Publication: A Note On The New Record Of The Reptile Fauna\r\nIn Pulau Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
universiti malaysia terengganu
Abstract
Island ecosystem is a fragile ecosystem affected by an ocean climate, which
resulting different microclimates, floristic composition and unique habitats. The island’s
insularity resulted in the unique composition of animal species, especially reptiles which
depend most on the microclimate. Hence, a study on reptile diversity was carried out in
Pulau Tinggi, Mersing, Johor from February to October 2019. A previous survey of reptile
diversity in Pulau Tinggi was conducted in 2003 and 2006, which recorded 13 and 17
species, respectively and there is an urgent need to update these data. This study used
the Visual Encounter Survey (VES) and drift-fenced pitfall traps as the primary sampling
methods. 21 species were recorded, which comprise eight families. The Scincidae family
recorded the highest number of species, which is five. Meanwhile, Viperidae and Varanidae
reported the lowest number of species recorded, one species, respectively. 13 species were
reported as new records for Pulau Tinggi, resulting in updated reptile diversity in Pulau
Tinggi currently to 32 species based on a comparative literature review with previous
studies. These new records indicate that extensive and intensive studies are needed
to determine the reptilian diversity in Pulau Tinggi for conservation and management
purposes.
Description
Volume :17 Number: 11 (page: 35-44)
Keywords
Vertebrate, herpetofauna, island, Johor, Malaysia, Seribuat archipelago, South China Sea