Distribution, Methodological Validation And Ecology Of Nocturnal Island Mammals In Peninsular Malaysia

Nocturnal research has developed in recent years, shining more light on the elusive animals that are active at night, and their behaviours. However, more efficient survey designs for nocturnal mammals according to their specific biological needs should be developed, as the commonly used artificial white light harms animals’ eyesight. Therefore, this study was aimed to test different detection methods by using different types of light to spot nocturnal, non-volant mammals and to assess their diversity, distribution and abundance in selected localities in Northern Peninsula Malaysia. Three main species were focused on; Sunda slow lorises (Nycticebus coucang), red giant flying squirrels (Petaurista petaurista), and Sunda colugos (Galeopterus variegatus) with a detailed study on its feeding ecology and behaviour. Night transect surveys were conducted following set, pre-existing paths to assess nocturnal mammal presence and population density

Rapid mammal survey at Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia, with notes on other fauna

A number of isolated patches of forest in Malaysia are understudied but potentially host a high species diversity and endemism. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of mammal species at different locations on the limestone hills located at Batu Caves, Selangor. We undertook transects walks along trails in two locations around the hill for four hours maximum at sunset and sunrise for five days (24 to 26 June 2019 and 15 to 16 October 2019). We recorded six species of diurnal mammals: Callosciurus notatus, Macaca fascicularis, Sundasciurus hippurus, Sundasciurus lowii, Trachypithecus obscurus and Tupaia glis. We also spotted two species of nocturnal mammals: Leopoldamys sabanus, and Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, and heard one, Capricornis sumatraensis. Additionally, we recorded five species of nocturnal birds including four species of owls, Caprimulgus macrurus, Ninox scutulata, Otus lempiji, Otus lettia and Tyto alba. We also heard Argusianus argus and sighted Cuora amboinensis kamaroma. This short survey detected rare and endangered species emphasizing the need for future in-depth research in this isolated forest on limestone area

Distribution, Methodological Validation And Ecology Of Nocturnal Island Mammals In Peninsular Malaysia

Nocturnal research has developed in recent years, shining more light on the elusive animals that are active at night, and their behaviours. However, more efficient survey designs for nocturnal mammals according to their specific biological needs should be developed, as the commonly used artificial white light harms animals’ eyesight. Therefore, this study was aimed to test different detection methods by using different types of light to spot nocturnal, non-volant mammals and to assess their diversity, distribution and abundance in selected localities in Northern Peninsula Malaysia. Three main species were focused on; Sunda slow lorises (Nycticebus coucang), red giant flying squirrels (Petaurista petaurista), and Sunda colugos (Galeopterus variegatus) with a detailed study on its feeding ecology and behaviour. Night transect surveys were conducted following set, pre-existing paths to assess nocturnal mammal presence and population density. For testing and validating the methodology, night surveys were conducted in Segari Melintang, Perak and Brunei Darussalam

Ultrasound use by Sunda colugos offers new insights into the communication of these cryptic mammals

<p>Recent reports of the use of ultrasound for communication by nocturnal mammals have expanded our understanding of behaviour in these animals. The vocal repertoire of colugos has so far only been known to include audible sound. Here, we report the use of ultrasound calls by Sunda colugos (<i>Galeopterus variegatus,</i> order Dermoptera). We recorded one type of call emitted by seven individuals with mean individual frequencies between 37.4 ± 0.6 and 39.2 ± 0.7 kHz during its maximum energy and lasting 28.7 ± 1.6 to 46.9 ± 21.1 ms. Each call showed 3–36 sequential pulses with individual mean interpulse intervals between 423.0 ± 101.4 and 1230.0 ± 315.4 ms. High frequency calls may serve as cryptic anti-predator alarm calls. Our observations suggest that more species of nocturnal mammals may use ultrasound to communicate, and that further studies are needed to determine the occurrence, function and diversity of these calls.</p