Preliminary checklist on species composition of small mammals and birds in Marine Research Excellence Centre (MAREC), Pulau Tuba.

Abstract

Located in Langkawi archipelago, Andaman Sea, Pulau Tuba is one of the islands that is densely protected as a forest reserve. We investigated and documented the species composition of small mammals and birds at two different sites in the forest of UiTM Marine Research Excellence Centre (MAREC). Wire cage traps were used to capture non-volant small mammals while mist nets were used to capture bats and understorey birds. A total of 35 individuals were captured consisting of four species of small mammals and four species of birds. Among the most abundant species captured were Rattus tiomanicus, Leopoldamys sabanus and Cynopterus brachyotis. The calculated Shannon diversity index was 1.58 indicating a low diversity of small mammals and birds within the area. Our current study stipulated that few individuals were caught due to the rainy season affecting Pulau Tuba during the study period. Further surveys and studies should be conducted for a longer period in different seasons so that more species of fauna can be documented.