Sequence Variation in Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus) Inferred Using Partial Sequences of the Cytochrome b Segment of the Mitochondrial DNA

Comparison of 321 bp long mtDNA cytochrome b sequences of wild and captive Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus)revealed low variation among the individuals investigated. Phylogenetic analyses using distance (neighbor-joining) analysis supported the monophyletic status of the Malayan tapir. Two haplotypes were identified out of 13 Malayan tapir analyzed

A multi-stakeholder strategy to identify conservation priorities in Peninsular Malaysia

Malaysia, with its rapidly growing economy, exemplifies the tensions between conservation and development faced by many tropical nations. Here we present the results of a multi-stakeholder engagement exercise conducted to (1) define conservation priorities in Peninsular Malaysia and (2) explore differences in perceptions among and within stakeholder groups (i.e. government, academia, NGOs and the private sector). Our data collection involved two workshops and two online surveys where participants identified seven general conservation themes and ranked the top five priority issues within each theme. The themes were: (1) policy and management, (2) legislation and enforcement, (3) finance and resource allocation, (4) knowledge, research and development, (5) socio-economic issues, (6) public awareness and participation and (7) rights of nature. In spite of their very different backgrounds and agendas, the four stakeholder groups showed general agreement in their priority preferences except for two issues. Respondents from government and private sector differed the most from each other in their priority choices while academia and NGO showed the highest degree of similarity. This ranked list of 35 conservation priorities is expected to influence the work of policy-makers and others in Peninsular Malaysia and can be used as a model to identify conservation priorities elsewhere

Checklist of Fish Specimens in the Zoological Museum of Institute for Biodiversity (IBD), Bukit Rengit, Lanchang, Pahang of Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP)

The museum fish collection has a total of 437 specimens of freshwater fishes from 13 orders and families. A total of 76 valid species was listed, encompasses of 16.5% and 24.9% of the total fish species known to Malaysia and Peninsular Malaysia, respectively. 70 species are native to Malaysia, three are introduced (Barbonymus gonionotus, Oreochromis mossambicus, and Betta splendens), and one reintroduced (Trichogaster pectoralis). Clarias batu is listed as endemic while the native status of two species (Coilia nasus and Mystus vittatus) is questionable as both species are not listed as indigenous to Malaysia