Herpetofauna Diversity and Composition in Mak Jintan Peat Swamp Forest, North-Eastern Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia: An Assessment With an Updated National Checklist
Amphibians and reptiles of peat swamp forest
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11113/mjfas.v22n4.3745Abstract
Peat swamp forests in Malaysia harbor diverse amphibian and reptile populations, yet these ecosystems remain understudied and undervalued in conservation efforts. This study presents the first assessment of amphibian and reptile diversity in Terengganu's peat swamp forests. A survey conducted in 2019 at Mak Jintan peat swamp forest employed Visual Encounter Survey (VES), Acoustic Encounter Survey (AES) and collapsible trap methods. We recorded 68 individuals comprising 15 amphibian species from five families and eight reptile species from eight families. Amphibian diversity (H'= 2.3552) exceeded that of reptiles (H'= 1.7260). An updated checklist for peninsular Malaysia's peat swamp forests now includes at least 129 species from 22 families. This research enhances our understanding of herpetofauna diversity in peninsular Malaysia's peat swamp forests and provides recommendations for their conservation.
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