Biodiversity assesment in a Sarawak lowland dipterocarp rainforest of Niah National Park

Faisal Ali, Anwarali Khan and Mohamad Faishal, Bujang and Mohd Azmin, Kassim and Yap, Sheau Yuh and Besar, Ketol and Wahap, Marni and Isa, Sait and Charlie J., Laman and Abg Arabi, Abg Aaimran and Zaidi, Mawek and Abang Abdul Mutalib, Abg Tajudin and Haidar, Ali and Mohd Tajuddin, Abdullah (2008) Biodiversity assesment in a Sarawak lowland dipterocarp rainforest of Niah National Park. Journal Of Tropical Biology And Conservation, 4 (1). pp. 23-37. ISSN 1823-3902

Preview

PDF Biodiversity assesment in a Sarawak lowland dipterocarp rainforest of Niah.pdf Download (17kB) | Preview

Abstract

A transect survey was conducted from 2 – 6 December 2004 in Niah National Park to estimate species diversity and relative abundance of birds and mammals. This study was conducted in four forest line transects: Madu Trail (TR1), Sungai Tangap (TR2), Niah Great Cave (TR3), Bukit Kasut (TR4), and one river transect along the Niah River (RT). A total of 521 birds representing 59 species from 23 families were recorded. The Black-Nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus maximus) and the Mossy-Nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus salanganus) were the most common species in the park. The family Timaliidae (babblers), with nine species, was recorded as the most diverse family, whereas Strigidae (owls) and Hirundinidae (swallows) were the least diverse families with one species in each. A total of 29 mammalian individuals representing seven species from four families were recorded. The family Sciuridae (squirrels) with three species was recorded as the most diverse family, whereas Cynocephalidae (flying lemurs) and Muridae (rodents) were the least diverse families with one species and one individual each. TR1 was recorded with the highest Shannon-Weiner index (diversity index) of H’ = 4.75 and H’ = 2.20 for birds and mammals respectively. The lowest bird H’ = 3.73 was recorded for TR2, whereas the lowest mammal H’= 0 was recorded for TR2 and RT. Although this study does not identify factors that contribute to different species diversity at each transect line, field observations suggest that vegetation and human activities were the major elements that contributed to the observations found at each transect in this study. Studies on the vegetation types and potential disturbances that influence the faunal diversity will provide useful insights in conservation and management planning of this park.

Actions (For repository members only: login required)

View Item