Tomistoma schlegelii is a threatened crocodilian whose current range is restricted to Sumatra, Borneo (Kalimantan and Sarawak) and Peninsular Malaysia. During surveys undertaken in eastern Sumatra in 1995± 1996, 15 T. schlegelii nests were located in peat swamp forest along a single tributary, the Merang River. No other areas with equivalent nest densities have yet been described. Although much peat swamp forest has been lost to logging and ®re, it remains the dominant habitat in most of the current range of T. schlegelii. In the Merang River the peat swamp and T. schlegelii are threatened by a series of ongoing activities and both may be lost unless some form of innovative management programme is introduced. Peat swamp forest supports a range of other rare and threatened species, and would appear to have high conservation value. This paper reviews current information on the role of peat swamp forest in the ecology of T. schlegelii and describes the conservation threats to T. schlegelii in the Merang River.

Tomistoma schlegelii is a threatened crocodilian whose current range is restricted to Sumatra, Borneo (Kalimantan and Sarawak) and Peninsular Malaysia. During surveys undertaken in eastern Sumatra in 1995–1996, 15 T. schlegelii nests were located in peat swamp forest along a single tributary, the Merang River. No other areas with equivalent nest densities have yet been described. Although much peat swamp forest has been lost to logging and fire, it remains the dominant habitat in most of the current range of T. schlegelii. In the Merang River the peat swamp and T. schlegelii are threatened by a series of ongoing activities and both may be lost unless some form of innovative management programme is introduced. Peat swamp forest supports a range of other rare and threatened species, and would appear to have high conservation value. This paper reviews current information on the role of peat swamp forest in the ecology of T. schlegelii and describes the conservation threats to T. schlegelii in the Merang River.

No abstract

Three incidental sightings of the flat-headed cat Pnonailurus planiceps, a little-known species, were made in south-east Sumatra. Sightings were on lowland floodplains in two distinct habitats, primary peat swamp forest and secondary lowland forest, the latter suggesting some tolerance to modified habitats. Sightings were along or near waterways. A dead adult male found in Berbak National Park is the first confirmed record for the park. Morphometrics of this individual were consistent with other published measurements for the species. Museum specimens indicate a wide historic distribution in south-east Sumatra. Recent information confirms the species's presence in protected areas of eastern, southern and western Sumatra, although this is mostly limited to presence/absence data, and the conservation status and habitat requirements of the species in south-east Sumatra are unknown. Regional degradation of riparian habitats and the isolation of protected areas warrant concern for the conservation status of the species.

Three incidental sightings of the flat‐headed cat Prionailurus planiceps, a little‐known species, were made in south‐east Sumatra. Sightings were on lowland floodplains in two distinct habitats, primary peat swamp forest and secondary lowland forest, the latter suggesting some tolerance to modified habitats. Sightings were along or near waterways. A dead adult male found in Berbak National Park is the first confirmed record for the park. Morphometrics of this individual were consistent with other published measurements for the species. Museum specimens indicate a wide historic distribution in south‐east Sumatra. Recent information confirms the species's presence in protected areas of eastern, southern and western Sumatra, although this is mostly limited to presence/absence data, and the conservation status and habitat requirements of the species in south‐east Sumatra are unknown. Regional degradation of riparian habitats and the isolation of protected areas warrant concern for the conservation status of the species.