Presence of moonrat (Echinosorex gymnura) at selected forest reserves in Central Forest Spine (CFS) landscape of Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Surveys on moonrat were conducted at 13 sites under 11 fragmented forest reserves of five CFS ecological corridors located in the states of Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Terengganu, Pahang and Kelantan. The surveys were conducted between February 2018 to September 2019. Not much information on moonrat is documented at these forest reserves. Therefore, the study aims to document the presence of moonrat within CFS landscape in Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 100 collapsible cage traps were deployed at each surveyed site. Cumulatively, a total of eight individuals of moonrat were recorded from six forest reserves. Tanum FR and Ulu Jelai FR located in Pahang, harbour highest number of individual of moonrat, respectively with two individuals in each forest reserve. Forest conditions such as canopy closure, vegetation density and food resources may affect the presence of moonrat. Based on the information, further conservation measures can be strategized in order to conserve these fragmented forest reserves of CFS ecological corridor as a habitat for this mammal.