25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 49 coincided with the period of maximum raptor passage over the Straits of Malacca. Observations commenced at 1000 hrand usually ended at 1700 hr. During days when raptors continued arriving after normal closing time, observations would continue until either no more raptors could be seen or when it became too dark to work. Hourly counts were carried out by teams on rotational basis, each team comprising two experienced observers and between two to four assistant observers. Binoculars (Leica 10x and 8x), spotting scopes (Leica and Swarovski, 20-60x zoom), and a pair of Kowa Highlander 82mm twin-spotting scope were used for locating, counting and identifying raptors.A grand total of 43,417 migratory raptors were recorded during the 37-days count period. Altogether, 9 species of migratory raptors were positively identified. Oriental Honey-Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhyncus) was the most numerous species counted for this year and accounted for 85.0% from the total number of migratory raptors. Black Baza (Aviceda leuphotes) and Chinese Goshawk (Accipiter soloensis) were the second and third most numerous species (13.0% and 1.0% respectively). These three species accounted for almost 99.0% of migratory raptors recorded in 2014. The remaining six species –Peregrine Falcon (Falco perigrinus),Falco sp., Grey-faced Buzzard (Batastu rindicus), Japanese Sparrowhawk(Accipiter gularis), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), and Eastern Marsh Harrier (Circus spilonotus)– amounted to less than 1%, while unidentified accipiters and raptorsaccounted for 0.29% of the total. Resident raptors sighted during the study period were White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), Brahminy Kite (Haliastur Indus), Changeable Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus cirrhatus), and Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus). Keywords: Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve, Oriental HoneyBuzzard, Chinese Goshawk, migratory raptors HERPETOFAUNA OF TASEK BERA RAMSAR SITE, PAHANG Badmanathan Munisamy, Amri Izaffi Bin Zamahsasri, and Mohd Firdaus Bin Razali Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), Peninsular Malaysia, KM 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ABSTRACT Tasek Bera (Bera Lake) Ramsar Site (TBRS), in Pahang is the largest freshwater wetland in Peninsular Malaysia with international importance and protected under the Ramsar Convention. There are a variety of ecosystem around this wetland which support biodiversity of flora and fauna including herpetofauna. A survey of herpetofauna in TBRS was conducted between 7th and 14th May 2014 to review species richness in this natural wetland area. Throughout the survey, amphibians and reptiles were actively searched along the lake site, interpretive trails and nearby forests. The captured individuals were photographed and morphology measurements were taken for species identification. A total of 33 individuals comprising of 16 species was caught. Out of these 16 species, 5 species were amphibians from 4 families (Bufonidae = 1; Ranidae = 2; Rhacophoridae = 1; Dicroglossidae = 1), 5 species were snakes from 3 families (Colubridae=3; Elapidae=1; Viperidae=1 ) and 6 species of lizards from 2 families (Agamidae=1 and Gekkonidae=5). The ratio of amphibians to reptiles captured was almost equal (16:17). The highest captured
25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 50 individuals were from Gekkonidae family. Hylarana erythraea and Gekko monarchus were the most captured species with six individuals each. This survey finding will be helpful in management and conservation plan of wildlife, specifically herpetofauna of TBRS. Keywords: Herpetofauna, Tasek Bera, Wetland, Ramsar site, Amphibian and Reptile.
25 – 28 NOV 2014 25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 51 ABSTRAK POSTER
25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 52 A MODEL OF GREENED EX-TIN MINE AS A LOWLAND BIODIVERSITY DEPOSITORY IN MALAYSIA Ang, L,H, W.M. Ho and L.K. Tang Researchers of Ecophysiogy Branch, Forest Plantation Program, Forest Biotechnology Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia Email: [email protected] 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 covers 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 lowlands 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. A DEPOSITORY OF LOWLAND FOREST TREE SPECIES ESTABLISHED ON A BROWN-FILLED SITE IN ARA DAMANSARA, SELANGOR. Ang, L,H, W.M. Ho and L.K. Tang Researchers of Ecophysiogy Branch, Forest Plantation Program, Forest Biotechnology Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia Email: [email protected] 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 that located along the Sg Damansara, it is part of the 2 billion-project of Kuala Lumpur
25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 53 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 panting 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 forests 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 PRELIMINARY OBSERVATION OF REINTRODUCED BANTENG’S BEHAVIOUR IN TAMAN NEGARA PAHANG Badmanathan Munisamy and Amri Izaffi Bin Zamahsasri Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), Peninsular Malaysia, KM 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT The Banteng (Bos javanicus) from Bovidae family (order Artiodactyla), had been extinct in Peninsular Malaysia. Realizing this, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks carried out a reintroduction programme of this cattle as a conservation strategy to return this native species into the wild. Five captive individuals of banteng (one male, and four females) from Melaka Zoo were released in Taman Negara Pahang, at Sungai Relau in November 2013. As a part of post-release monitoring programme, research was conducted to document the daily activities pattern of these reintroduced banteng in wild habitat. Direct field observation method with an arrangement of an ethogram to show daily activity such as grazing, resting, walking, salt licking, standing, running and social interaction with the time budget were used. The studies were conducted between November 2013 and March 2014 with a total observation time of 43 hours. The data analysis shows that individual Banteng in group had almost similar rhythm in their daily activity pattern. They spent most of the time for grazing (48%) and resting (20%). The grazing period time was alternated with resting period time. The remaining times were spent for walking (16 %), standing (12%) and other activities (4%) such as running, salt licking, and social interactions. Banteng prefer to spend more time for activity in open grazing field (74%), compared to closed forest (26%). The result of this research could add knowledge about banteng’s behaviour toward conservation effort. Keywords: Banteng, Bos javanicus, Reintroduction, Daily activities, Behaviours and Taman Negara Pahang.
25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 54 HUMAN-ELEPHANT CONFLICT IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA YEAR 2013-2009 Charles Keliang, Salman Hj. Saaban, Abdullah Zawawi Yazid, Abdul Rahman Mustapha Headquarters, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), KM10, Jln Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur ABSTRACT After Malaysia gained independence, many forest areas were open for settlement and agricultural development. As a result wildlife especially elephants move into agricultural areas and settlements in search of food. In Peninsular Malaysia, the states conflict occurrence with elephants are Johor, Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah. The main source of increasing elephant conflict includes several factors such as loss, shrinkage and fragmentation of habitat associated with rapid development. Overall, human-elephant conflict complaints are the second highest after the ape-human conflict from 1998 until now. Keywords:Human-Elephant Conflict, PERHILITAN, Peninsular Malaysia, Agricultural and Settlements SUSPECTED OSTEOMA IN A SELADANG (BOS GAURUS HUBBACKI) Khairil Azman, Z1 , Donny, Y1 , Zubaidah ,Zubaidah, K2 , Rozza Nadiah, R3 1 Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) 2 National Wildlife Rescue Centre Sungkai 3 Widlife Conservation Centre Sungkai ABSTRACT This paper presents a clinical case of a 12 years old, male Seladang that was reported to have chronic wasting syndrome. The initial diagnosis was infestation of liver fluke and was confirmed by fecal test. The bull had undergo fluke treatment and later was tested negative in fecal thfe following test. The muscle wasting syndrome stopped, However however there were no body weight increase problem still persist and so the adjustment to the diet was done. 3 month later, tThe bull later showed sign of hyper salivation and decrease in feed intake was observed. A week later the bull was found lying on the ground on sternal recumbency. and was treated Emergency treatment were done trying to revive on site the bull . The bull died few hours later and post-mortem was done. There were growth found on the buccal cavity. The growth was sent for histopathology test and was suggestive of osteoma (benign tumour ). Keywords: Seladang, Bos Gaurus Hubbacki, Osteoma, Chronic wasting syndrome, Benign Tumour
25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 55 CHECKLIST OF SPIDERS IN TASEK BERA RAMSAR SITE, PAHANG Domyati, U. A., Chooi, Y.S., Talib, S. M. and Lau, W.H. * Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT Established since 1995, Tasek Bera is the largest freshwater lake in Malaysia of international importance and is situated in the heart of the lowlands of Peninsular Malaysia. It comprises an area of 31,120 hectares. This Ramsar site is important in maintaining the ecological features of wetlands and, in addition, allows the use of its resources wisely. The ecosystem in Tasek Bera is diverse and unique thus is suitable for spiders. A study of the distribution of spider species and the number of each species available at Tasek Bera Ramsar Site was carried out during the Biodiversity Inventory Program from 10th to 12th May 2014 and 14th to 16th August 2014. A total of 199 spiders were collected. Among them, 13 families, namely the Araneidae, Ctenidae, Hersiliidae, Lycosidae, Nephilidae, Oxyopidae, Pisauridae, Psechridae, Salticidae, Scytodidae, Sparassidae, Tetragnathidae, and Theridiidae were recorded. The members of Araneidae, Nephilidae, Psechridae, Tetragnathidae, and Theridiidae were mostly found on web built between branches. Oxyopidae, Pholcidae, Pisauridae, Salticidae, and Scytodidae were found foraging on trees and plants while Ctenidae, Lycosidae, and Sparassidae were on the ground. Keywords: Tasek Bera, Ramsar site, spider, Peninsular Malaysia, Pahang. DNA BARCODING OF MAMMAL SPECIES OF MALAYSIA Frankie Thomas Sitam, Jeffrine Rovie-Ryan Japning, Noor Azleen M.K., Norsyamimi Rosli, Sivananthan T. Elagupillay. Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) Peninsular Malaysia, Km 10, Jalan Cheras, 56100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT DNA tool has been used extensively in wildlife conservation and management and helps to overcome limitations in the study and monitoring of wildlife. For instance, DNA identification has been demonstrated as a useful tool for species identification and can overcome limitation of expertise in morphological taxonomy. DNA identification is particularly very useful when morphological character is elusive such as for animal parts and derivatives. DNA barcoding program is an initiative to systematically classify species
25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 56 using DNA-based identifier via the use of standardized and widely accessible methodologies, and subsequently developing a DNA Barcode Database. While DNA Forensic has been used to assist law enforcement, standardised and reliable reference DNA Barcode Database for wildlife species is non-existence in Malaysia. In this recent work, we initiated the development of Mammals DNA Barcode Database to be used as the main reference for forensic DNA identification of confiscated wildlife parts and derivatives in future. A range of wildlife biomaterials had been collected by experienced workers of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP/PERHILITAN) and was used in this DNA barcoding project. In this report, we barcoded a total of 50 mammal species of Malaysia. Priority was given to species classified as endangered and protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (716 Act). The specimens used in this study are in the form of dried blood preserved on FTA cards (Whatman) and/or tissue preserved in tubes containing ethanol. A portion of 650 bp of Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene was amplified using primers HC02198 and LC01490. Phylogenetic trees (Neighbor Joining, Maximum Likelihood and Maximum Parsimony) were constructed to infer relationship between species. All generated mammal COI DNA sequences were stored in a blastable DNA sequence database developed in Geneious software, which can be used to compare an unknown wildlife sample in future. Keywords: Mammal, DNA Barcoding, Cytochrome Oxidase I, forensic, Peninsular Malaysia BREEDING PERFORMANCE OF RIVER TERRAPIN BATAGUR AFFINIS OVER THE LAST TEN YEARS (1990-2010) AT SUNGAI PERAK-BOTA KANAN, PERAK, PENINSULAR MALAYSIA Hairul, M.S.1,2 and Shahrul Anuar, M.S. 1 1 School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Penang, Malaysia 2 Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) Email: [email protected], [email protected] ABSTRACT The river terrapin, Batagur affinis (locally known as “tuntung”) is one of the world’s most critically endangered terrapins. The site of the study was in Sungai Perak-Bota Kanan, Perak. The objective of the study is to evaluate the breeding performance of this River Terrapin over last ten years. The data was collected from observation and secondary sources. The year 1996 showed the highest number of the terrapin. However, after this year, it decreased dramatically. The population is declining and becoming endangered. Some recommendations are given here to counter the issues. Keywords: River terrapin, Batagur affinis, Bota Kanan, Perak, breeding TRENDS OF RIVER TERRAPIN HATCHING SUCCESS AT BUKIT PINANG CAPTIVE BREEDING PROJECT BETWEEN 2009 – 2013 I. Hartini, H. Azemi Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Km10, Jalan Cheras, 56100, Kuala Lumpur Email: [email protected]
25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 57 ABSTRACT The northern river terrapin, also known as ‘The Royal River Terrapin’, in Peninsular Malaysia is the largest river turtle. This species previously occupied most rivers and estuaries of South (India and Bangladesh) and Southeast Asia. However, it is now classified as critically endangered under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species because it has become extinct in the wild in Thailand, and presumably in Myanmar, Vietnam and Singapore. In Malaysia, the river terrapin is classified as endangered. This study was undertaken to assess the trends of the hatching success in DWNP captive breeding centre for the last five years. The study was carried out based on secondary data gathered by the staff of the centre and interviews with the staffs. The hatching rate fluctuated in the study period. This may be due to nutrition and environment factors. Actions have to be taken to increase the percentage of hatching success to increase the number of the river terrapin for introduction into the wild. Keywords: river terrapin, critically endangered, IUCN Red List, hatching rate, secondary data ENRICHMENT PLANTING IN A GREENED SLIME TAILINGS IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA 1W.m.Ho, 1 L. K. Tang, 1 L. H. ,Ang, 2 S. K. Ho & 2 D.K. Lee 1 Researcher from Forest Research Institute Malaysia 2 Professors from Seoul National University Email: [email protected] 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, and 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 ODONATE FAUNA OF SUNGKAI WILDLIFE RESERVE, PERAK, PENINSULAR MALAYSIA M. Izzat-Husna and Amirrudin A. School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia Emails: [email protected]; [email protected] ABSTRACT
25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 58 Protected areas need to be continuously monitored for their flora and fauna for the ecosystem management and conservation. 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 Odonata 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 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. Keyword: Odonata, dragonflies, damselflies, Sungkai Wildlife Reserve, Perak, Malaysia PILOT STUDY OF NON-SURGICAL CASTRATION OF MALE MACAQUES (MACACA FASCICULARIS) IN TAMAN TASIK PERDANA (NATIONAL LAKE GARDEN), FEDERAL TERRITORY KUALA LUMPUR Kayal Vizi Karuppannan1 *, Salman Saaban1 , Zainal Zahari Zainuddin2 , Abdul Rahman Mustapa1 and Mohd Firdaus Ariff Abdul Razak1 1 Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) KM10, Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia 2 Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA), Locked Bag 2073, 88999 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT We conducted a pilot study using Intraepididymal injections method such as chemical castration to adult male long tailed macaques for their fertility control. Mixture of EthanolFormalin was used in this technique. This method does not require removal of the testis, easy to do and inexpensive. Successfully castrated specimen will show azoospermia. Suitable technique for large population like long tailed macaque. Thus the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) chooses this as an additional method in controlling LTM population in Peninsular Malaysia. In year 2009 in-house validation of chemical castration with mixture of Ethanol-Formalin injections method was evaluated on 34 macaque specimens. Thirty specimens showed absence of spermatozoa in semen sample. The first pilot study in the field was carried out in the middle of 2010 in Taman Tasik Perdana (National Lake Garden) in Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur. Outcome from the male macaque castration programme shows this sterilization technique using a mixture of ethanol and formalin to be very effective in controlling new birth. Castrated male macaque doesn’t have any changes in behaviour or physical attributes. These results prove that the breeding of macaques can be reduced. Keyword: Long tailed macaques, Intraepididymal, azoospermia, chemical castration, Taman Tasek Perdana. RELATED ISSUES ON IDENTIFICATION OF WILDLIFE PARTS AND TROPHIES
25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 59 Khairul Nizam Kamaruddin¹, Nurul Ermi Ramli2 , Aziz Che Man¹, Wan Azali Wan Alwi¹, Muhd Fadhil Abd Rasid¹ ¹Biodiversity Institute, Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Bukit Rengit, 28500 Lanchang, Pahang 2 Enforcement Division, Department of Wildlife and National Parks, PERHILITAN, Kuala Lumpur Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT Illegal wildlife trade is becoming an international issue and has been categorized as critical to be addressed by all States, including Malaysia. This situation is becoming more critical due to the high demand for exotic foods, pets, jewelry, medicinal and for religious purposes while the source was much less affected by the exploitation and loss of habitat. Wildlife is not only illegally traded in the form of a complete individual, but the sale of wildlife in the form of parts, trophies and issues such as the skin, nails, flesh, organs, tissues, bones and other parts used and medicinal products. During the period between 2010 and August 2014, a total of 295 cases involving the seizure of parts, trophies and wildlife issues noted by the Department. Looking at the trend of illegal wildlife market, various issues need to be addressed, among them, the identification of a trophy and wildlife parts issues by Department staff in a more robust, professional and recognized manner leading to convict the cases. At present, the technical verification issue is whether natural or artificial, or from a particular species is based on the detection of DNA. However, there are constraints in determining the species of wildlife DNA if the product is processed. This method is time consuming with high costs, which in turn is likely to have negative results. Thus, morphological identification of wildlife parts and trophies in more efficient and effective manner is essential in the enforcement of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 (Act 686). Keywords: Illegal wildlife trade, Wildlife Conservation Act, CITES, wildlife part identification. THE MITOCHONDRIAL GENOME OF CYNOPTERUS SPHINX Jayaraj Vijaya Kumaran1,2,*, Mohd Noor Mohd Isa3 , Ahmad Sofiman Othman2 , Seri Intan Mokhtar4 1 Faculty of Earth Science, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan 2 School of Biological Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia 3Malaysia Genome Institute 4 Faculty of Agro Based Industry, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT The complete mitochondrial genome of Cynopterus sphinx, a widespread and ecologically important fruit bat is sequenced using Illumina Hiseq 2000 platform. The genome was 16848 bps in length consisting of 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 13 protein-coding genes, 2
25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 60 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and 1 noncoding control region. The overall base composition was estimated to be A, 29.93%; T, 27.43%; C, 28.53% and G, 14.11% with GC content of 42.64%. This mitochondrial genome of Cynopterus sphinx allows further analysis of the species at a genomic scale for comparison with other mitochondrial genome of bats. Keyword: mtDNA, fruit bat, Cynopterus sphinx, molecular biology, control region. FLORA DIVERSITY OF TASIK BERA, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR, MALAYSIA Masrom, H., Omar, Y. And Mohd. Norfaizal, G. Strategic Resources Research Centre, Mardi Headquarters, Serdang Selangor ABSTRACT A botanical survey and collection of the plant communities at Tasik Bera, Pahang covered a mosaic of habitats, namely open water, rassau swamp, Lepironia reed-bed, seasonal freshwater swamp forest, and the surrounding lowland dipterocarp forest, and resulted in an annotated checklist of 44 species of vascular plants in 33 genera and 22 families. The checklist includes previous collections. The largest family was Euphorbiaceae (7 genera 7 species), followed by Dipterocarpaceae (6 genea, 10 species) and Rubiaceae (6 genera, 6 species). The largest genera were Shorea (20 species), Syzygium (14 species) and Dipterocarpus (11 species). Keywords: Tasik Bera, Pahang, flora diversity DNA BARCODING OF AVIAN FROM PENINSULAR MALAYSIA Noor Azleen M.K., Frankie T. Sitam, Jeffrine Rovie-Ryan Japning, Sivananthan T. Elagupillay. Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) Peninsular Malaysia, Km 10, Jalan Cheras, 56100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT DNA barcoding is developed to facilitate species and individual identification of wildlife and can be a powerful tool to fight wildlife crime. Due to the diversity and composition of Avian species in Peninsular Malaysia, it is hard to do identification based solely on morphological characteristics. In addition, sequences of most of these Avian species have yet to be registered as references in the GenBank. Hence, this study was aimed to develop a fingerprinting database for the Malaysian Avian. A total of 20 Avian samples from five different Orders were selected and amplified by using a set of primer (Bird F1/Bird R1) with 749 bp sequence length from the cytochrome C Oxidase region. All samples were collected during wildlife inventory programmes held by Wildlife Department and species identification was done by avian experts. Phylogenetic trees (Neighbor Joining, Maximum Likelihood & Maximum Parsimony) were constructed to infer the relationships between the Orders. All barcoded DNA were stored in wildlife DNA sequence library for future reference.
25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 61 Keywords: DNA barcoding, cytochrome C Oxidase, phylogenetic, Aves, Peninsular Malaysia. CURRENT STATUS OF WILDLIFE ENFORCEMENT IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA Norsyamimi Rosli, Nurul Ermi Ramli, Noor Alif Wira Osman, Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, Sivananthan T. Elagupillay Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), KM 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur ABSTRACT In Peninsular Malaysia, there are several laws and enactments established to protect wildlife species The major one is Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) which replace the outdated Protection of Wild Life Act 1972 (Act 76). Between 2004 and 2013, a total of 25,747 cases of wildlife crimes has been reported. Prior to 2011, average number of cases reported per year was 3,447 cases. Since the inception of Act 716 and Act 686 at the end of year 2010, average number of wildlife crimes reported per year is only 539 cases. Possible explanation on the significant reduction is the efficacy of the new law (Act 716 and Act 686) in which the convict will receive longer jail term and higher amount of fine compared to previous law (Act 76). The harsher punishment under the new law might deter illegal poacher and smuggler. In addition, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) has strengthened its enforcement division and is working with other enforcement agencies such as the Royal Malaysian Customs and Excise Department, the Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Armed Forces, Anti-Smuggling Unit, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency at protected areas and at the country’s entrance and exit points. DWNP has also increased the number of enforcement personnel and more patrol unit has been deployed to patrol protected areas and nation’s border. The implementation of the new law and the efficient enforcement effort by DWNP hope to mitigate the wildlife crimes and thus the ultimate goal of long-term and sustainable conservation of wildlife in Peninsular Malaysia can be achieved. Keywords: Wildlife conservation act, Peninsular Malaysia, enforcement, DWNP CATALOGUE OF NON-VOLANT MAMMALS SPECIMEN IN THE MUSEUM OF INSTITUTE OF BIODIVERSITY (IBD), LANCHANG Tan Poai Ean1 & Khairul Nizam K.2 1 Headquarters, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), KM10, Jln Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur 2 Institute of Biodiversity, DWNP, Bukit Rengit, 28500, Lanchang, Pahang [email protected] ABSTRACT The Museum of IBD houses approximately 8,000 specimens with 180 species of terrestrial mammals, collected mainly from Peninsular Malaysia. Specimens are either skinned or preserved in 75% ethanol. A series of specimens re-cataloguing programs was conducted
25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 62 from June 2013 to August 2014 to update these specimens collection. In this, the first series focused on the non-volant mammals for the years of 1988-2012 where a total of 2,281 specimens with 105 species were re-catalogued. Out of the total, 89 species represented 84.7% of non-volant mammals in Peninsular Malaysia. DWNP is committed to making this important collection more accessible to researchers and others, for use in studies or projects. To this end, a document on specimen catalogue containing identification key according to the data collected as well as the information taken from their collection was produced. Keywords: Museum of IBD, Catalogue, Non-Volant Mammals, Peninsular Malaysia, DWNP DOMESTICATION OF HOPEA PUBESCENS, SHOREA ROXBURGHII, AQUILARIA MALACCENSIS AND ARYTERA LITTORALIS IN ENVIRONMENTAL PLANTINGS Tang, L.K, Ang, L.H. & Ho, W.M. Ecophysiology Branch, Forest Plantation Program, Forest Biotechnology Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 52109 Kepong, Selangor. Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT Environmental planting programs include urban green-space planting and various corporate social responsibility efforts are now a popular exercise to promote a green and sustainable environment in our nation in view of carbon sequestration. Due to the diminishing lowland forests, many flora and fauna diversity especially tree species are being threatened. Large amount of resources have been poured into conservation efforts since the last two decades. Nevertheless, the potential of tree planting programs that could be expanded for biodiversity conservation by planting the right composition of species and technique of planting has failed to draw the attention of the planting efforts. This paper aims to share the concept of incorporating IUCN red-list species namely Hopea pubescens, Shorea roxburghii, Aquilaria malaccensis and Arytera littoralis in various environmental planting programs carried out in joint-efforts of Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) and others. Keywords: Tree planting, IUCN red-list plants, domestication, biodiversity, conservation SEPTICEMIA IN BAMBOO RAT (RHIZOMYS SUMATRENSIS) CAUSED BY ESCHERICHIA COLI Aminah S.Y1 ., Simaa N.A1 ., Hartini I1 ., Noor Azleen M.K 1 ., Masnim A2 1 Ex-Situ Conservation Division, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), Peninsular Malaysia, KM 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 2 Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Negeri Sembilan, No. 7 Jalan Dato' Muda Linggi, 70100 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan Malaysia. Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT
25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 63 Septicemia is a systemic disease associated with the presence, multiplication and persistence of pathogenic microorganism and their toxin in the blood. This paper presents a case report on septicemia caused by Escherichia coli in bamboo rat. The animal was presented with dull, depressed and inappetence with no external wound when it was sent to Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), Gemas District Office, Negeri Sembilan by the civilian. The animal was found dead the next day. The carcass was sent to the Ex-situ Conservation Division, Department of Wildlife and National Park for necropsy. Appropriate samples were sent for histopathology and bacterial culture for diagnosis of disease. Post mortem examination revealed hemorrhagic tracheitis, mild hemorrhagic enteritis, and pulmonary, splenic, renal and hepatic congestion. Microscopically, examination of intestines, spleen, liver, kidney and lung suggestive of septicemia. This is supported with isolation of Escherichia coli from bacterial isolation and identification of lung, liver, kidney and spleen. These types of lesion are highly suggestive of septicemia caused by Escherichia coli in this case. Keywords: Septicemia, pathogenic, necropsy, congestion, hemorrhagic. BEETLES RECORDED TO VISIT ELEPHANT DUNG IN TEMENGGOR FOREST, PENINSULAR MALAYSIA. Thary Gazi Goh1 , Johannes Huijbregts2 , Hii Ning3 And Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz3 1 Institute of Biological Sciences, Science Faculty, Univeristy of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 2 National Museum of Natural History Naturalis, Postbus 9517, NL-2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands. 3 School of Geography, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Semenyih 43500, Selangor, Malaysia Email: [email protected] 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 Aphodius 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
25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 64 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 possible that this beetle assemblage is similar and dependent on the presence of elephants or large herbivores. Keywords: Dung Beetles, Asian Elephant, salt licks, Histeridae, fly larva ANALYSIS OF LAND USE-LAND COVER (LULC) CHANGES USING REMOTE SENSING DATA AND GIS AT TASEK BERA, PAHANG Azlin Azmi, Maizatuldura Mohd Isa, Mckreddy Yaban, Mohamad Zulfazli Zakaria, Norizan Abdul Patah and Suhaida Aini Malaysian Remote Sensing Agensi, No. 13, Jalan Tun Ismail, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. ABSTRACT Remote sensing and Geographic information system (GIS) are geospatial technologies that have been used for many years in environmental studies, including gathering and analyzing information on the physical environment and the wider landscape and seascape. Land useland cover (LULC) changes play an important role in biodiversity management and conservation including protected areas (PAs) where the biodiversity is best conserved by protecting existing natural habitats. Methods for monitoring vegetation range from intensive field sampling with plot inventories to extensive analysis of remotely sensed data, which has proven to be more cost effective for large regions and key role as a major spatial data provider in real and near-real time occurrences. Hence, in this study, LULC changes were investigated by using remote sensing and GIS in PAs, Tasek Bera Pahang, the first Malaysian Ramsar site since 1994. Supervised classification technique was applied to multispectral Spot 5 image acquired in 2014 with the aid of ground truth data obtained from Wildlife Inventory Program in Tasek Bera (March and August 2004) organized by DWNP. Subsequently, LULC classification results were analyzed by using GIS functions according to the previous land use data (year 2010), provided by Department of Agriculture (DOA). This paper will discuss the result and emphasize the usefulness of LULC changes information and GIS in assisting the effectiveness of land use planning and management particularly in PAs. It is essential to ensure and safeguard our entire key ecosystem and species are set aside and protected in as pristine a state as possible. Keywords: Remote sensing, GIS, LULC changes, Protected Areas and Ramsar UNSUCCESSFUL NATURAL MATING OF GIANT PANDA (AILUROPODA MELANOLEUCA) IN ZOO NEGARA MALAYSIA *Inirah C. I.1 , Zeid Z.I.2 , Jayaseelan K.2 and Ramli M.N2 1 Ex-Situ Conservation Division, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), Peninsular Malaysia, KM 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2 Veterinary Department of Zoo Negara Malaysia, 68000 Ampang, Selangor, Malaysia Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT
25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 65 The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is one of the world’s most recognized symbol for wildlife protection and conservation. In the wild, there are about 1,600 pandas with the greatest threat being habitat loss and fragmentation. Malaysia received a pair of giant panda on 21st May 2014 from China for the purpose of conservation. Giant pandas are solitary and seasonally mono-oestrus. The females are fertile for only 24-72 hours in a year and will come together during the mating season. In captivity, especially with limited numbers, one of the main factors of failure in natural breeding is individual selectivity. Both giant panda Fu Wa (male) and Feng Yi (female) are 8 years old. Feng Yi had her first successful breeding in 2013, in Ya’an Bi Feng Xia Base of CCRCGP when she was 6 th years. Three days upon arrival at their new home in Zoo Negara, Feng Yi showed signs of heat. They include scent marking, bleating, and chirping, raised tail, walking backward, urinating, restlessness, reduced feed intake and aggressive vocalization towards the male. However the male was to be dull and depressed after his arrival from China and showed little interest in breeding. He did attempt to mount her on a few occasions but the mismounts resulted in breeding failure. Erection and intromission were not observed. Subsequently, the female became restless and was violent towards the maleresulting in a fight. They were then separated. Hormonal assessment was not conducted upon arrival as our priority was to make sure they adapt well to their new home. Therefore the peak of estrus cannot be identified. The failure of breeding was the lack interest by the male, lack in experience and low libido. Thus, a study of breeding behavioral will be monitored and recorded regularly to plan for the next breeding attempt. Therefore, hormonal study will be conducted next year followed by natural mating and artificial insemination. Keywords: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, captivity, seasonally mono-oestrus, breeding behavioral, natural mating, Artificial Insemination. NEW LOCALITY RECORD OF THE MOONRAT (ECHINOSOREX GYMNURUS) AND SHORTTAILED MONGOOSE (HERPESTES BRACHYURUS) IN TASEK BERA RAMSAR SITE Norazlinda A. R., Tan Poai Ean, Mohd Faizal A., Mohd Shafawi I. & Nor Masliana A. Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), KM10, Jln Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur [email protected] ABSTRACT A study on small mammals was conducted at Tasik Bera Ramsar Site (TBRS) between 12 and 19 August 2014. The study area consisted of a mixture habitat of lowland dipterocarp and swampy area. A total of 51 individuals with 18 species were recorded within 1,200 trap nights. In this respect, Moonrat (Echinosorex gymnurus) and Short-tailed mongoose (Herpestes brachyurus) were new records to for Tasik Bera Ramsar Site. Both species were caught by using cage trap with the palm seed as bait. Keywords: Moon rat, Short-tailed mongoose, Palm seed, Cage-trapping, Tasik Bera Ramsar Site (TBRS).
25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 66 NOTES ON COMMON PALM CIVET CONFLICT COMPLAINTS IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA FOR THE YEARS 2009-2013 Abdul Rahman Mustapa, Salman Saaban & Abdullah Zawawi Yazid Biodiversity Conservation Division, Department of Wildlife and National Park (DWNP), Km.10, Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur. Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT Common Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) has been found in a wide range of habitats including evergreen and deciduous forest (primary and secondary), plantations and human occupied areas, up to 2,400 m. It has a flesh and fruit diet and is fond of drinking from the vessel put in palm trees to collect sap for making toddy or palm sugar. During the years 2009-2013 a total of 2,626 complaints of human-common palm civet conflict were received by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (DWNP). The highest Common Palm Civet conflict complaints was in Selangor with 779 complaints, followed by Federal territory (463 complaints), Kedah (434 complaints), Pulau Pinang (328 complaints) and Johor (154 complaints). Keywords: Common Palm Civet, Paradoxurus hermaphrodites, conflict, complaints, wildlife PROJECT HARIMAU SELAMANYA Gopalasamy Reuben Clements1,2,*, Lam Wai Yee1 , Laurie Hedges1 , Jasdev Sohanpal1 , Hazril Rafhan bin Abdul Halim3 , Yusoff bin Shariff3 , Salman Saaban3 , and Sivananthan T. Elagupillay3 1 Rimba: 4 Jalan 1/9D, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia 2 Kenyir Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia 3 Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) Peninsular Malaysia, Km 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT This project aims to conduct scientific research to help conserve three large carnivore species in and around ecological linkages of the Central Forest Spine: the Malayan Tiger Panthera tigris jacksonii (‘Harimau belang’ in Malay), the Leopard Panthera pardus (‘Harimau kumbang’) and Clouded Leopard Neofelis nebulosa (‘Harimau dahan’). This is a joint project with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), Rimba, UMT, Panthera and Woodland Park Zoo In order to assess the effectiveness of conservation
25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 67 interventions for these three species, their population density estimates need to be determined in potential source sites around these linkages. Linkages in Malaysia mainly consist of production forest reserves and state land forests that adjoin protected areas/source sites, but most are not fully protected and are becoming increasingly fragmented by roads, infrastructure and monoculture plantations. Research questions that will be answered in this project include: 1) What are the population density estimates of tigers, leopards and clouded leopards in potential source sites and adjoining habitat linkages; 2) How can we increase the usage of highway underpasses by large carnivores and their prey in habitat linkages; 3) Is there large carnivore gene flow out of protected areas via habitat linkages; and 4) Can we predict how fragmentation and hunting will affect large carnivores and their prey in and around habitat linkages? This project will not only help contribute to the conservation of large carnivores in and around fragmented habitat linkages, but also contribute to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks’ planned National Tiger Survey and National Tiger Conservation Action Plan. Ultimately, this project will help protect tiger, leopard and clouded leopard populations in Peninsular Malaysia’s Central Forest Spine. The first phase of this project will focus in a “Core Area” within Terengganu that will encompass Primary Linkage 7 (Kenyir Wildlife Corridor) and part of Malaysian’s largest protected area where most of Malaysia’s tigers are still found – Taman Negara. In this Core Area, researchers from DWNP and Rimba are conducting camera trapping in 600 km2 of forest to obtain baseline population density estimates of all three species, which can be used to monitor the effectiveness of management interventions within the Core Area. Keywords: Malayan Tiger, Panthera tigris jacksoni, Leopard, Panthera pardus, habitat ASIATIC GOLDEN CAT ACTIVITY PATTERN AT TAMAN NEGARA Sohaimi Samsuddin, Hazril Rafhan Abdul Halim, Sivananthan T. Elagupillay, Asrulsani Jambari, Muhd. Hakim Saharuddin, Ihsan Syahid Mohd Azmi, Mohd Fauzi Seman Department of Wildlife & National Parks (DWNP), KM10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT From ongoing tiger survey program at Taman Negara, the DWNP has obtained thousands photographs related to various wildlife species. These photographs have provided researchers and managers of DWNP to analyze and understand about the spatial and temporal distribution of wildlife. In this paper, an analysis was done to understand the temporal distribution of Asiatic golden cat in Taman Negara. Camera traps were deployed in a systematic manner over 5 months in Taman Negara. Asiatic golden cat photographs captured were analyzed according to time to understand the activity pattern of this species.
25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 68 Keywords: Taman Negara, Catopuma temminckii, Activity Pattern, temporal distribution PANTHERA PARDUS ACTIVITY PATTERN AT TAMAN NEGARA Ihsan Syahid Bin Mohd Azmi, Sohaimi Samsuddin, Hazril Rafhan Abdul Halim, Sivananthan T. Elagupillay, Asrulsani Jambari, Muhd. Hakim Saharuddin, Mohd Fauzi Seman Department of Wildlife & National Parks (DWNP), KM10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT From the ongoing tiger survey program at Taman Negara, the DWNP has obtained thousandsmore than 10,000 of of photographs related to various species of wildlife. Theseis photograph haves provided researchers and managers of DWNP to analyze and understand about the spatial and temporal distribution of wildlife. In this paper, an analysis was done to understand the temporal distribution of Panthera Ppardus at Taman Negara. Camera traps A total of 58 camera trap were deployed in area which has the signs of wildlife. This is essential in obtaining the data of the leopard and its prey. The survey was conducted within over 5 months period in Taman Negara and the area.All the leopard photographs pictures captured were then were analyzed according to time to understand the temporal activity of this speciesand divided into time category based on 24 hours basis that will later divided into 4 hours interval. Keywords: Taman Negara, Panthera Pardus, Activity Pattern, temporal distribution LIST OF BIRD SPECIES AND PRESENCE OF STORM STORK AT TAMAN NEGARA Mohd Fauzi Seman, Hazril Rafhan Abdul Halim, Rahmah Ilias, Dr Sivananthan T. Elagupillay Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) Peninsular Malaysia, Km 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT From the ongoing tiger survey program being carried out at Taman Negara from 2011 to 2014, thousands of wildlife photographs have been obtained from camera traps. One of them is the rare record of the presence of storm stork in the park. Being a shy and secretive bird and with little information about the distribution, this photographic record indicate that Taman Negara continues to be an important habitat for this species. Further observations need to be conducted since this species was considered as an endangered
25 – 28 NOV 2014 SEMINAR BIODIVERSITI 2014 JABATAN PERLINDUNGAN HIDUPAN LIAR DAN TAMAN NEGARA 69 species by IUCN. The camera trapping technique can be expanded to undertake long term monitoring to understand the distribution of the storm stork in Taman Negara. Keywords: storm stork, National Park, camera trap, migrate species THE FIRST SIGHTING RECORD OF THE MONKEY-FOOTED RAT (PITHECHEIR PARVUS) IN KUALA ATOK, PAHANG NATIONAL PARK. Rosedan M. A. & Che Ku Mohd Zamzuri Department of Wildlife and National Park, Peninsular Malaysia KM10, Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia [email protected] ABSTRACT During the 1 Malaysia Biodiversity Enforcement Operation Network (1MBEON) from 14 – 30 October 2014 at Kuala Atok, Pahang National Park a rat nest was sighted. The nest was set on the spreading branches in the understory scrub vegetation about 150 cm above floor level. Based on the photograph taken, the material used for the nest were foliage mainly broad dry leaves and twigs bound together into a fairly large nest. (See plate 1a, b). The photograph revealed the almost full-curved up body, head with the fore-feet partly exposed. It also show three well-developed tails, a larger one with two smaller-sized one from another. This is obvious from the photograph that the larger tail is a nursing mother of two of the growing young rats in the nest. This species was once known being rare. Tan Poai Ean et.al 2013, in their report based on recent and past studies found that the species is present in a wide variety forest and is widely spread throughout the country, but they are nowhere common in numbers. The present report of the Pithecheir parvus’s nest is the first time ever known and also Kuala Atok is a new locality record of this species in the National Park at Pahang. We thank Dr. Lim Boo Liat for the confirmation of our identification of this species. Keywords: Monkey-Footed Rat, Pithecheir parvus, Kuala Atok, Pahang National Park, nest