Mammals recorded during a one-day visit to Bako National Park, Sarawak, Borneo

A total of four species of mammal comprising two primates, one rodent and one artiodactyl were recorded around Bako National Park headquarters (HQ). These mammals have previously been documented within the park as follows: Nasalis larvatus , Macaca fascicularis and Callosciurus sp. and Sus barbatus

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

Preliminary investigation on taxonomic status of sympatric Tylonycteris species in Malaysia

Tylonycteris or flat-headed bat is known for its taxonomic complex within this genus. This study attempts to investigate the complexity within Tylonycteris using morphometric approach. The result from 34 morphological characters of hierarchical tree constructed two major groups splitting each respective Tylonycteris species into Malaysia Peninsular and Borneo populations. It is suggested to revise the species name according to type specimen, as proposed by recent previous study. Conservation and taxonomic status of Tylonycteris requires immediate reassessment due to the cryptic nature of these species

Genetic diversity of the cave roosting dusky fruit bat, Penthetor lucasi from Sarawak

Previous studies have revealed a high genetic divergence in Penthetor lucasi population in Sarawak, indicating it may consist of multiple genetic lineages. However, these studies are not accompanied by morphological data from the studied population suggesting this may be an effect of isolation by distance, especially with small sampling coverage. Here, we provide information based on D-loop sequence analysis from 32 individuals of Penthetor lucasi collected from four different regions in Sarawak. Our results revealed a high haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity, suggesting that these populations are possibly recovering from a recent geological and climatic event. However, neutrality test and mismatch distributions showed longterm population stability with no population subdivision observed among the studied populations. The moderate to high level of gene flow found in this study indicates that Penthetor lucasi population is likely panmictic. Meanwhile, the low level of genetic divergence value among and within populations could account for the absence of species complexity in this study. Our result highlighted the importance of sampling coverage in proper assessment of species diversity especially in species with wide distribution

Bats roost site preferences in wind cave nature reserve, Bau, Sarawak

Roosting site plays a vital role in bats existence as it provides protection from predators and bad weather. Unfortunately, little is known about bats roost preferences in Malaysia. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine roosting preferences of cave dwelling bats in Wind Cave Nature Reserve (Wind Cave NR). Cave microclimate and physiological parameters that were analysed in this study include roost temperature, humidity, distance of the roosting site from the nearest cave entrance and the sound intensity at bat’s roosting site. HOBO data logger was used for taking temperature and humidity level. Leica Disto D3 range finder was used to measure roost distance whereas sound intensity was recorded using Decibel Meter Version 1.6 application. There were ten species of bats from five families found roosting in Wind Cave NR. The Canonical Corresponding Analysis showed four groupings with p-value<0.0001. We also presented the relationship between bats natural diet with its ability to cope with fluctuations in roost’s microclimate. Cave physical parameters appeared to influence bats roost selection in respect to its body size and echolocation ability. Knowing these parameters helps in better understanding of roosting preferences that is important for conservation of cave bats in Malaysia

NON-VOLANT SMALL MAMMALS

Borneo is home to at least 87 species of non-volant small mammals, and is represented by at least seven families: Muridae, Soricidae, Erinacidae, Tupaiidae, Sciuridae, Hystricidae and Ptiloceridae. The primary forests of Bako National Park has a rich non-volant small mammal fauna. However, as past studies on mammals were focused on bats, flying lemurs and primates, a substantial gap exists in our knowledge of the small terrestrial mammals of the Park