Ethnoichtyological survey of the Orang Asli in Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu

Abstract

Tasik Kenyir and its surrounding rainforests in Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia, are home to a rich biological diversity that support the livelihood of an Orang Asli community, which depends heavily on the ecosystem. The Orang Asli there have an excellent, sustainable way of utilising wildlife resources. Based on this survey of acquatic species, a total of 32 fish from 14 families and six other species (reptiles, amphibians) living in and around the lake are observed to be utilised by the community. These fish and aquatic resources are eaten as food and medicine, kept as pets, or traded for income. The data and usage information of these acquatic fauna are important for the documentation of traditional knowledge and to understand gaps and issues related to the sustainable livelihood of the Orang Asli in Tasik Kenyir.