last. It seems that flat-headed cats prefer fish, then frogs, and lastly chicken.

Figure 2. Flat-headed cat catching a catfish photographed with a handheld camera during one of the last feeding trials.

Preferred place to eatFeeding events were recorded a total of 32 times near the feeding pool (pool 1). Feeding events were recorded a total of 5 times at a distance of more than 1 meters from water. There was a significant statistical difference of where the cats ate their food (χ2 = 19.7, df = 1, p < 0.0001). The cats preferred to eat close to the pool of water. When they did not eat close to the water, they were eating a fish.

John Rasmussen42

DISCUSSION

P. planiceps would eat any of the food types presented to it during the trials, as could be expected from an opportunistic hunter. Both frogs and fish were readily eaten, and the cats rarely refused the chicken presented to them, though they would usually leave a few chicken leftovers, presumably because the cats were full and simply did not want to eat any more food that day. Even the Indian Mackerel was eaten with no left overs, despite this being a saltwater fish to which P. planiceps would not ordinarily have access to under natural conditions.

The results of the testing of fish vs chicken are pretty conclusive and show that the cats definitely prefer fish over chicken, but also show that flat-headed cats will also readily eat bird-type food (chicken). Flat-headed cats were said to catch and eat live quail when presented to them (B. Simpson pers.comm.), which is different in other studies where living bird prey was completely ignored (Muul & Lim 1970). One could imagine that the cat seems to have no problem eating many kinds of food, but just happen to prefer food occurring naturally in or close to water, as this is also where they presumably may hunt in the wild.

The results suggest that P. planiceps may have a preference for living prey, as shown by the results of a Chi2-test at the 10% significance level, although the Chi2-test showed no significant divergence from the null hypothesis at the 5% level. This ambiguity may result from a low number of trials (n = 6). The cats may not distinguish between living or dead fish as shown by the fact that when the living fish was taken by one cat, the other one would immediately grab the dead one and eat that one instead, not trying to fight the other cat for the living fish. One could argue that because the cats always play with a living fish before catching it, they do not prefer living fish to dead. However, in captivity, playing with food is one of the only activities the cats have available other than marking territory, bathing in the pools, or inert activities like sleeping. If the cats do not feel like playing with the fish, they have no reason to take the living one, as the dead one offers an easy meal. In spite of speculations, one can safely conclude that the cats readily eat either, but may have a slight inclination to choose the living fish. The problem might be, that there was simply not enough data points collected in the study due to time constraints and for other reasons explained above. In the future it might be worth doing the dead fish vs living fish experiment a few more times and get more data points. I am inclined to believe that the cats prefer living food, but no definitive conlusions can be made because more data is probably required. In addition, the cats preferred frogs over chicken. This might be because frogs are usually found around water, and so it is probably true that the cats would eat more of this in the wild as well.

Sometimes the cats would leave the head of a fish in the enclosure when they were done eating. Perhaps we were feeding them too much food over too short an interval, so they only ate the most tasty bits. This could not have been changed though, do to a tight study schedule.

It was found that the cats prefer to consume the fish less than 1 meter from the water. In fact many observations were of the cat eating directly next to the water, perhaps no more than 10 cm from the edge of the pool. This seems to be contrary to the few other studies, and may be a case of behaviour adapted to life in captivity. As noted in other studies, other cats would drag food at least 2 meters away from water before consuming it. However, the cats in this experiment were accustomed to living in captivity and may have learned that the risk of food escaping them in a 10 cm deep pond with no water flow or escape routes is not existent. Considering these factors, while it is certain the cats prefer to eat next to the pool, this preference may not represent a natural behavior. This statement might be backed by the occurence of "playful" activity while hunting the live fish, as they would "play" with the living prey every time it was presented to them. In the wild this probably would not happen, as the chance


43

of prey escaping the cat will be high if the cats simply released it every time they caught a fish. In conclusion, it is probably uncertain if the species as a whole prefers to consume their food right next to the water in which it is caught. To get more realistic studies of this, it would probably have been better to study newly caught cats, that have not had a chance to adapt to life in captivity.

CONCLUSION

The flat-headed cat, P. planiceps, is an opportunist as far as food choice is concerned, and will eat many types of food as long as it is available to it, even food types not naturally available to it, such as mackerel. It seems that flat-headed cats prefer fish over frogs over chicken, but will eat all readily. It seems that P. planiceps prefers living fish over dead fish, but is also happy to scavenge dead prey items. The flat-headed cat prefers to eat its food less than 1 meter from the water, but this might be a consequence of changed behavior patterns from living in captivity. Further study is needed for this endangered species.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Malaysia, for allowing me to use their facilities and for being so generous in providing accomodation and helpful staff, and for allowing me to study their animals. Without this, the study would have been impossible to do. I would also like to thank Copenhagen Zoo / Carl Traeholt for being my external supervisor in Malaysia, who provided the camera traps and was very helpful, and also Boyd Simpson for being very helpful and for making our first days in Malaysia as comfortable as possible. Boyd Simpson also provided comments on earlier drafts of this paper. Last but not least a thank you to Ole Næsbye Larsen who has been my supervisor at the University of Southern Denmark and helped me throughout this entire project.

REFERENCES

Anderson, S. & Jones, J.K., Jr. (1984). Orders and families of recent mammals of the World. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York.

Collier, G.E. & O'Brien, S.J. (1985). A molecular phylogeny of the Felidae: immunological distance. Evolution, 39: 473-487.

Esabii (2011). The East and Southeast Asia Biodiversity Information Initiative, Data Portal. Available from http://www.esabii.org/database/endangered/carnivora/prionailurus_planiceps. html. (Version July 2011).

IUCN (2011). Red list of threatened species. Available from www.iucnredlist.org (Version on 22 February 2012).

Muul, I. & Lim, B.L. (1970). Ecological and morphological observations of Felis planiceps. Journal of Mammalogy, 51: 806-808.

John Rasmussen44

Salakij, C., Salakij, J., Narkkong, N., Sirinarumitr, T. & Pattanarangsan, R. (2008). Hematologic, cytochemical, ultrastructural, and molecular findings of hepatozoon-infected flat-headed cats (Prionailurus planiceps). Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 37: 31-41.

Samuels, M.L. & Witmer, J.A. (2003). Statistics for the life sciences, third edition. Pearson Education Inc. New Jersey.

Sunquist, M. & Sunquist F. (2002). Wild cats of the world. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago.

Thongphakdee, A., Siriaroonrat, B., Manee-in, S., Klincumhom, N., Kamolnorranath, S., Chatdarong, K. & Techakumphu, M. (2009). Intergeneric somatic cell nucleus transfer in marbled cat and flat-headed cat. Theriogenology, 73: 120-128.


BEETLES RECORDED TO VISIT ELEPHANT DUNG IN TEMENGGOR FOREST, MALAYSIA

Thary Gazi Goh*1, Johannes Huijbregts2, Hii Ning3 & Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz3

1Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2National Museum of Natural History Naturalis, Postbus 9517, NL-2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands3School of Geography, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Semenyih 43500, Selangor,

Malaysia


ABSTRACT

Little is known about the beetles associated with Elephant dung in the South East Asian region. Elephant dung was inspected for beetles by manually pulling apart dung present at elephant salt licks. Two sites were visited on 3 occasions and at least 20 piles of dung were inspected on each visit. 11 taxa of dung beetle were collected, Copris numa, Cp. bellator, Cp. doriae, Copris sp., Heliocopris tyrannus, Liatongus femoratus, Paragymnopleurus maurus, Sisyphus thoracicus, Onthophagus mulleri, O. rutilans and Megatelus sp. Most species were from the large tunnelers class in comparison to small tunnelers that tend to dominate other types of dung. While this is merely a preliminary sample, most of the species encountered have not been found in locations where elephants are absent. Larva of Campsiura nigripennis, a flower beetle was found to dwell inside the dung. The larvae were successfully bred to adulthood in elephant dung in laboratory conditions. Predatory Histeridae were found to also oviposit on the dung, in which the larvae preyed on other beetle and fly larva. One larva in a dung ball possibly belonging to Paragymnopleurus sp. was found. These observations match observations in tropical Africa, in which some large dung beetle species are dependent on elephant dung. It is possiblethat this beetle assemblage is similar and dependent on the presence of elephants or large herbivores.

Keywords: Dung Beetles, Asian Elephant, Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeiinae, Cetoniinae

INTRODUCTION

While there is much attention given to large charismatic animals like elephants, there is little focus on the smaller animals which may depend on them. Due to the current threats to large megafauna (Sukumar, 1992), it is vital to look at communities that are dependent on such large mammals for their survival. The loss or reduction of a single large mammal species may cause a collapse of communities which depend on them for shelter, food or breeding spaces (Hanski & Cambefort, 1991). Dung beetles which depend on large mammals perform various ecological functions and services such as nutrient cycling, soil aeration and secondary seed dispersal (Nichol et al., 2008). Perturbations to elephant populations will affect the dung beetle community that depends on it and this in turn will cause the loss of valuable ecosystem functions.

Much of the work that has been previously done on dung Beetle-Elephant association in tropical environments has been conducted in the Afrotropical region, mainly concerning forest dwelling African

Thary Gazi Goh, Johannes Huijbregts, Hii Ning & Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz

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Forest Elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) (Cambefort & Walter, 1991). It was found that there were dung beetles that were dependent on elephant dung as opposed to dung from omnivores or other herbivores (Cambefort & Walter, 1991). The elephant dung dependent beetles tended to be from the Tribes Coprini and Oniticellini, which are usually associated with large mammals, while omnivorous dung tended to attract tribe Onthophagini, which has more varied feeding habits (Cambefort & Walter, 1991). Elephant dung provides a much different habitat to that of omnivore dung; it is more fibrous, contains less nutrients and tends to exist in excess due to the elephants being prolific defecators (Sukumar, 1992). It was found that while human dung placed in the field was almost always completely buried within a day, only 1/5th of elephant dung piles are buried (Cambefort & Walter, 1991).

In Peninsular Malaysia, trapping has been conducted using elephant dung collected from zoos in several sites (Doll et al., 2014). However, this study used only 10ml of dung per trap, which is a highly unrealistic amount for elephant dung in which a single bolus can be more than 500ml in volume and six to seven boli were usually found per pile in the field. This study recorded 41 species of dung beetles in Temenggor Forest Reserve.

METHODOLOGY

Elephant dung was inspected for beetles by manually pulling apart dung present at elephant salt licks. While the collection is not as reliable or unbiased as pitfall traps, manually collecting allows for collection of beetles that dig or dwell in the dung instead of trying to burrow underneath it. Two sites were visited on 3 occasions and at least 20 piles of dung were inspected on each visit. All the collection was done in the daytime.

Species were identified by comparing the specimens to existing collections in the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden, the Netherlands.


11 taxa of dung beetle were collected – Copris numa, Cp. bellator, Cp. doriae, Copris sp., Heliocopris tyrannus, Liatongus femoratus, Paragymnopleurus maurus , Sisyphus thoracicus, Onthophagus mulleri , O. rutilans and Megatelus sp. (Table 1). Most species were from the large tunnelers class in comparison to small tunnelers that tend to dominate other types of dung. Most of the recovered beetles were found burrowing inside of the dung bolus or under the dung. Burrows could be seen in the soil below some of the older dung pats, indicating that beetles had fed on it. Previous collections in the Temenggor Forest Reserve also indicate a higher proportion of large Tunneler Copris species being present in this location (Doll et al., 2014).

While this is merely a preliminary sample, most of the species encountered have not been found in locations where elephants are absent. Several species collected are possibly new to science, with unknown Copris and Megatelus species found. These specimens were deposited in the Museum of Zoology, University of Malaya.

We discovered a single specimen of Heliocopris tyrannus, which is rarely found in modern collections from Peninsular Malaysia but quite common in older museum collections. This very large (58-64mm) species depends on the dung of large herbivores such as elephants. As historical collections have recorded the presence of this species as far south as Malacca, this probably indicates that it has declined in areas with widespread deforestation. A related species, H. bucephalus, is bred using water buffalo dung in northern Thailand (Leksawasdi, 2010).

Beetles Recorded to Visit Elephant Dung in Temenggor Forest, Malaysia 47

One larva in a dung ball possibly belonging to Paragymnopleurus sp. was found, indicating that elephant dung is used for oviposition of some species. The dung ball was found inside of the dung pat, which is unusual for dung roller beetles. While the dung ball was collected, the beetle pupa did not survive until adulthood. Some adult Copris numa were collected alive and placed with elephant dung in captivity. However, instead of using the dung for oviposition they merely buried and fed on some of it.

Some Scarabaeied larvae were found in the dung, ranging from first to third instars. Seven larvae were successfully bred to adulthood in elephant dung under laboratory conditions (25°C, 0:24 light/dark ratio) and were identified as Campsiura nigripennis, a flower beetle from the Scarabaeidae subfamily Cetoniinae. The beetle larvae constructed ovoid cocoons roughly 30mm in height and 20mm in width out of the dung matrix for pupation and emerged a month later. Campsiura species have been recorded to use cow dung as a medium for oviposition and pupation (Yiu, 2010). Additionally, the African species Campsiura trivittata has been recorded to breed in African Forest Elephant dung (Lumaret & Cambefort, 1988).

Predatory Histerid adults and larvae were found to also oviposit on the dung, in which the larvae preyed on other beetle and fly larva. Several of the C. nigripennis larvae were attacked and eaten by Histerid larvae in both the larva and pupa stages. It is likely that Staphylinids found on the dung are predatory as well. In one waterlogged site where a hot spring was present, Hydrophilid beetles from the genus Coelostoma was found to aggregate in submerged dung piles. These beetles are likely not predacious, but merely feeding on the submerged portions of the dung pats.

These observations match observations in tropical Africa, in which some large dung beetle species are dependent on elephant dung. It is possible that this beetle assemblage is similar and dependent on the presence of elephants or large herbivores. However, a more complete study will have to be done before any reasonable conclusions can be made. Comparative studies could be conducted using other baits such as omnivorous dung and carrion. Additionally, long term sampling programs may shed light on the true diversity of dung beetles in Belum-Temenggor Forest Complex.

Table 1. Checklist of species collected from elephant dung in Temengor salt licks

Family Tribe Genus Species Feeding behaviorScarabaeidae Coprini Heliocopris tyrannus Coprophage

Coprini Copris numa CoprophageCoprini Copris bellator CoprophageCoprini Copris doriae CoprophageCoprini Copris sp. CoprophageCoprini Catharsius molossus CoprophageGymnopleurini Paragymnopleurus maurus CoprophageSisyphini Sisyphus thoracicus CoprophageOnthophagini Onthophagus mulleri CoprophageOnthophagini Onthophagus rutilans CoprophageOniticellini Liatongus femoratus CoprophageAphodini Megatelus sp. Coprophage

Thary Gazi Goh, Johannes Huijbregts, Hii Ning & Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz

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Scarabaeidae (Cetoniinae) (Larva)

Campsiura nigripennis Coprophage

Histeridae PredatorStaphylinidae PredatorHydrophilidae Coelostoma sp. CoprophageTenebrionidae Unknown

REFERENCES

Cambefort, Y. (1991). Dung beetles in tropical forests of Africa. In Dung Beetle Ecology (Hanski, I. & Cambefort, Y. (eds.), pp 481. New Jersey: Princeton University Press.

Hanski, I. & Cambefort, Y. (1991). Dung beetle ecology. New Jersey, US: Princeton University Press.Xiii + 481 pp.

Leksawasdi, P. (2010). Compendium of research on selected edible insects in northern Thailand.In Forest insects as food: Humans bite back. Paper presented at the Proceedings of a Workshop on Asia-Pacific Resources and Their Potential for Development, Chiang Mai, Thailand (Durst, P.B. Johnson, D.V., Leslie, R.N. & Shono, K., eds.), pp. 183-188. FAO.

Lumeret, J.P. & Cambefort, Y. (1988). Description de la larva de Campsiura trivittata (Moser) (Coleoptera:Cetoniidae). Nouvelle Revue d’Entomologue New Series, 2(3): 9-23.

Nichols, E., Spector, E.S., Louzada, J., Larsen, T., Amezquita, S., Favila, Favila, M.E. & The Scarabaeidae Research Network. (2008). Ecological functions and ecosystem services provided by Scarabaeinae dung beetles. Biological Conservation, 141: 1461–1474.

Sukumar, R. (1992). The Asian Elephant: ecology and management. Cambridge University Press.

Yiu, V. (2010). Records of Rose Chafers (Coleoptera, Cetoniinae) in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Entomological Bulletin, 2(1): 32-42.


EVOLUSI PROJEK KONSERVASI TAPIR MALAYA

Mohd. Sanusi, M.*1, Traeholt, C.1,2, Khadijah-Ghani, S.A.3, Simson, B2.,Shukor M.N4. & Rovie-Ryan, J. Jeffrine5.

1Projek Konservasi Tapir Malaya, Rezab Hidupan Liar Krau, 28500 Lanchang, Pahang2Copenhagen Zoo Denmark, D3 Selangor Properties Ukay Height, 68000 Ampang, Selangor

3Kementerian Kesejahteraan Bandar, Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan, No. 51, Persiaran Perdana, Presint 4, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Tempatan,

62100 W.P. Putrajaya4Program Sains Sekitaran, Pusat Pengajian Sains Sekitaran & Sumber Alam, Fakulti Sains &

Teknologi, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor.5Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman Negara (PERHILITAN) Semenanjung Malaysia,

KM 10, Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur


ABSTRAK

Kertas ini mengupas sejarah penubuhan projek daripada tahun 2002 sehingga kini yang meliputi tim projek, aspek penyelidikan yang dijalankan serta sumbangan penerbitan. Kertas ini menyenaraikan cabaran projek di masa hadapan.

Keywords: Tapir Malaya, Konservasi, PERHILITAN

ABSTRACT

This paper will discuss the history of MTCP from 2002 until now which include the project team, research aspect covered and papers published. It will also enlist the challenge faced in the future.

Keywords: Tapir Malaya, Conservation, PERHILITAN

Mohd. Sanusi, M., Traeholt, C., Khadijah-Ghani, S.A., Simson, B., Shukor M.N. & Rovie-Ryan, J. Jeffrine

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Detik Penubuhan

Dalam kebanyakan survei yang dijalankan oleh Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman Negara (PERHILITAN) tapir Malaya didapati antara mamalia yang sering dikesan (PERHILITAN, 1993a, 1993b, 1994a, 1994b, 2002a, 2002b, 2005). Data-data ini menyebabkan tapir Malaya dikategorikan masih banyak dan spesies ketiga terbanyak selepas babi hutan (Sus scrofa) dan juga kijang (Muntiacus muntjak) (Chiew, 2003). Ketika itu, tapir Malaya dikategorikan ‘vulnerable’ di IUCN Senarai Merah.

Pada tahun 1995, perjanjian kerjasama di antara Kerajaan Malaysia-Denmark telah ditanda tangani melalui kolaborasi di antara Danish Agency for Cooperation and Development (DANCED) bagi menyokong Kementerian Sains, Teknologi dan Alam Sekitar (MOSTE) membangunkan pelan tindakan bagi PERHILITAN. Projek bertajuk ‘Master plan of Capacity Building and Strengthening of the Protected Areas System in Peninsula Malaysia’ dan projek lanjutan bertajuk ‘Development of a Management Plan of Krau Wildlife Reserve’ telah dilaksanakan. Kedua-dua projek bermula pada tahun 1998 dan selesai pada tahun 2001. Ketika ini pihak Denmark telah melihat keperluan kajian lanjut bagi konservasi tapir Malaya.

Pada tahun 2001 juga, Siti Khadijah telah membentangkan dapatan kajian beliau mengenai taburan tapir Malaya dan ungulat terpilih di beberapa lokasi kajian melalui kaedah perangkap kamera. Pembentangan diadakan anjuran IUCN/SSC/Tapir Specialist Group di Costa Rica. Kajian ini dibiayai oleh Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) dan merupakan tesis Ijazah Sarjana Muda (Zoologi) di Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

Pasukan Projek

Pada tahun 2002, Dr. Carl Traeholt telah membentangkan cadangan penyelidikan tapir Malaya kepada PERHILITAN dan Siti Khadijah turut dijemput hadir. Hasil pembentangan tersebut, Dr. Carl Traeholt telah dilantik sebagai Ketua Projek dan Siti Khadijah sebagai Penyelidik Lapangan. Siti Khadijah melanjutkan kajian di peringkat Ijazah Sarjana di Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Pada masa yang sama, MohdSanusi dilantik sebagai Pembantu Penyelidik dan melanjutkan pengajian di peringkat Ijazah Sarjana Muda di bawah tajaan Copenhagen Zoo. Projek ini turut dibantu oleh Tok @ Nordin yang merupakan orang asli Che Wong.

Pada tahun 2005, Siti Khadijahtelah meninggalkan projek dan bertugas di Indonesia sebagai penyelidik tapir Malaya di bawah dana Jepun. Pada tahun 2008 beliau dilantik sebagai penjawat awam dan bertugas di Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam. Mohd. Sanusimelanjutkan pengajian di peringkat Ijazah Sarjana UKM dan dilantik sebagai Penyelidik Lapangan sehingga kini. Tok menarik diri daripada projek dan digantikan oleh Rambai sehingga kini.

Seterusnya pada tahun 2008, Boyd Simson daripada Flora and Fauna Institute (FFI) mengikuti projek ini dan melanjutkan pengajian di peringkat Ijazah Sarjana di UKM.

Aktiviti Penyelidikan

Berdasarkan perbincangan awal pasukan projek dan pihak PERHILITAN, kawasan kajian yang dipilih adalah Rezab Hidupan Liar Krau. Peringkat awal pengumpulan data adalah perbincangan bersama masyarakat setempat tentang kehadiran mamalia ini di kawasan mereka. Berdasarkan maklumat

Evolusi Projek Konservasi Tapir Malaya 51

tersebut, kawasan laluan tapir Malaya dikenalpasti yang mana kebanyakannya menuju ke kawasan jenut. Seterusnya jenut yang menunjukkan kehadiran tapir Malaya yang tinggi dipantau secara berkala dan perangkap kamera dipasang bagi mengecam individu yang hadir.

Pemasangan perangkap kamera juga membolehkan pasukan projek mengenalpasti waktu aktif mamalia ini supaya tembak bius boleh dijalankan bagi memasang transmiter. Pemasangan pengkap kamera juga bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti bilangan individu yang aktif di kawasan jenut terpilih. Di antara tahun 2002 hingga 2007, 21 individu dikenalpasti aktif di kawasan Jenut Bayek, Jenut Wan Bulan dan Jenut Neram. Anggaran kepadatan adalah 7 individu/100km2 dengan saiz populasi antara 28 hingga 32 individu. Didapati, 100% gambar spesies ini yang direkodkan adalah di antara jam 2000 hingga 0600. Tiada gambar tapir Malaya direkodkan di waktu siang (0700 hingga 1900). Tapir Malaya menunjukkan kekerapan berada di Jenut Bayek secara signifikan berbanding di kawasan lain (p<0.05, ujian t).

Pada masa yang sama, bumbun dibina di atas pokok yang mengadap jenut dengan ketinggian sekitar 15 kaki. Proses tembak bius dilakukan bersama veterinar PERHILITAN.Beberapa sesi pemerhatian di bumbun telah dijalankan, namun tiada tapir Malaya melawat jenut ketika itu. Pasukan projek perlu mencari alternatif lain bagi menangkap haiwan ini.

Berpandukan pengalaman pasukan penyelidik badak PERHILITAN, perangkap lubang dicadang digunakan bagi menangkap tapir Malaya. Kaedah ini memerlukan tenaga kerja yang ramai. Saiz perangkap lubang yang disediakan adalah 7 kaki panjang x 4 kaki lebar x 7 kaki dalam. Sekiranya terdapat halangan semula jadi sebelum saiz tersebut diperolehi, lubang tersebut perlu ditutup dan lokasi baru perlu dicari. Ini memberikan kesan negatif kepada persekitaran, serta pembaziran masa dan juga tenaga kerja. Selepas lubang ini siap, ia disamarkan dengan tanah dan daun kering. Ketika ini, perangkap lubang ini telah aktif dan tibalah waktu menunggu tapir Malaya jatuh ke dalamnya. Didapati sekurang-kurangnya dua minggu diperlukan bagi tapir Malaya mendekati perangkap ini. Bukti yang dilihat adalah kesan laluan haiwan ini menuju ke arah perangkap lubang.

Pada tahun 2002 seekor betina dewasa telah jatuh ke dalam lubang yang dipasang di Jenut Wan Bulan. Bantuan veterinar PERHILITAN sekali lagi diperlukan bagi melaksanakan prosedur bius terhadap haiwan ini.

Pasukan projek mendapati perangkap lubang secara tidak langsung memberikan ancaman kecederaan kepada tapir Malaya. Proses pelepasan semula turut melibatkan tenaga kerja yang tinggi dan memberikan kesan gangguan kepada persekitaran asal sesuatu lokasi.

Justeru, pasukan projek telah cuba membangunkan perangkap kayu dengan mengadaptasikan perangkap kayu yang digunakan oleh Orang Asli Che Wong dalam menangkap mamalia kecil. Model perangkap kayu telah dibina di Jenut Bayek dan selepas perangkap ini diaktifkan, tapir Malaya mengambil masa sekitar seminggu untuk menggunakan laluan yang berhampiran perangkap. Seekor tapir Malaya berjaya ditangkap dengan menggunakan perangkap kayu. Namun memandangkan ia kurang kukuh, haiwan tersebut berjaya melepaskan diri.

Berdasarkan model perangkap kayu, model yang sama dibangunkan dengan menggunakan besi. Keseluruhan berat perangkap ini adalah 500kg dan bagi memudahkan proses membawanya ke lokasi jenut yang jauh, ia boleh diceraikan kepada unit-unit kecil. Perangkap ini lebih kukuh dan tidak memberikan kesan negatif kepada persekitaran. Beberapa individu berjaya ditangkap dengan menggunakan perangkap ini sehingga kini.

Setiap individu yang ditangkap akan dipasang dengan transmitter bagi membolehkan pasukan projek

Mohd. Sanusi, M., Traeholt, C., Khadijah-Ghani, S.A., Simson, B., Shukor M.N. & Rovie-Ryan, J. Jeffrine

52

menjalankan kajian lanjut. Di peringkat awal, transmitter yang digunakan perlu dikesan dengan menggunakan ‘penerima’ (receiver) dan penyelidik perlu berada berdekatan individu tersebut sepanjang kajian. Kini transmitter yang digunakan lebih mesra pengguna dan dilengkapi dengan Global Positioning System (GPS) bagi membolehkan maklumat individu dihantar melalui pesanan ringkas mengikut tempoh tertentu.

Sehingga tahun 2007, lima individu berjaya dipasang transmitter iaitu Siti (dewasa ♀), Sanusi dan Manja (dewasa ♂), Adik Merdeka (remaja ♂) dan Akak Ramadhan (remaja ♀). Data kawasan keliaran kelima-lima individu ini digunakan dalam memahami keperluan habitat mamalia ini.Banjaran Kediaman Bulanan mencatatkan pertambahan saiz kediaman mengikut pertambahan peratus. Didapati bulan pertama selepas individu ditangkap, didapati corak banjaran kediaman tidak sekata. Dijangkakan corak ini ditunjukkan kesan tekanan akibat individu ini terdedah secara langsung kepada manusia. Secara tidak langsung, ini menunjukkan tempoh sekurang-kurangnya satu bulan diperlukan bagi setiap individu bagi membangunkan semula banjaran kediaman yang stabil. Banjaran Kediaman Bulanan terbesar dicatatkan oleh remaja ♂ iaitu iaitu 0.73±0.13km2 diikuti ♂ dewasa iaitu 0.60±0.09km2 dan remaja ♀ iaitu 0.52±0.14km2. Kedua-dua individu remaja berkongsi banjaran kediaman.

Pada tahun 2007, kajian DNA tapir bersama PERHILITAN mula dijalankan. Kajian ini melibatkan sampel DNA tapir sama ada yang ditangkap semasa pasukan projek memasang transmitter mahupun tapir yang diselamatkan oleh PERHILITAN akibat cedera atau terperangkap di kawasan awam. Kajian ini lebih bersifat pembangunan maklumat data bagi membantu pihak PERHILITAN dalam urusan berkaitan pengurusannya.

Pada masa yang sama, pasukan projek juga telah menemui kaedah baharu dalam mengesan kehadiran hidupan liar di sesuatu kawasan melalui DNA pacat. Analisis kajian ini dilaksanakan di Copenhagen University, Denmark. Ini merupakan teknik terkini selain menggunakan perangkap kamera.

Pada tahun 2010, pasukan projek mula meneliti keperluan makanan mamalia ini di habitat asalnya dan apakah kesan kehadiran mamalia ini terhadap regenerasi lantai hutan.

Pembentangan Kertas & Ceramah

Sepanjang projek ditubuhkan sehingga kini, banyak kertas penyelidikan telah dibentangkan di peringkat tempatan dan antarabangsa. Pasukan projek juga sering dijemput untuk berkongsi ilmu dan pengalaman bersama pelbagai agensi. Pada masa yang sama, sebanyak15-20 kertas telah dihasilkan yang berkaitan dengan tapir Malaya.

Cabaran Projek

Antara cabaran yang dihadapi projek pada masa yang akan datang adalah eksplorasi dalam mengenalpasti kaedah baharu dalam aspek penyelidikan tapir Malaya. Ia mungkin memerlukan pasukan projek untuk bersedia dalam mempelajari ilmu yang baharu.

Sekiranya kaedah baharu penyelidikan yang ditemui memerlukan pembiayaan yang lebih besar, pasukan projek perlu berusaha dalam mengenalpasti individu atau organisasi tempatan dan luar Negara yang boleh memberikan geran penyelidikan.

Evolusi Projek Konservasi Tapir Malaya 53

Aspek pengurusan tapir Malaya yang lebih lestari juga perlu sentiasa disemak sesuai peredaran masa. Ini juga meliputi pendekatan terbaik dalam pengurusan mamalia yang semakin diancam kepupusan sama ada secara ex-situ mahupun in-situ.

Dalam usaha memastikan spesies ini terus mandiri di habitat semula jadi, kesedaran awam tentang pentingnya spesies ini juga merupakan cabaran pasukan projek.

RUJUKAN

Chiew, H. (2003). Environment-Strange and Elusive. The Star. 16 September.

Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP). (1993a). Wildlife Inventory of Ulu Muda. Vol 1. Kuala Lumpur.

Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP). (1993b). Wildlife Inventory of Wang Kelian. Vol 1. Kuala Lumpur.

Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP). (1994a). Wildlife Inventory of Belum.Vol 1. Kuala Lumpur.

Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP). (1994b). Laporan Inventori Hidupan Liar Prang Besar Sepang Selangor. DWNP Kuala Lumpur. Unpublished report.

Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP). (2002a). Laporan Inventori Rizab Hidupan Liar Endau Kota Tinggi (Barat) Johor Darul Takzim. DWNP Kuala Lumpur. Unpublished report.

Department of Wildlife and National Park (DWNP). (2002b). Krau Wildlife Reserve Management Plan. Kuala Lumpur.

Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP). (2005). Laporan ringkas inventori kepelbagaian biologi dan operasi penguatkuasaan Taman Negara. DWNP Kuala Lumpur. Unpublished report.


A DEPOSITORY OF LOWLAND FOREST TREE SPECIES ESTABLISHED ON A BROWN-FILLED SITE IN ARA DAMANSARA, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

Ang, L.H.*, Ho, W.M. & Tang, L.K.

Researchers of Ecophysiology Branch, Forest Plantation Program,Forest Biotechnology Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia,


ABSTRACT

Brown-filled site comprises of household solid wastes, soils with concrete from the urban waste, solid waste and soils from ex-tin mines and construction sites often been compacted to form a solid structure to serve engineering functions for various uses. Brown-filled site in Ara Damansara Eco-Park was constructed on a flood mitigation pond located along the Sg Damansara. It is part of the 2 billion-project of Kuala Lumpur flood mitigation project. A beautification project was initiated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for the mitigation pond of Ara Damansara in 2010 which aims to turn the pond into a multipurpose-park. Initial planting was not successful till Forest Research Institute Malaysia was engaged by the implementing agency Department of Drainage and Irrigation to green the mitigation. One year-old mixed lowland forests comprising of lowland forest and swampy species were established comprising 73 species of 2444 indigenous trees. The park aims to serve also as a domestication center for IUCN red-list lowland plant species namely endangered, threaten and endemic tree species and also an educational and research center. This paper presents to demonstrate the concept of domestication of indigenous tree species from the endangered lowland habit in degraded site within an urban district.

Keywords: Rehabilitation, Ex-brown filled site, Domestication, IUCN red-list plant species, Multipurpose-park

INTRODUCTION

Ara Damansaara Eco-Park is established from greening and beautifying Ara Damansara Flood Mitigation Pond (AFMP). The pond, also known as Proposed Pond 33 (JPZSB, 2009), was built in 2009 and acts as the flood regulation mechanism for Klang Valley. In addition, Ara Damansara Flood Mitigation Pond (AFMP) was built to improve water quality by increasing sedimentation of suspended particles. The details of AFMP are described in JPZSB (Vol 2). The AFMP was built using dump materials from household, construction and industrial solid wastes. The foundation of AFMP was constructed using compaction to pack the solid wastes together with unknown origins of excavated soil materials to form the structure of the detention pond. Forest Research Institute Malaysia was appointed a consultant and contractor to green the landfill site with diversified tropical rainforest species. This paper aims to highlight the diversity of indigenous tree species planted on the landfill site which is the first in the tropics.

This paper aims to demonstrate that a brown-fill site can be a depository of tropical rainforest species with the application of appropriate site improvement technique.

Ang, L.H., Ho, W.M. & Tang, L.K.56

METHODOLOGY

Site Improvement Technique

A Standard Soils Amendment (SSA) was recommended after careful examination of its site properties. SSA comprising of loosening the site to the depth of 1.5 m and later applied with a mixture of burnt-rice husk and coconut peat of ratio 1:1 at 10 kg/m2. The planting point of 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 m was further added with organic enriched mineral soils.

Vegetative Measurements

Measurement of height through a height stick and survival count were carried out immediately after planting, followed by 1 month, 6 months and 12 months after planting. Survival count also was carried out. Only species planted at both sites were selected for the study. Growth assessments employed mean height (m) and relative periodical height increment (%).

Relative periodical height increment (%) = (Height at P1-Height P0)*100%/P0

The survival count (%) and relative periodical height increment (%) were converted to radian through arc-tan and subjected to t-test.


Survival

Total number of indigenous trees planted was 2444 in number and their survival at one year after planting was 90.6%. Only 13 tree species had survival less than 80% and 4 species had survival <50% (Table 1).

Table 1. Survival of 73 indigenous species grown in Ara Damansara Eco-park

Species N Survival (%)

Survival (%)

Survival (%)

Survival (%)

Millettia atropurpurea 20 100 100 100 100


Melaleuca leucadendron 62 100 100 100 100

Ardisia elliptica 5 100 100 100 100

Baccaurea ramiflora 2 100 100 50 100

Cananga odorata 80 100 100 100 100

Chukrasia tabularis 9 100 100 100 100

Chyrtostachys renda 20 100 100 100 100

Cynometra ramiflora 21 100 100 100 100



Dialium indum 3 100 100 100 100

A Depository of Lowland Forest Tree Species Established on a Brown-Filled Site in Ara Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia

57

Dipterocarpus cornutus 7 100 100 100 100

Dipterocarpus oblongifolius 10 100 100 50 100

Dryobalanops oblongifolia 2 100 100 100 100

Fagraea crenulata 59 100 100 100 100

Fagraea fragrans 20 100 100 100 100

Flacourtia inermis 50 100 100 100 100

Flacourtia rukam 1 100 100 100 100

Gardinia carinata 72 100 100 100 100

Gnetum gnemon 29 100 100 100 100

Hopea ferruginea 9 100 100 100 100

Hopea odorata 19 100 100 100 100

Horsfieldia sp? 5 100 100 80 100

Intsia palambanica 8 100 100 90 100

Kompassia excels 4 100 100 100 100

Lagerstroemia floribunda 50 100 100 94 100

Mangifera odorata 5 100 100 80 100

Memecylon edule var ovatum 5 100 100 100 100

Neobalanocarpus heimii 4 100 100 75 100

Palaqium obovatum 7 100 100 57.1 100

Parastemon urophyllum 5 100 100 100 100

Parkia speciosa 2 100 100 100 100

Pometia pinnata 5 100 100 100 100

Pouteria obovata 43 100 100 100 100

Shorea platyclados 4 100 100 75 100

Shorea roxburghii 20 100 100 100 100

Sindora echinocalyx 3 100 100 100 100

Syzygium cumini 50 100 100 100 100

Syzygium microcalyx 2 100 100 50 100

Agathis borneensis 48 100 100 96.1 99.4

Dyera costulata 93 100 100 99.4 99.4

Syzygium campanulatum 47 100 97.9 97.9 97.9

Crotoxylum cochinchinense 60 100 100 98.8 97.5

Michelia champaca 50 100 97.9 96 96

Alstonia angustiloba 93 100 100 94.6 95

Garcinia atroviridis 30 100 100 95 95


Millettia atropurpurea 55 100 100 97.2 95

Aquilaria malaccensis 50 100 98.4 84.5 94.1

Eusideroxylon zwageri 7 100 100 100 93.3

Podocarpus polystachyus 30 100 100 96.2 92.3

Saraca indica 13 100 100 61.5 92.3

Syzygium malaccense 51 100 96.1 96.1 92.2

Ochanostachys amentacea 100 100 100 100 92.1

Syzygium campanulatum (DRL) 596 100 91.4 91.1 90.9

Palaqium gutta 10 100 100 80 90

Syzygium zeylanicum 20 100 100 100 90

Pentaspadon motley 55 100 100 94.6 88.9

Kompassia malaccense 5 100 100 80 80

Parashorea densiflora 10 100 90 90 80

Eleteriospermum tapos 10 100 76.2 76.2 76.2

Fagraea apicalata 10 100 93.8 75 75

Saraca indica 24 100 91.7 79.2 75

Tristaniopsis whiteana 13 100 100 65.9 70.5

Sterculia parvifolia 3 100 100 66.7 66.7

Shorea macrophylla 47 100 100 60.3 65

Mangifera caesia 14 100 100 60 60


Shorea leprosula 5 100 100 60 60

Sandoricum koetjape 6 100 100 50 50

Garcinia hombroniana 48 100 77 46 46

Sterculia parvifolia 3 100 100 33.3 33.3

Flacourtia jangomas 4 100 100 50 25

The tree species having survival less than 80% but greater than 50% were due to poor handling by the contractor during transplanting from nursery to the site by exposing them to unnecessary planting stresses such as exposed their roots to the harsh environment for a long time before planting. Of the four species with survival less than 50%, one (Garcinia homroniana) was attacked by wildlife and the rest were due to rapid adverse respond to non-conforming to SSA site preparation technique. Some planting points were prepared on a loosen site only till 0.5 m depth which is non-conforming to the SSA technique and the growing medium was not filled with enough organic enriched soils due to site constraints.

Many of these indigenous tree species are rare wild fruit trees, and some are threatened as their habitats are in lowland. However, they are not being assessed to be included in the IUCN list. Tree species in the eco-park that are found in the IUCN list are mainly timber species but they need to be updated as

A Depository of Lowland Forest Tree Species Established on a Brown-Filled Site in Ara Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia

59

indicated by IUCN. Total number of the IUCN list species planted in the park is only 18 species and with total number of 403 trees (Table 2).

Table 2. IUCN list species planted in Ara Damansara Eco-park

Species Status RemarksDryobalanops aromatic Kapur IUCN Critically Endangered A1c+2cHopea ferruginea Merawan Jangkung IUCN Critically Endangered A1c+2cShorea platyclados Meranti Bukit IUCN Endangered A1cdParashorea densiflora Gerutu IUCN Endangered A1 cd, B1+ 2cShorea roxburghii Meanti Temak Nipis IUCN Endangered A1cdAgathis borneensis Damar minyak IUCN Endangered A4 cdShorea macrophylla Engkabang IUCN Vulnerable A1 cdNeobalanocarpus heimii Chengal IUCN Vulnerable A1cdEusideroxylon zwageri Belian IUCN Vulnerable A1cd+2cdHopea odorata Merawan Siput Jantan IUCN Vulnerable A1cd+2cd Podocarpus polystachyus Jati Laut IUCN Vulnerable A4 acGnetum Gnemon Meninjau IUCN Lower risk/least ConcernDyera costulata Jelutong IUCN Lower Risk (Need Updating)Koompassia malaccensis Kempas IUCN Lower risk/Conservation

dependentAlstonia scholaris Pulai IUCN Lower risk/least concernMangifera caesia Binjai IUCN Lower risk/least concernSterculia parviflora Kelumpang burung IUCN Lower risk/least concern

In the park, we have 2 critically endangered species , 4 endangered species and 5 vulnerable and the rest are lower risk as classified by the IUCN Red List, however, their status required further update as stated by IUCN (Plate 1).

We didn’t manage to plant more of species that are rare, endangered and endemic of IUCN Red List because of the lack of planting stock. In addition, some of them need partial shade, hence they are not suitable to be open planted. In the second phase we will plant more of them out of the remaining 80 species. Deliberate efforts are being made to secure rare, endangered and endemic species of the IUCN Red List from the private nurseries.

Malaysia needs to update IUCN Red List concerning indigenous species that are rare, endemic and critically endangered. Interesting to note that, Jambu bol (Syzygium malaccense), merbau (Intsia palembanica), sepertir (Sindora echinocalyx) and keranji (Dialium indum )are not being assessed by IUCN.


Plate 1. Some IUCN Red List of Threaten Species

CONCLUSION

The standard Soils Amendment technique is suitable to promote establishment of the tree species. The trees had established well at 12 months after planting. Many of these trees shall produce food and shelters to birds and small wildlife in addition to their contribution to a greener environment. Conservation of tree diversity in the Ara Damansara Eco-park in the blooming urban environment had created the first endeavor in Malaysia to make a brown-fill site as a tree-diversity depository.

REFERENCES

Jurutera Perunding Zaaba Sdn Bhd (JPZSB) (2009). Final Report Vol 1. Executive Summary. 91p.

Jurutera Perunding Zaaba Sdn Bhd (JPZSB) (2009). Final Report Vol 2. Main Report. 91p. Page 1


A MODEL OF GREENED EX-TIN MINE AS A LOWLAND BIODIVERSITY DEPOSITORY IN MALAYSIA

Ang, L.H.*, Ho, W.M. & Tang, L.K.

Researchers of Ecophysiogy Branch, Forest Plantation Program, Forest Biotechnology Division,Forest Research Institute Malaysia


ABSTRACT

Ex-tin mine is a common landscape in Peninsular Malaysia and it covers approximately 113,000 ha spreading mainly in the states of Selangor and Perak. Forest Research Institute Malaysia has successfully greened an ex-tin mine covering 121.5 ha located in Bidor, Perak. Presently, a 17 y-old man-made mixed stand of 60 forest tree species beautifies the once barren-desert like landscape with lush green vegetation surrounding the mining ponds. The man-made mixed forest was established employing findings from two decades of research activities. The forest is also the man-made habitats that house 70 species of birds and many wildlife species from the diminishing nearby lowland forests located about 10-20 km from the greened ex-tin mine. The two fragmented lowland forests are Bikam Forest Reserve and Chikus Forest Reserve which are located in the fast-expanding economic zone of Batang Padang District, Perak. Avian dispersers brought about 20 primary lowland species to the man-made forest since the last 15 years. This paper demonstrates the rehabilitation technology employed to green an ex-tin mine and also reports the regeneration of the tropical rainforest species brought by avian dispersers in the greened ex-tin mine.

Keywords: Ex-tin mine, Rehabilitation, Restoration, Biodiversity depository, Man-made forest, Wildlife.

INTRODUCTION

Malaysia is a developing nation, and degraded lands are part of the landscape, just like elsewhere in the whole wide world. Forestland had been cleared for agriculture in Malaysia, and presently, about 6.48 million ha of oil palms, cocoa, coconuts, and rubber continuously provide the tree cover but without the inhabitation of the once rich biodiversity. Degradation in forests resulted in patches of grassland, secondary forest and compacted sites in logged-over forests. In addition, problematic soils including beaches interspersed with swales (BRIS) and ex-tin mines are also part of the landscape in Peninsular Malaysia. Tree planting trials had been carried out by Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) or formerly known as Forest Research Institute on these degraded sites since 1929. This paper aims to highlight a successful model of greened ex-tin mine and its sustainable natural succession that is mainly brought by avian dispersers.


OBJECTIVES

This paper aims to highlight the success of greening an impoverished ex-tin mine with forest tree species and quantify the natural succession brought mainly by avian dispersers after the establishment of the planting.

ADVERSE SITE PROPERTIES AND THEIR IMPROVEMENT

Soil degraded through human activities such as logging to mining and the degree of degradation depending on the anthropological activities, normally less disturbance does not involve in the drastic change of existing vegetation and soil properties. The worst form of degradation is tin mining where complete alteration of soil profiles and soil composition was made to extract tin ore. Man-made mixed species forest of Tin Tailings Afforestation Centre (TTAC) of FRIM Field Station Bidor is the model of greened ex-tin mine. Generally, three main site properties include microclimate, soil and water table level, which adversely change during mining activities.

Microclimate

Microclimate determines ecological patterns in both plant and animal communities and also survival. Its important role is recognized in the ecological research (Shirley, 1945). Adverse microclimate reduces decomposition activity of decomposers and adversely affecting influx of nutrients to the soils. In addition it kills most of the seedlings of tropical rainforest species especially in a barren ex-tin mine.

Soil composition

Soil composition of degraded lands normally does not change much except in the case of ex-tin mine. Most of the human activities in impoverishing forest lands do not contribute to alteration of soil composition. However, mining activity causes a change in the soil composition. Normally, to extract mineral ores from the concentrate of the processed materials, they are subjected to water separation, and produce two extreme soil formations known as sand and slime tailings. Sand tailings have particle size more than 0.05 mm, viz. sand and gravels. The sand and gravel tailings require additional fine soil particles such as silt and clay to improve their soil physical properties for growing tree species.

Mechanical impedance

Main physical properties of sand tailings that require further improvement for growing plants include mechanical impedance. High mechanical impedance > 1.5 MPa is commonly encountered in ex-tin mine and logged-over forests or any form of degradation involving heavy machinery. The mechanical impedance of sand is reckoned to be high and caused impedance to root growth (Ang & Ho, 2004). The compaction introduced to the sand tailings was due to the movement of heavy machines during levelling. High mechanical impedance of sand tailings can be overcome by deep-hole planting technique, followed by an application of peat or organic waste such as empty fruit bunch of oil palm. The average size of the planting hole is 1.5 m length x 1 m width x 1 m depth, and was prepared using an excavator. About 2/3 depth of the hole was filled back with sand particles.

A Model of Greened Ex-Tin Mine as a Lowland Biodiversity Depository in Malaysia 63

Unfavorable water table level

Sand tailing is often dry during drought period. Drought period of two weeks will dry up all the available water to 15 cm depth from the surface (Ang et al., 1999). The cause of such evaporative demand effects is mainly due to the particle size distribution of sand tailings which comprises > 90% coarse sand. The high porosity of sand has inverse relationship with its water retention capacity. The main approach adopted in the site preparation of the project site where the sand dunes are situated at > 4 m above surface water level (aswl) was to reduce water loss from the root zone during dry period. The level of sand tailings determines its suitability for rehabilitation and restoration with plant species. If sand dunes are situated more than 4 m above standing water table level (aswl), a drought of two weeks (rainfall < 4 mm day-1) would dry up the available water of the 0-15 cm depth of sand dune (Ang et al., 1999). The dehydrating of sand dune in dry season is mainly due to its high composition of sand and gravel. The high permeability of sand results in low water retention capacity and it is costly to irrigate the timber planting compared to high value production of agriculture produce. Hence, another approach was developed by planting tree seedlings in a pit of lower than 45 cm surface of sand dune situated at 4 m aswl, using a big-hole planting technique; the planting hole of 1 m to 1.5 m deep and 0.5 m to 1 m width and enriched with empty-fruit-bunch of oil palm at the bottom and refilled to 0.45 cm below the surface of the sand dune. This method of planting proves to be a success in establishing dipterocarp and leguminous climax rainforest species on 6 to 10 m sand dunes in Bidor (Ang & Ho, 2004).

Soil chemical properties

Sand tailings have lower concentration of macronutrients and some of the important trace elements compared to the mineral soils as shown in Table 7. The pH ranges from 4.0 to 6.5 for both types of tin tailings (Ang & Ho, 2004). Soil properties of sand tailing have been the main obstacle for enhancing growth and survival of timber tree species. Sand is low in fertility. Many studies showed that introduction of organic fertilizer either from plant materials or animal wastes to sand tailings would improve its fertility and also improve its physical properties. This approach has been used to improve the nutrient status of sand tailings in the project site. Low pH is the main concern for growing timber tree species on slime tailings. Application of ground magnesium limestone (GML) is absolutely necessary, if the ex-mining land is originally a peat swamp forest. The soil pH of the project site is from 4.0 to 6.5, and with the application of about 200 g GML per planting point, the growth of the seedlings was observed to be healthier at one year after planting.

Thick weed cover

Shifting cultivation site and grassland normally have the same problem, the ferocity of weeds especially Imperata cylindrica and Melastoma malabathricum. These weeds render the planting for rehabilitation and restoration purpose meaningless as the roots of the weed and their fast-growth rate suppresses the growth of the seedlings either from harvesting the photosynthetically active radiation or competing for soil moisture and nutrients in the root region. Removing of the weed cover is the main task before planting. Three methods of weeding were practiced in TTAC: manual, mechanical and chemical methods.


A MIxED-SPECIES FOREST STAND ON AN Ex-TIN MINE AT TTAC

Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) has established a Research Substation at Bidor, Perak with the aims to develop the ex-tin mine into a model of rehabilitated mixed forest stands. The research station is established on tin tailings left by Malaysia Mines Cooperation in 1940s. It is located about 138 km north of Kuala Lumpur and is easily accessible. The extent of the station is about 125 ha and comprising sand tailings, ponds and slime tailings. Ex-tin mine is infamous for its poor site quality for growing plants. High cost of fertilizers and watering are required for turning ex-mines into agriculture uses, and thus limit their large-scale uses. In addition, with the discovery of unacceptably high level of heavy metals in the food crops grown on tin tailings recently has rendered it a less preferable site for food production. Rehabilitation of the degraded land with forest tree species is a better option of land use and would improve the soil properties and also can act as a wood production area. Presently the research station houses a few main timber species namely Malabira (Fagraea crenulata), Akasia (Acacia aulocapa, Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia mangium, Acacia crassicarpa), Acacia hybrid ( Acacia mangium x Acacia auriculifomris), Rosewood (Delbergia longipinnata), Jelutong (Dyera costulata), Merawan siput jantan (Hopea odorata), mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), African mahogany (Khaya ivorensis) and keladan (Dryobalanops oblongifolia) (Ang & Ho, 2004).The landscape of the former barren land of SPL Bidor has now turned into a lush green mixed forest surrounded by ex-mining land, oil palm plantation and housing estate.

SPECIES DISTRIBUTION AND RICHNESS OF TTAC

Based on a study conducted by Ang & Tang (2010), the distribution of all trees with diameter at breast height, dbh > 5 cm in the 20-ha study site of TTAC was mapped (Figure 1). A total of 20 species of regenerated trees were mapped and identified and very little regeneration was quantified at the open site where no trees were planted before, even at the edge of the pool < 4m a.s.w.l (Table 1). However, where a single row of trees were planted, natural regeneration was found under their canopies. High quantity of regeneration reached dbh> 5cm was found within 100 m from the edge of the planted forests. Open sites or unplanted sites remain sparsely colonized by the Acacia hybrid, A. mangium, Vitex pubescence and A. auriculiformis, and also regeneration is widespread under the planted site after 100m but seldom reaches the dbh size of > 5 cm as under the thick canopy mixed-acacias stand planted at 3 x 3 m density that only permits about 20-40% light intensity to reach the ground level.


Figure 1. The regenerated species distribution map of the study site

TOTAL NUMBER OF REGENERATED TREES

Figure 2 shows that most of the regenerated species reached the dbh > 5cm were found under the Acacia mangium, Hopea odorata and Acacia auriculiformis stands planted at spacing of 5 x 4 m covering sand dune heights of 8-16 m a.s.w.l., at the fringe of the mining pool, but at the lowest and higher sand dune levels at 0-4 and 20-28 m a.s.w.l., respectively, only a relatively smaller number of species and frequency were noted. Open site at 0-4m a.s.w.l, was colonized by shrubs, grasses, ferns, and patches of acacias saplings and naturally regenerated saplings normally < 5 cm dbh under single trees of Acacia hybrid, Acacia mangium, Acacia auriculiformis Evodia glabra, and Macaranga gigantea. Similarly, very small number of tree species reached > 5cm dbh under the mixed stands of Hopea odorata, Acacia mangium and Acacia auriculiformis, Intsia palembanica and A. crassicarpa situated from 20-28 m a.s.w.l., as the natural regeneration were subjected to regular soil water deficit during drought as the only water supply to the plants was from rain-fed.


Figure 2. The total number of regenerated trees versus mean diameter class spreading within each sand dune level.

SHANNON INDEx

Figure 3 shows the shannon diversity index of regenerated tree species on sand dune at various standing water table levels (Shannon, 1948). The Shannon Index (H) peaks at sand dune situated at 10 m a.s.w.l.; similarly, the peak of maximum diversity possible (Hmax) of sand dune is ascertained at the same a.s.w.l., and declined to the lowest at 22 m a.s.w.l. This indicates that highest species richness is found at sand dune situated at 8-12 m ( mean 10 m) a.s.w.l., which is about 72% richer than the species composition at mean 22 m a.s.w.l. The greatest evenness (E) of tree species distribution was found at 0-4 m a.s.w.l. and indicates higher probablity to find any individual of all the species found at the site. The lowest E at the 14 m a.s.w.l. indicates that the number of individual is not evenly distributed within the species composition.


3

2.5

2

1.5

1

0.5

0

0 5 10 15 20 25

E

Hmax

H

Mean Standing Water Table Level (m)

Index

Figure 3. Shannon Diversity Index of the regenerated tree species of various sand dune height above standing water table.

CONCLUSION

The man-made mixed species forests established in Bidor by FRIM witnesses the success of planting technologies and tending techniques in rehabilitation of degraded sites and sustainably maintained till this day. The natural regeneration including 20 species of lowland primary species and mature secondary forest species were brought mainly by avian dispersal agents.

REFERENCES

Ang, L.H. & W.M. Ho. (2004). A demonstration project for afforestation of denuded tin tailings in Peninsular Malaysia. Cuadernos de la Sociedad Española de Ciencias Forestales, 17: 113-118.

Ang, L.H. & Lim K.H. (1997). Species site matching for afforestation of tin tailings in Peninsular Malaysia. In Proceedings of International Conference on Land Reclamation & Rehabilitation, 25-27 August 1997, Golden Sands Resort, Penang, Malaysia, pp. 370-384.

Ang, L.H., Seel, W.E. & Mullins, C. (1999). Microclimate and water status of sand tailings at an ex-mining site in Peninsular Malaysia. Journal of Tropical Forest Science, 11(1): 157-170.

Shannon, C.E. (1948). A mathematical theory of communication. Bell System Technical Journal, 27: 379-423, 623-656.

Shirley, H.L. (1945). Light as an ecological factor and its measurement. Botanical Review, 1: 497-532.

Tang, L.K. & Ang, L.H. (2011). Regeneration composition and distribution at open and greened sites of a 20-hectare ex-tin mine in Peninsular Malaysia. In Proceedings of The International Symposium on Forestry and Forest Products 2010: Addressing Global concerns and Changing Societal Needs, 5-7 Oct 2010, Kuala Lumpur (Gan, K.S., Mahmudin, S. & Mohd Nor, M.Y., eds.).


OBSERVATION OF DHOLE (Cuon alpinus) AT SUNGKAI WILDLIFE RESERVE, PERAK, MALAYSIA

Magintan, D.*, Mohd. Aminurddin Ahmad, Adnan Ismail & Idlan Rasdi

Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) Peninsular MalaysiaKM 10, Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


Sungkai Wildlife Reserve (SWR) was gazetted as a wildlife reserve in 1937 with a total area of 2468 ha of lowland dipterocarp forest. It is located at the western part of Perak, one of the 35 protected areas under the management of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) (Figure 1).

For the past 20 years many studies and few inventories have been conducted in SWR. Among them were on the ecology of the Sambar Deer (Mohammad Zulfikar et al., 2001), the breeding programme of pheasants (Sahir, 1998, 2001), inventory of fish (Mohd-Sham et al., 2001), population study of the Little Spiderhunter (Siti Hawa et al., 1991), bird ringing programme (Siti Hawa et al., 1990), and latest inventory carried out in 2009. However, there were no documented reports on the existence of Dhole (Cuon alpinus) in SWR. It is reported that Dhole occurs in Peninsular Malaysia (Francis, 2008) particularly in Taman Negara (Kawanishi & Sunquist, 2008), Krau WR and northern part Peninsular Malaysia.

Dholes are strictly terrestrial, hunts in packs usually at night (Francis, 2008), primarily preying on variety of small vertebrate. The largest vertebrate reported consumed by Dhole was the Wild Pig and 78% of the Dhole scats contain Mouse Deer (Kawanishi & Sunquist, 2008). It was also reported that the author encounter a group of Dholes chasing a barking deer at the Ulu Sungai Keniam Kechil, Taman Negara Pahang. The Dhole is listed under Second Schedule (Totally Protected) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 [Act 716]. It is also listed as endangered based on the IUCN Red List Category (2013). Little is known on the ecology of Dhole in Malaysia. A general study on the diet and activity pattern of Dhole were carried out in Taman Negara by Kawanishi and Sunquist (2008).

A total eight camera traps (Reconyx and Stealth Cam) were deployed at five of six artificial salt licks between January to December 2012 in Sungkai WR to observe animals that visited the artificial salt licks. The six artificial salt licks in Sungkai WR namely Jenut Milo, Jenut Rusa, Jenut Bertam, Jenut Ped, Jenut Bukit, Jenut Suau and are located within the reserve around two kilometres from the centre. A total of three images of Dholes captured at Jenut Milo and Jenut Ped during the study period (Figure 2).

Other species recorded through camera trapping and observation of footprints is listed in Table 1.

Magintan, D., Mohd. Aminurddin Ahmad, Adnan Ismail& Idlan Rasdi

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Figure 1. Maps shows the location of Sungkai WR and location of the artificial salt licks

Table 1. List of species recorded at artificial salt licks in Sungkai WR

Family/ Species Common Name Local NameSuidaeSus scrofa Wild Pig Babi HutanCervidaeRusa unicolorMuntiacus muntjac

Sambar DeerBarking Deer

Rusa SambarKijang

TragulidaeTragulus kanchil Lesser Mouse Deer PelandukViverridaeViverra tangalunga Malay Civet Musang TenggalungHystricidaeHystrix brachyura Malayan Porcupine Landak RayaTapiridaeTapirus indicus Malayan Tapir Badak CipanCercopithecidaeMacaca nemestrina Pig Tailed Macaque BerukColumbidaeChalcophaps indica Emerald Dove Punai TanahCanidaeCuon alpinus Dhole Serigala

Observation of Dhole (Cuon alpinus) at Sungkai Wildlife Reserve, Perak, Malaysia 71

Figure 2. The three images of Dholes captured at Jenut Milo and Jenut Ped during the study period.

Magintan, D., Mohd. Aminurddin Ahmad, Adnan Ismail& Idlan Rasdi

72

REFERENCES

Durbin, L.S., Hedges, S., Duckworth, J.W., Tyson, M., Lyenga, A. Venkataraman, A. & IUCN SSC Canid Specialist Group - Dhole Working Group (2008). Cuon alpinus. In IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Available from www.iucnredlist.org., version (26 March 2013).

DWNP. (2009). Laporan Inventori Biodiversiti Rezab Hidupan Liar Sungkai. Kuala Lumpur: Department of Wildlife & National Parks (unpubl. Report).

Francis, C.M. (2008). A field guide to the mammals of South-East Asia. New Holland Publishers 392pp.

Kawanishi, K. & Sunquist, M.E. (2008). Food habits and activity patterns of the Asiatic golden cat (Catopuma temminckii) and Dhole (Cuon alpinus) in primary rainforest of Peninsular Malaysia. Mammal Study, 33: 173-177.

Mohammad Zulfikar, K., Shukor, M.N., Mohd. Yusof, A. & Mohd. Nasir, M. (2001). Home-range size of captive-bred Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor) in the wild at Sungkai Wildlife Reserve, Perak. Journal of Wildlife & Parks, 19: 19-23

Mohd-Sham, O., Shukor, M.D., Muzamil, M. & Ak Jalaludin, P.B. (2001). Checklist of fish species of Sungai Suar stream system in Sungkai, Perak. Journal of Wildlife & Parks, 19: 67-74.

Sahir, O. (1998). Galliformes captive breeding and management – DWNP’s experience. Journal of Wildlife & Parks, 17: 1-6.

Sahir, O. (2001). Breeding performance of the Malaysian captive pheasants. Journal of Wildlife & Parks, 19: 33-40.

Siti Hawa, Y. (1990). A report of the 1985-1989 bird ringing programme at Sungkai Wildlife Reserve, Perak. Journal of Wildlife & Parks, 9: 43-44.

Siti Hawa, Y., Ismail, H.M. & Mohd. Noor Ariri, M.N. (1991). Some population parameters of little spiderhunter (Arachithera longirostra) at Sungkai Pheasant Breeding Project, Perak. Journal of Wildlife & Parks, 11: 17-23.


ENRICHMENT PLANTING IN A GREENED SLIME TAILINGS IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Ho, W.M.1, Tang, L.K.1, Ang, L.H.*1, Kang, H.S.2 & Lee, D.K.3

1 Research Officer, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia 2 Secretary General, ASEAN-Korea Environmental Cooperation Project (AKECOP)

3 Endowed Chair Professor, Park Chung Hee School of Policy & Saemaul, Yeungnam University, Republic of Korea


ABSTRACT

The enrichment planting program had been carried out in the greened ex-tin mine of Tin Tailings Afforestation Centre (TTAC). The program was funded by ASEAN Korea Environmental Cooperation Project (AKECOP) and ASEAN-Korean Forest Cooperation Project (AFoCo) of Korea. 20 species of dipterocarps and non-dipterocarps had been planted and their survivals at 18 months after planting are promising. Dipterocarps performed better than non-dipterocarps grown under the shade of Hopea odorata stand. Mortality is mainly due to the attack of feral pigs. Method is being developed to protect the seedlings from the attack.

Keywords: Enrichment planting, Restoration, Domestication, Ex-tin mine

INTRODUCTION

Forest Research Institute Malaysia has developed the rehabilitation technologies for the greening ex-tin mine (Ang et al., 2006). The greened site has been a model for rehabilitation of the harsh sites in Malaysia (Ang, 2012). ASEAN Korea Environmental Cooperation Project (AKECOP) has been supporting the planting and tending of the trees grown in the FRIM’s research station. In Phase II of AKECOP and also with the financial support from ASEAN-Korean Forest Cooperation Project (AFoCo), we observed poor regeneration of greened slime tailing site comprising mixed planting of Acacia mangium, Acacia auriculifomis, Hopea odorata and Khaya ivorensis. Woody tree and shrub species that are dispersed by avian dispersal agents were found under the mixed stands and the isolated greened ex-tin mine remains lack of primary forest species that produce fruits, which are not edible by birds or bats. An enrichment planting of climax rainforest tree species that produce seeds that are not dispersed by avian group was carried out in Tin Tailings Afforestation Centre in Bidor. This is part of the activity to fulfill the blue print of the TTAC (Zoal et al., 2012).

To determine the survival and growth performance of selected climax rainforest species

METhODOLOGy

A 1.5 ha of slime tailings located in Tin Tailings Afforestation Centre (TTAC) had been enriched with 20 indigenous tree species. Measurements on the established plots were carried out. The site was loosen to 1 m depth and applied with ashes of 1 kg per planting point.

Ho, W.M., Tang, L.K., Ang, L.H., Ho, S.K. & Lee, D.K. 74

The seedlings of the twenty selected indigenous rainforest species were acclimatized in the TTAC for a period of three months. They had an average height of 45-50 cm and collar diameter of < 1cm. They were planted during the wet season in December 2011. These species planted in the enrichment program are listed in Table 1.

Table 1. Species planted in the greened slime tailingsNon-dipterocarps Dipterocarps1. Garcinia homobronia 11. Shorea parvifolia2. Melaleuca leucadendron 12. Shorea leprosula3. Sindora coriacea 13. Shorea curtisii4. Careya arborea 14. Dryobalanops aromatica5. Cananga Odorata 15. Hopea pubescens6. Agathis borneensis 16. Neobalanocarpus heimii7. Streblus elongatus? 17. Shorea roxburghii8. Palaquim gutta 18.Shorea platyclados9. Aquilaria malaccensis 19. Shorea ovalis10. Pentaspadon motleyi 20. Shorea macroptera

Tending practices including line weeding followed by circle weeding of 50 cm radius was carried out for each planting point bi-monthly, and followed by application of the mixture of organic fertiliser of 80% chicken manure with 10 g NPK (15:15:15) at three month intervals.


Effects of ash treatment

Survival count, total length and collar diameter were carried out in June 2012, and May 2013. Only survival is presented. The survival of the enrichment species is reduced from an average of 91.8% to 74.9% from 2012 to 2013, respectively (Table 2). The effects of ash treatment didn’t significantly affect the survival of the rainforest species. Mortality of the planting is due to destruction of seedlings by wild boars.

Table 2. Survival of tropical rainforest species seedlings grown on greened slime tailings

Treatment Slime Tailings Site

Planted seedlings*

Survival (%)(June 2012)

Survival (%)(May 2013)

ControlJln Biodversiti 360 97.78 73.33Jln Pasir 360 98.89 76.94Total 720 98.33 75.14

AshJln Biodversiti 360 91.11 74.44Jln Pasir 360 92.50 75.28Total 720 91.81 74.86

* Seedlings of ash treatment were planted in Nov 2011 & replanted in May 2012. Seedlings of control treatment were planted in May 2012

Enrichment Planting in a Greened Slime Tailings in PeninsularMalaysia

75

Species Performance

Generally, dipterocarp species had higher survival count than non-dipterocraps grown on the greened slime tailings at 18 months after planting (Table 3). Shorea roxburghii and Shorea ovalis had survival more than 90%, both species are known to be suitable for adapting in open conditions especially in the enrichment planting program and also park planting. Shorea curtisii, S. platyclados and S.parvifolia had the lowest survival range of 70% and above as they require more shaded environment.

For the non-dipterocarps planted under the Hopea odorata stand, Pentaspadon motleyi had the highest survival, and the lower group of species comprising Cananga odorata, Careya arborea andAquilaria malaccensis.

Table 3. Effects of ash treatments on survival (%) of rainforest species grown on the greened slime tailings (2013)

No SpeciesControl Ash

J. Bio J. Pasir Mean (%) J. Bio J. Pasir Mean

Dipterocarps (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%)

1 Dryobalanops aromatica 72.22 83.33 77.78 77.78 88.89 83.33

2 Hopea pubescens 88.89 88.89 88.89 77.78 83.33 80.56

3 Neobalanocarpus heimii 88.89 88.89 88.89 72.22 100.00 86.11

4 Shorea curtisii 61.11 72.22 66.67 83.33 72.22 77.78

5 Shorea leprosula 72.22 77.78 75.00 83.33 83.33 83.33

6 Shorea macroptera 66.67 88.89 77.78 77.78 88.89 83.33

7 Shorea ovalis 66.67 83.33 75.00 88.89 94.44 91.67

8 Shorea parvifolia 72.22 88.89 80.56 77.78 66.67 72.22

9 Shorea platyclados 77.78 77.78 77.78 77.78 77.78 77.78

10 Shorea roxburghii 77.78 88.89 83.33 100.00 88.89 94.44

Mean 83.0±6.6

Non-dipterocarps

11 Agathis borneensis 83.33 77.78 80.56 83.33 88.89 86.11

12 Aquilaria malaccensis 83.33 88.89 86.11 44.44 66.67 55.56

13 Cananga odorata 77.78 61.11 69.44 61.11 55.56 58.33

14 Careya arborea 77.78 61.11 69.44 61.11 38.89 50.00

15 Garcinia homobronia 72.22 77.78 75.00 94.44 66.67 80.56

16 Melaleuca leucadendron 22.22 38.89 30.56 33.33 27.78 30.56

17 Palaquim gutta 94.44 61.11 77.78 66.67 88.89 77.78

18 Pentaspadon motleyi 94.44 94.44 94.44 100.00 94.44 97.22

Ho, W.M., Tang, L.K., Ang, L.H., Ho, S.K. & Lee, D.K. 76

19 Sindora coriacea 77.78 83.33 80.56 72.22 66.67 69.44

20 Streblus elongatus? 38.89 55.56 47.22 55.56 66.67 61.11

Mean 64.5±19.5

CONCLUSION

The early survival of the planting shows promising results for some climax rainforest tree species but tending program must be continued. Method to prevent further damage of wild boars or feral pigs to the seedlings is being developed.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors would like to thank the funding agencies namely ASEAN Korea Environmental Cooperation Project (AKECOP) and ASEAN-Korean Forest Cooperation Project (AFoCo) for supporting the establishing the plot and early tending practices, and presently the plot is being supported by the management fund of FRIM from the Government of Malaysia. We also would like to thank FRIM for the permission to attend the conference.

REFERENCES

Ang, L.H., Ho, W.M., Tang, L.K., Hui, T.F., Theseira, G.W., Baskaran, K. & Lee, D.K. (2006). Effects of soil amendments on survival and early growth of three timber species grown on sand tailings in Peninsular Malaysia. Forest Science & Technology, 2(1): 57-68.

Ang, L.H. (2012). Species-site matching: Key for successful rehabilitation and restoration of degraded lands. In Proceedings of the International Symposium on Reclamation, Rehabilitation and Restoration Towards a Greener Asia, 3-5 July 2012, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Ang L.H., Ho W.M., Lee C.T. & Sim H.C., eds.), pp. 10-13.

Zoal A.Y., Ang, L.H. & Kaur, R. (2012). Rimba Bidor- A Gift to Nature. Putrajaya: Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment.

Journal of WILDLIFE and PARKS

Instructions to Authors(Manuscript Preparation and Submission Guidelines)

Revised: December 2014

SCOPE

The Journal of Wildlife and Parks is a broad-based annually published journal devoted to the publication of original researches that contributes significantly to the knowledge in wildlife sciences. The standardized format set below is an adaptation from some international journal.

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Articles/manuscripts should be submitted to the:Editor-In-ChiefJournal of Wildlife and Parks Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) of Peninsular MalaysiaKM 10, Jalan Cheras56100 Kuala LumpurMALAYSIA

or via email to: [email protected]

The manuscripts should be submitted in two printed copies (hard copies) and a soft copy on CD using Microsoft Word, or simply by sending via email. Submission of a manuscript to this journal implies that it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere.

PREPARATION OF ARTICLES/MANUSCRIPTSJournal of WILDLIFE and PARKS accepts the submission of Full article or Original article and Short Communications in English and Bahasa Malaysia with an abstract in English.

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References: References should be listed in alphabetical order, by the authors’ last names. For the same author, or for the same set of authors, references should be arranged chronologically. In the text, references should be cited as: Lim (1995). Two authors as: Mohsin and Ambak (1983). Three or more authors as: Lim et al. (1990). A series of references should appear in chronological order, e.g Ryan and Esa, 2004; Esa and Ryan, 2005. References to papers by the same authors in the same year are distinguished by letter a, b, etc. (e.g. 2005a, or 2004a,b). a. From Journals:

Amos, B. & Hoelzel, A.R. (1992). Application of molecular genetic techniques to the conservation of small populations. Biological Conservation, 61: 133-144.

b. From Books:Kottelat, M., Whitten, A.J., Kartokasari, S.N. & Wirjoratmodjo, S. (1993). Freshwater Fishes of Western Indonesia and Sulawesi. Singapore: Berkeley Book. Pte. Ltd.

c. From Edited Books:Stepien, C.A. & Kocher, T.D. (1997). Molecular and Morphology in Studies of Fish Evolution. In Molecular Systematics of Fishes (Kocher, T.D. & Stepien, C.A., eds.), pp. 1-11. San Diego, California: Academic Press.

d. From Internet:Froese, R. & Pauly, D. (2004). FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication (Froese, R. & Pauly, D., eds.). Available from www.fishbase.org., version (09/2004).

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