Comparative distribution of small mammals diversity in protected and non-protected area of peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Rapid urbanisation in Malaysia has led to an increase in anthropogenic activities, inducing degradation of the natural environment. This advocates the necessity of wildlife and resource inventories be conducted at available forested areas, promoting steady improvement in the existing conservation and management plans, especially for threatened taxa such as the small mammals. Small mammals surveys was conducted at Tasik Bera, Ulu Gombak Forest Reserve, Sungkai Wildlife Conservation Centre, Penang Island, and Wang Kelian State Park. Harp traps, mist-nets, cage traps and pitfall traps were set during the surveys. Rhinolophus affinis was the most abundant (N = 61) volant small mammal, followed by Rhinolophus lepidus (N = 27). Meanwhile, the most abundant non-volant small mammal are Leopoldamys sabanus (N = 33), followed by Maxomys rajah (N = 25), and Tupaia glis (N = 22). Two species of shrews, Suncus etruscus and Crocidura monticola were caught as singletons. The results indicated that Ulu Gombak Forest Reserve has the highest species diversity (H’ = 2.754), whereas Penang Island recorded the lowest (H’ = 2.245). The species lists of small mammals generated from the survey will be significant for various stakeholders’ conservation and monitoring plans.