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Bird surveys were carried out over nine days, between December 2018 and August 2019, to assess the baseline avifauna diversity and to provide updated bird and mammal checklists for Batu Caves. The surveys were conducted through visual sightings using binoculars and identifying diagnostic calls of birds in various habitats on the limestone massif that is surrounded mainly by regenerating secondary growth and open park land. A total of 50 bird species from 27 families were recorded, comprising of 47 resident species and three migrant species. Three species, Brown Boobook Ninox scutulata, White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus and Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus were migrant/resident birds. Additions to the survey include the two limestone/karst specialist species, Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus and Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius, as well as Great Myna Acridotheres grandis, from M.H.N. Chong's previous observations and five other nocturnal species, bringing the total recorded for Batu Caves to 50 species. Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus - another karst specialist species, was also recorded. Incidental observations of mammals recorded four species, including the globally threatened Dusky Leaf Monkey Trachypithecus obscurus. Diversity of avifauna was low-moderate and mammal diversity was low. Further surveys are needed to assess the full bird and mammal diversity and populations of birds, especially of karst specialist species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few detailed observations have been carried out of Smooth-coated otter and the other otter species in Malaysia. What are even scarcer are studies on the biology of the four species of otter found in Malaysia. A pair of Smooth-coated otters was observed mating at the Putrajaya Lake & Wetland, Peninsular Malaysia in June 2011. Mating occurred when both the otters were semi submerged in the water in a vertical position. This took place at a shallow and secluded area of the wetland, near a grove of aquatic plants. Apparent copulation occurred with both otters facing each other in a frontal position with the male grasping the female on its flanks with its front feet. Four episodes of mating were recorded during the observation period lasting 10-15 seconds for each episode. The secluded nature of the area where the mating was observed probably contributes to the fact that mating by Smooth-coated otters has not been recorded in Malaysia before. It also provides an indication on the timing of the breeding season and an insight into the breeding biology of this species in Southeast Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]