Biodiversity of Melaka - Fauna

As promised I hereby completed a brief introduction to the biodiversity of Melaka. In spite of the small size of the forest reserves and the fact that all the forests are fragmented and disturbed, Melaka still is home to many animal communities and species.

1. Dr. Neelam Shahab of SIRIM Bhd. reported a total of 119 fungal strains being isolated from the leaf litter and soil sampled in various forest reserves; 74 strains had been identified genetically and 19 remained unidentified. This itself poses a very sound academic challenge to uncover our fungal biodiversity.

2. Dr. Shahrul Anuar Mohd. Sah of USM reported a total of 21 bat species, both fruit-eating and insect-eating species, caught by the Harp traps and mist nets during the surveys. This ensures pollination of both the mangroves and durians in Melaka. Mr. Shahfiz Mohd. Azman of FRIM reported a total of 12 small mammal species caught during the short expedition and Tupaia glis is the most common.

3. Mr. Mohd. Hadzri of USM reported 10 orders of aquatic insects from the small streams of Melaka, most of them are still undientified. Dr. Norela Sulaiman of UKM reported a total of 192 species in 12 families of moths were sampled together with 86 taxa of butterflies. Dr. C Y Choong also of UKM reported the occurrence of 37 species of odonates. Dr. Fauziah Abdullah of UM reported a total of 126 taxa in 12 families of beetles. Dr. Faszly Rahim of UKM reported the occurrence of many taxa of termites infesting the mangroves of Melaka. This is an interesting phenomenon that require a more intensive study because the fate of mangrove conservation lies in its ability to withstand the attack of these termites! Dr. Y F Ng of UKM for the first time reported the infestation of flower and fruit thrips on the ornamental plants at Air Keroh Botanical Gardens.

4. Mr. K O Chan of UKM reported the occurrence of two rare and interesting reptiles in Melaka. A new species of lizard, Cyrtodactylus batucolus had been reported and described by Prof. Lee Grismer from Pulau Besar. As far as it is known, this new species is only found here. It is worth noting that Pulau Besar also is home to Rhizophora stylosa (or bakau pasir). Another species, C. pantinensis, that is known from Gunung Panti, Johor has been discovered in Melaka.

5. Dr. Pan of FRIM reported the observation and sighting of 96 species of birds in 35 families. Tanjung Tuan (Cape Rachado) is already on the naturalists map for watching raptors during their south-north migration. In fact this is an annual event organised by the Malaysian Nature Society and the State Government of Melaka. According to Dr. Pan, both Bukit Beruang and Air Keroh Recreational Forest are the best spots to watch lowland and open country birds.

This concludes my summary of the biodiversity of Melaka.