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This paper highlighted the annual distribution, seasonality and reproduction status of two species of sea turtles in Negeri Sembilan, Peninsular Malaysia between January 2016 and July 2020 (55 months). These data were officially provided by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (Negeri Sembilan’s state), as a part of a conservation effort made by them to protect the endangered species, as the turtle’s population residing in Negeri Sembilan is one of the smallest in Malaysia. Current status shows that the hawksbill turtles, Eretmochelys Imbricata population in Negeri Sembilan is in stable decline with an average of <30 nests per year, and an average of <10 nests per year for the green turtle, Chelonia mydas. The overall sum was 122 nests collected for both species from 2016–2020. This paper updated the status of the hawksbill and green turtle after 30 years from the first study recorded by Mortimer et al. in 1993. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrestrial large mammals are threatened in West and Central Africa due to trade and consumption. The species population size was estimated using diurnal distance sampling in Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria. Mean species abundance and density ranged from 631 ± 281 to 3320 ± 1163 individuals and 2.0661 ± 1.356 to 6.7525 ± 3.0376 individuals km-2 between sub-habitat types, and from 258 ± 125 to 2671 ± 867 individuals and 0.9526 ± 0.6801 to 5.1377 ± 1.8988 individual km-2 between the ranges. Based on IUCN guidelines for local assessment, we classified 1 species as Vulnerable, 10 Near Threatened and 1 Least Concern. Long-term population monitoring and education programmes are crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheikh Jamal Inani National Park (Inani) is a wildlife habitat in Bangladesh located under the Cox’s Bazar South Forest Division, Cox’s Bazar. It constitutes significant habitat for the charismatic and globally ‘Endangered’ Western Hoolock Gibbon Hoolock hoolock in Bangladesh. Here, we show that Inani is a poorly-known gibbon habitat with a population of seven groups, comprising a total of 18 individuals. Among them, 77.8% were adults (males and females), and 11.1%, 5.6%, and 5.6% were sub-adults, juveniles, and infants, respectively, indicating low reproductive output. Five of seven groups had no off spring present in the group, and the mean group size of 2.57 individuals/group is low compared to other habitats in Bangladesh. Beside Western Hoolock Gibbon, Inani is home to many threatened wildlife species. The first record of the Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula erithacus in Bangladesh occurred in Inani, adding this new species to the national bird checklist of Bangladesh. The presence of the globally ‘Endangered’ Asian Elephant Elephas maximus, Phayre’s Langur Trachypithecus phayrei, & Elongated Tortoise Indotestudo elongata and the globally ‘Vulnerable’ Northern Pig-tailed Macaque Macaca leonina, Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus, Indian Leopard Panthera pardus, & Asiatic Softshell Turtle Amyda cartilaginea highlight the importance of Inani as a conservation area in Bangladesh. The Western Hoolock Gibbon and other threatened wildlife of Inani are now on the verge of local extinction due to a sharp increase in forest resource extraction resulting from the recent influx of large numbers of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, many of whom have settled around Inani. Through stakeholder interviews in the area, we have identified feasible and measurable conservation actions at Inani that are urgently needed to prevent further loss of wildlife and to protect this important gibbon habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The River Terrapin, Batagur affinis, or locally known as "tuntung" is one of the most critically endangered terrapins in the world. This study site is at River Terrapin Conservation Centre, Bota Kanan, Perak to investigate the morphometric variation of adult B. affinis and to determine the ratio of differentiation between females and males. Some morphometric evaluations have been made including weight, length of carapace, the width of carapace, length of the plastron, the width of the plastron, length of tail, and sex ratio. Furthermore, t-tests have been conducted to determine the characteristics of terrapin in that the females have more carapace length, length of plastron and weight than the males. Testing runs for ensuring that the male terrapin has a longer tail than the female. As such, the results of all morphometric hypotheses indicate significant differences and the best sex ratio between male and female terrapin in captivity was evident. Other than that, female terrapins were not only twice the proportion of males, but adult terrapins were larger than males. Male terrapins have tails longer than females. All the nesting beaches along Perak River recommended to gazette as a wildlife sanctuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nesting of hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) was monitored in 2013 and 2014 at 20 nesting beaches along the shores of Melaka, Peninsular Malaysia. Total nest numbers found were 481 and 463 in 2013 and 2014, respectively. The mean clutch size in 2013 of 123.5 ± 32.3 (SD) was similar to that in 2014 (118.5 ± 39.7). The distributions of nests were not uniform among the 20 beaches, and a large number of nests were found in Padang Kemunting, Kem Terendak, and Pulau Upeh, where the beaches were not always long. The nest sites indicated that the hawksbill turtle preferred to build its nest within the woody vegetation zone. The preferred vegetation species was Scaevola taccada. The temporal nesting pattern was year-round in both years, but the peak nesting season was between May and August, in the south-west monsoon season, possibly due to the gentle winds during this period. The turtles tended to nest between 22:01 and 24:00 h. This study provides basic information about hawksbill turtle nesting and insights into their spatial and temporal nesting preferences, which will contribute towards the conservation of this endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the observation and behaviours of green turtles for one breeding season at Penang Island. Green turtle breeding behaviours and morphological characteristics were studied at Pantai Kerachut and Teluk Kampi, situated at Penang Island, the northern island of Peninsular Malaysia between December 2012 and August 2013. The findings revealed that from the eight green turtles landed; 106 were emergences, 38 were nests, and 158 digging attempts were made over the duration of one breeding season. The total clutch size deposited ranged from 170 to 979 eggs per turtle, and total nests ranged from three to eight nests per turtle. The inter-nesting interval ranged from 9 to 29 days, and the average was 13.5 days. Longer inter-nesting intervals were due to disturbances from feral dogs, wild pigs, sea-coated otters and night activities of fishermen (use of wide torch lights, sounds of boat engines) especially at Teluk Kampi. Lack of full-time personnel to control at Teluk Kampi was found to be a cause to nest poaching. Based on these findings and observation, the study suggests that Kerachut Turtle Conservation Centre should hire sufficient staffs to patrol the two beaches in order to prevent from human poachers and animal disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of habitat suitability (HS) are essential when animals' habitats have been altered or when animals migrate to a habitat different from their natural habitat. This study assessed HS and used an integrated geographic information system in the assessment of Rattus norvegicus in a highly developed urban environment. Using data from the Campbell market and the police quarters of George Town, Malaysia, home range (through the use of 100% Minimum Convex Polygon [MCP], 95% MCP and 95% Harmonic Mean [HM]) was estimated. Home range for male rats at Campbell market reached an asymptote, with a slight increase, at 96 radio fixes (home range = 133.52 m2; core area = 29.39 m2). Female rats reached an asymptote at 62 radio fixes (home range = 13.38 m2; core area = 9.17 m2). At Campbell market, male rats emerged at 1900 hours every day, whereas females emerged at 2000 hours; at police quarters, the most common time of emergence for males was 2000 hours and for females was 2200. Raster charts of R. norvegicus showed that rat hot spots can be grouped into 4 zones (market, shop houses, settlement and general places). The standardised raster chart isolated the market as the major rallying points of the rats (hot spots) by producing the highest rats frequencies of 255. All of the habitat suitability thresholds, including the built-up points, skip bins, water source and nature of the site explored in this study, produced a structural pattern (monotonic increase or decrease) of habitat suitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on hatching success and nesting depth of Chelonia mydas was conducted at Penang Island, Peninsular Malaysia from 1 December 2009 to 31 December 2010. Twenty nine natural nests were relocated for ex situ incubation, and incubated at 55, 65, and 75 cm depth. Two hatcheries plots, one covered (Hatchery A) and another one uncovered (Hatchery B), were prepared. This study found that nest temperature influenced the hatching success, incubation period, and hatchling sizes. High hatching success and less days of incubation period were found in Hatchery B as the plot was uncovered and exposed to sunlight, thus had higher temperature than covered Hatchery A. The mean nest temperature in Hatchery A was 28.0°C, which was lower than Hatchery B, 29.5°C. There was a significant difference in nest temperature at 55, 65, and 75 cm nesting depths in both plots (p<0.01). As the nesting depth increased, the nest temperature also increased. The mean hatching success was 50.5% in Hatchery A and 59.8% in Hatchery B. The mean incubation period was 54.9 days in Hatchery A and 50.7 days in Hatchery B. There was a linear relationship between nesting depth and hatching success, p<0.01. Due to warmer temperature, Hatchery B produced hatchlings with bigger sizes. In conclusion, nest temperature does affect the hatching success (p<0.01) and morphological characteristics of hatchlings (p<0.01). Eggs should be incubated in an uncovered plot with nesting depth of 55 cm for a maximum hatching success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Taman Negara Pulau Pinang (Penang National Park) is the only site on Pulau Pinang that supports a large population of the White-bellied Sea-eagle (WBSE) Haliaeetus leucogaster; however, the nesting sites of WBSEs have not been widely studied. As information on the location of WBSE nesting sites is very important for conservation works by local authorities, the objective of this study was to determine the distribution of nesting WBSEs in the coastal dipterocarp forest of Penang National Park. Surveys were conducted from December 2007 to July 2008 and October 2008 to April 2009, covering the breeding season of the species (September-July). The nesting sites were observed by boat along the coastline of Penang National Park and by performing ground surveys along the seashore at accessible areas; the nest survey was conducted three days/month from 0900 to 1500. A total of 34 WBSE nesting sites was located. Most of the occupied nests (seven nests) were found at Muka Head and Pantai Kerachut areas, which exhibit the densest concentration of occupied WBSE habitat in Penang National Park. WBSEs preferred to build their nests around Muka Head, which could be due to the frequent occurrence of whirlpools in the water body around that area. Aquatic animals, such as sea snakes and fish, stunned by the whirlpools would emerge to the sea surface, facilitating the foraging and feeding of WBSEs. Our results indicate that it is important to maintain and improve areas of suitable nesting habitat for WBSEs. Management actions should include (1) the yearly monitoring of known breeding sites throughout Penang National Park during the breeding season to determine breeding success over time, (2) recognising the critical habitat or nest-site selection of WBSEs, (3) establishment of a buffer zone surrounding nesting sites and potential habitat from human disturbance, and (4) encouraging on-going research to further understand this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) are the only sea turtles with recorded landings in the Pulau Pinang coastal area. The Green Turtle has been the most abundant and widely distributed sea turtle in this area since it was first surveyed in 1995. Statistical analysis by the Pulau Pinang Department of Fisheries on the distribution of sea turtles from 2001 through 2009 has identified Pantai Kerachut and Telok Kampi as the most strongly preferred beaches for Green Turtle landings, with records for almost every month in every year. Green Turtle tracks and nests have also been found along the coast of Pulau Pinang at Batu Ferringhi, Tanjong Bungah, Pantai Medan, Pantai Belanda, Telok Kumbar, Gertak Sanggul, Moonlight Beach, Telok Duyung, Telok Aling, Telok Bahang and Telok Katapang. The Olive Ridley Turtle is present in smaller numbers; landing and nesting have only been recorded on a few beaches. There are no previous records of Olive Ridley landings at Pantai Kerachut and Telok Kampi, but tracks and nests have been found at Telok Kumbar, Tanjong Bungah, Pantai Medan, Telok Duyung and Gertak Sanggul. A Turtle Conservation Centre has been established at Pantai Kerachut to protect these species from extinction in Pulau Pinang. This paper presents details of the records and distribution of sea turtles in Pulau Pinang from 1995 through 2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the formulation of new shoot from the inflorescence apex of the palm Calamus castaneus, one of the most common rattan species in Peninsular Malaysia. It describes a male individual of the palm that produces a new vegetative shoot from the apex of the inflorescence. It indicates that the shoot seemed already mature and well developed during the observation period, from November 9, 2011 to January 27, 2012.

A series of surveys in Wang Kelian State Park, Perlis were carried out since 2009 to 2011 to document the diversity of mammals. Two sampling stations; 1) the Wang Burma cave trail and 2) the Orchard leading to Tasik Meranti were sampled for small mammals using mist-nets, harp traps, cage traps and were accounted through direct observation. The highlight of this study includes new geographic records for Rhinolophus chiewkweeae and Rousettus leschenaultii for the state of Perlis. Additionally, there were also 30 new distributional records of mammals in this protected area, increasing the total known mammals of Wang Kelian State Park to 86 species. Although having poorly known mammals such as R. chiewkweeae and Macaca arctoides in this park, the diversity of mammals in Wang Kelian State Park is still underestimated as the species cumulative curve over time has yet to reach a stationary phase. In conclusion more surveys need to be done especially the northern part of the park near the Malaysia-Thailand border and Tasik Meranti in order to look at possible occurrences of threatened mammals highlighted in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper highlighted the annual distribution, seasonality and reproduction status of two species of sea turtles in Negeri Sembilan, Peninsular Malaysia between January 2016 and July 2020 (55 months). These data were officially provided by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (Negeri Sembilan's state), as a part of a conservation effort made by them to protect the endangered species, as the turtle's population residing in Negeri Sembilan is one of the smallest in Malaysia. Current status shows that the hawksbill turtles, Eretmochelys Imbricata population in Negeri Sembilan is in stable decline with an average of <30 nests per year, and an average of <10 nests per year for the green turtle, Chelonia mydas . The overall sum was 122 nests collected for both species from 2016-2020. This paper updated the status of the hawksbill and green turtle after 30 years from the first study recorded by Mortimer et al . in 1993., (© Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2024.)