As a species, bats play a crucial part in both ecological and economic roles. However, this group of mammals is largely threatened due to anthropogenic activities either inside or around their caves. In this study, we investigate the effects of cave microclimate and physiological parameters on bat roost preference in Fairy Cave Nature Reserve (Fairy Cave NR). The microclimate and physiological parameters including temperature (°C), relative humidity (RH), light intensity (lux), air flow, passage dimension (m), roost height (m) and distance of roost from nearest entrance (m) were measured. Results showed that Emballonura monticola, Hipposideros diadema, Hipposideros larvatus and Penthetor lucasi were roosting in Fairy Cave NR. These bats can be distinguished by their colony size, roost posture, spatial arrangement and position of their roost. Penthetor lucasi makes up the largest colony in the bright zone, whereas E. monticola has the smallest colony occupying the twilight zone throughout the cave. Members from the family Hipposideridae roost in the dark portion of the cave with zero light intensity. Emballonura monticola utilizes the hottest roost in the cave compared to the other microbats, whereas H. diadema inhabits the coolest roost. Physiological parameters such as light intensity, passage dimension and distance from nearest entrance are significant parameters in roosting preferences. These parameters should be monitored to ensure the sustainability of not only the aforementioned species, but also other species that roost in nearby caves of Bau limestone. (Wind Cave Nature Reserve-recorded with 13 species).
The Asian Glossy Starling, Aplonis panayensis, is one of the most abundant birds in Kuching City, occupying nooks and cavities of buildings and soiling the walls and fl oors with their droppings. To determine why they are so abundant, we focused on their dietary habits in a study conducted in Dewan Suarah area of Kuching in 2013. A total of 51 fecal samples were collected from the fl oor of Dewan Suarah and examined for dietary fragments. The results showed the diet comprises insects as well as plant parts. The insects are solely from the Order Hymenoptera (70 individuals), whereas the plant parts comprised fi gs (86 %), Vitex sp. (2 %) and unidentifi ed plant materials (12 %). The Hymenopteran identifi ed in fecal samples belong to the family Agaonidae (45 individuals), Formicidae (18 individuals), and Ormyridae (7 individuals). There is a signifi cant difference in frequency occurrence of insects and fruits in the diet of starlings. From the fecal analysis, the insects in the diet of the starlings are mainly from the fi gs they have eaten. The diet of the bird is discussed in relation to the availability of food items in the surrounding areas.
Small mammal surveys were conducted at Niah National Park, Lambir Hills National Park and Gunung Mulu National Park, Miri Division, in the northeastern region of Sarawak, using ground-level and canopy mist-nets, harp traps, and cage traps. The main objective of these surveys was to assess small mammal diversity in the northeastern region of Sarawak. Gunung Mulu National Park recorded the highest diversity of small mammals with 29 species, followed by Niah National Park with 19 species, and Lambir Hills National Park, 17 species. These surveys revealed nine new locality records for Miri, including eight bat species (Dyacopterus spadiceus, Megaerops wetmorei, Nycteris tragata, Hipposideros cineraceus, Hesperoptenus blanfordi, Kerivoula pellucida, Murina suilla and Myotis muricola)and a squirrel (Sundasciurus brookei). Megaerops wetmorei is also reported for the first time in Sarawak.
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