Abstract. Gunung Ledang, or previously known as Mount Ophir is the highest highland in south Peninsular Malaysia, in the state of Johor. Along with its elevations, climate, and vegetation vary. These influence the distribution of flora and fauna such as butterfly. The objectives of this study were (i) to document the diversity of butterfly along elevational gradients and (ii) to analyze species diversity patterns based on faunistic aspect. To determine spatial distribution, this study was conducted at three different altitudes; 1 200 m, 800 m, and 400 m above sea level (a.s.l.). Samplings were conducted from May 2014 until Feb 2015. During the eight sampling occasions, two main methods were employed; manual collection using the aerial net and baited trapping using rotten fruits. A total of 635 individuals comprising 129 butterfly species from five families were recorded. The five families were Papilionidae, Pieridae, Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae, and Hesperiidae. Nymphalidae was the most well-represented family by 58.1 % species richness and 80.3 % abundance. At all elevations, eight species were consistently found. They were: Eurema hecabe, Euploea mulciber, Ideopsis gaura, Mycalesis maianeas, Ypthima pandocus, Cirrochroa malaya, Cirrochroa orissa, and Hypolimnas bolina. There were highly significant differences (p < 0.001) in the diversity of butterfly species between elevations. The values of Shannon Diversity Index (H') was highest, 4.179 at 400m and lowest, 1.792 at 1 200 m. Meanwhile, the Species Evenness Index (E') at 400 m was 0.660 and at 1 200 m was 0.162. These indicated that lowest altitude (400 m) would harbor higher species diversity and more even species distribution compared to the two higher altitudes. Spatially, the diversity of butterfly in a highland forest of Malaysia was established, providing a baseline data that would be useful for monitoring and conservation of a protected area such as Gunung Ledang National Park.

Abstract. Ismail N, Rahman A A A, Mohamed M, Abu Bakar M F, Tokiman L. 2020. Butterfly as bioindicator for development of conservation areas in Bukit Reban Kambing, Bukit Belading and Bukit Tukau, Johor, Malaysia. Biodiversitas 21: 334-344. Butterflies are often used as indicator surrogates to evaluate the quality of ecosystems. This is made possible due to their sensitive responses toward environmental fluctuations and habitat changes. Butterflies were collected opportunistically using aerial nets at three hill dipterocarp forests; Bukit Reban Kambing (BRK), Bukit Belading (BB) and Bukit Tukau (BT) of Johor, Malaysia from 8th to 11th March 2016. The objectives of this study are to provide a checklist of butterflies of the hills and evaluate habitat suitability in an effort to support the proposal to gazette the hills as part of the Gunung Ledang protected area. A total of 60 individuals belonging to 23 species, 21 genera, and five families were recorded. Comparing the three hills, BRK recorded the greatest individual and species numbers, followed by BT and BB. BRK recorded the highest Shannon diversity index, H’ (2.272) value, whereas BB presented the highest value of species evenness index, E’ (0.945). MaxEnt modeling of the butterflies in BRK, BB, and BT showed a network of high habitat suitability areas connecting Gunung Ledang and our sampling locations. Despite limited sampling effort, this baseline data could possibly strengthen the effort for gazettement and prevent further pressure from mining activity and land conversion.

An ethnoentomological survey was carried out on the usage of insects in the culture of several ethnics: Orang Asli Jakun in Kampung. Peta, Mersing; the Malay, Chinese and Indian in Kahang, Kluang. Responses from these four communities were compared to understand the uses of insects in their life as well as gauged their views on ethnoentomology. Insects were either part of their spiritual beliefs or used as food, medicine, and entertainment. Four groups of insects were considered, namely Lepidoptera, Homoptera, Odonata and Orthoptera. For example, Dundubia vaginata is used by Orang Asli as a source of food, by Malay as entertainment, by Chinese as medicine and by Indian as part of their beliefs. In terms of percentage of insect recognized per ethnicity, Orang Asli accounts for 44.44%, Malay 22.22%, Chinese 16.67% and Indian 16.67%. It was discovered that among the four communities, Orang Asli Jakun were more knowledgeable and open about using insects traditionally. Many insects were integrated in their folklore and myths. Orang Asli Jakun also had more variety of uses for insects in their day to day life compared to the other three communities. Based on this study, it indicated that much of the Malaysian diversity are known and familiar to Orang Asli. Throughout history, Orang Asli plays important roles in maintaining and managing natural resources through traditional systems. The frequency of human interaction with insects has created a close culture between humans and insects.

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Malaysia is blessed with 22 species of turtles and tortoises; including marine and freshwater turtles. Unfortunately, these species are severely threatened, eventually leading to loss of population. Thus, Turtle Awareness Programme (Turtle Camp) was initiated to spread turtle conservation awareness by providing opportunities especially for students and teachers to acquire knowledge of turtles in Malaysia and the environment beyond what is taught in school syllabus. This study aims to determine the impact of the programme on students’ knowledge about turtle conservation in 14 primary schools in Kemaman district, Terengganu, Malaysia from 2016-2019. To collect data, students’ knowledge tests using survey questionnaires were conducted before and after the programme. Majority of students (66.11%) achieved the highest score range (80-100) after the post-test. The level of knowledge acquired by students in the relevant themes (taxonomy, diversity, diet, reproduction and conservation awareness) also significantly improved after the programme. Thus, the awareness program had positively contributed in enhancing the knowledge of students on turtle conservation awareness. More depth evaluations of programme such as motivation and behavioural change and systematic educational module should be developed and tested out to ensure continuity and effectiveness of the programmes in the future.