Microclimate and Physiological Effects in the Roosts of Cave Dwelling Bats: Implications in the roost selection and the conservation in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

As a species, bats play a crucial part in both ecological and economic roles. However, this group of mammals is largely threatened due to anthropogenic activities either inside or around their caves. In this study, we investigate the effects of cave microclimate and physiological parameters on bat roost preference in Fairy Cave Nature Reserve (Fairy Cave NR). The microclimate and physiological parameters including temperature (°C), relative humidity (RH), light intensity (lux), air flow, passage dimension (m), roost height (m) and distance of roost from nearest entrance (m) were measured. Results showed that Emballonura monticola, Hipposideros diadema, Hipposideros larvatus and Penthetor lucasi were roosting in Fairy Cave NR. These bats can be distinguished by their colony size, roost posture, spatial arrangement and position of their roost. Penthetor lucasi makes up the largest colony in the bright zone, whereas E. monticola has the smallest colony occupying the twilight zone throughout the cave. Members from the family Hipposideridae roost in the dark portion of the cave with zero light intensity. Emballonura monticola utilizes the hottest roost in the cave compared to the other microbats, whereas H. diadema inhabits the coolest roost. Physiological parameters such as light intensity, passage dimension and distance from nearest entrance are significant parameters in roosting preferences. These parameters should be monitored to ensure the sustainability of not only the aforementioned species, but also other species that roost in nearby caves of Bau limestone. (Wind Cave Nature Reserve- recorded with 13 species)

Bird Diets in Urban Environments: The Case of the Asian Glossy Starling, Aplonis panayensis

The Asian Glossy Starling, Aplonis panayensis, is one of the most abundant birds in Kuching City, occupying nooks and cavities of buildings and soiling the walls and fl oors with their droppings. To determine why they are so abundant, we focused on their dietary habits in a study conducted in Dewan Suarah area of Kuching in 2013. A total of 51 fecal samples were collected from the fl oor of Dewan Suarah and examined for dietary fragments. The results showed the diet comprises insects as well as plant parts. The insects are solely from the Order Hymenoptera (70 individuals), whereas the plant parts comprised fi gs (86 %), Vitex sp. (2 %) and unidentifi ed plant materials (12 %). The Hymenopteran identifi ed in fecal samples belong to the family Agaonidae (45 individuals), Formicidae (18 individuals), and Ormyridae (7 individuals). There is a signifi cant difference in frequency occurrence of insects and fruits in the diet of starlings. From the fecal analysis, the insects in the diet of the starlings are mainly from the fi gs they have eaten. The diet of the bird is discussed in relation to the availability of food items in the surrounding areas

Bats’ Roost Selection and Population Count using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) System in Wind Cave Nature Reserve

Limestone karst ecosystems in Sarawak are critical to the survival of bats since they offer protection and permanent shelter for most bat species. Increasing growth of limestone quarry and cave tourism industries in Malaysia impose threat to the cave-dwelling bats. Roost sites are identified as the key habitat requirement for bats and may be the limiting resources in highly disturb environment. Given the importance of cave to the bats, this thesis aims to understand the cave used by bats by understanding their roost requirements and the population number of bats roost in Wind Cave Nature Reserve (NR). Factors involved in roost selection were investigated and number of bats roost in the cave were determined using new approach. Their light intensity, roost temperature, ambient temperature, roost height, and distance of roost to nearest entrance were identified as factor that influence roost selection of bats in Wind Cave NR for dry and wet seasons. Eight species of bats that roost in Wind Cave NR were specific in selecting their roost site. The roosts temperature are significantly different between species but not by seasons. Further, using advanced remote sensing technology, the LiDAR system, bat population in Wind Cave NR were measured through 3D image. There were 2,886 bats that roosts in Wind Cave NR. Penthetor lucasi (megabat; n = 979) followed by Rhinolophus affinis (microbat; n = 947) was found to be the highest number of species that inhabit the cave. In addition, Wind Cave NR has been modeled into three-dimensional cave where its shows the bat’s roost site accurately. Use of conventional species identification method along with the new scanning technology allow to better understand bat fauna and better estimate their population size

Diet of Asian Glossy starling (aplonis panayensis) in Kuching city

The research was carried out to determine the diet of Asian Glossy Starling in Kuching City. A total of 51 fecal samples were analyzed. The results showed the diet of Asian Glossy Starling comprised of insects and plant parts. The insects are from the Order Hymenoptera only (70 individuals) whereas the plant parts comprised of figs (86%), Vitex sp. (2%) and unidentified plant materials (12%). The families of Hymenoptera identified in faeces samples are family Agaonidae (45 individuals), Formicidae (18 individuals), and Ormyridae (7 individuals). The rest is as unidentified insects (5 individuals). There significance differences in frequency occurrence of insects and fruits in the diet of starling. From the faecal analysis, the insects in the diet ofAsian Glossy Starling is mainly from the figs they have been eaten

Diet of Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis) in Kuching City

The objectives of this study are to determine the diet of AGS in Kuching City, Sarawak, to determine the frequency of occurrence of fruits and insects in the diet of starlings, and to determine whether their diet compositions depend on the availability of fruits and insect in the vacinity of area of study

Bats of Bako National Park and Additional Notes on the Rare Partial Albinism in Fawn Roundleaf Bat (Hipposideridae: Hipposideros cervinus)

Bat survey was conducted in Bako National Park from 25th to 29th August 2013. A total of 107 individuals from 11 species of bats were recorded. Hipposideros cervinus was recorded as the most abundance species with 51 individuals while Murina suilla and Rhinolophus affinis were the least abundant with one individual each from total captures. This study has added R. affinis as another new species locality record for the national park. This brings up the total bat species known from the park now to 35 species of bats. Interestingly, an individual of H. cervinus with partial albinism was caught during this survey. This single bat was captured on the 27th August 2013 and will be the first albino bat reported in Borneo and possibly Malaysia. This specimen is an adult female that presents high degree of albinism over most of the body but lacking on the upperparts of the body and part of the wings. Detailed description based on 16 external and craniodental measurements are presented herein along with their species identification through genetic analyses. Further research on the genetic structure and behavior of an albino individual may help to identify the possible causes and consequences of albinism to the bats populations

Small mammals from Miri, northeastern region of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo: note on new locality records

Small mammal surveys were conducted at Niah National Park, Lambir Hills National Park and Gunung Mulu National Park, Miri Division, in the northeastern region of Sarawak, using ground-level and canopy mist-nets, harp traps, and cage traps. The main objective of these surveys was to assess small mammal diversity in the northeastern region of Sarawak. Gunung Mulu National Park recorded the highest diversity of small mammals with 29 species, followed by Niah National Park with 19 species, and Lambir Hills National Park, 17 species. These surveys revealed nine new locality records for Miri, including eight bat species (Dyacopterus spadiceus, Megaerops wetmorei, Nycteris tragata, Hipposideros cineraceus, Hesperoptenus blanfordi, Kerivoula pellucida, Murina suilla and Myotis muricola)and a squirrel (Sundasciurus brookei). Megaerops wetmorei is also reported for the first time in Sarawak