Abundance of Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus) at Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarawak, Malaysia

A total two weeks on boat survey was conducted in October 2014 and February/March 2015 at Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary. The purposes of this research to valid the abundance of proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) with comparison of total abundance from previous studies on the same methodological mechanism. During the survey the groups of proboscis monkey sighted mainly were live at 2 km stretch further upstream from the river mouth of sanctuary's headquarter along Samunsam River. The abundance calculated for both periods were not much distinctive with 0.32 groups/km surveyed in October 2014 and a bit lower in February/March 2015 with 0.29 groups/km surveyed. Thus, with an average 0.305 groups/km surveyed in present study, the total abundance was much higher than two previous study conducted in 2001 and 2004. This is because the groups of proboscis monkey sighted were favoring their sleeping sites and have sufficient food availabilities in Samunsam area. The surveys also found that proboscis monkey tend to use trees from Rhizophora sp. and Avicennia sp. as their foraging site as well as for sleeping site

Ecotourism Conservation Potential Of Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis Larvatus) At Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarawak, Malaysia

The Proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) is estimated to be approximately 160 individuals left in Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) and 1000 individuals left in Sarawak. The population of proboscis monkey is decreasing since this species is fragile to habitat loss and habitat destruction that live within only 10% of the total protected areas (TPA’s) gazetted in Sarawak. A river boat survey conducted in 2014-2015 showed an average of 0.305 groups/km surveyed. The abundance recorded is much higher than the two previous studies conducted in 2001 and 2004. Unfortunately, the construction of the Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway from Sematan to Kg. Telok Melano that crossed over the Samunsam River gives a big impact on the abundance and survival of proboscis monkey in the future. Thus, the study proposed that conservation efforts on proboscis monkey can be increased through ecotourism activities. Through highly potential ecotourism activities, it can help to trigger conservation awareness to the public and also bring economic benefits to the local communities

Survey of Small Mammals in Bukit Taat, Tasik Kenyir, Hulu Terengganu, Malaysia

A survey on small mammals was conducted at Bukit Taat, Tasik Kenyir from 2nd to 5th September 2014. This survey aimed to document the species diversity of small mammals in Bukit Taat. A total of eight mist nets, two four-bank harp traps and 50 cage traps baited with banana slices were used. A total of 36 individuals comprising 14 species of chiropteran but none of non-volant small mammals were recorded. Hipposideros larvatus (36.1% of total individuals) were recorded as the most captured species followed by H. diadema (19.4% of total individuals) and Penthetor lucasi (8.3% of total individuals). This survey formed the first list of chiropterans recorded at Bukit Taat, Tasik Kenyir, Hulu Terengganu, Malaysia