Camera Trapping of Wildlife in the Newly Established Baleh National Park, Sarawak
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Journal of Sustainability Science and Management eISSN: 2672-7226 Volume 14 Number 4, August 2019: 38-51 © Penerbit UMT CAMERA TRAPPING OF WILDLIFE IN THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED BALEH NATIONAL PARK, SARAWAK JAYASILAN MOHD-AZLAN*1, MELYNDA CHEOK KA YI1, BELINDA LIP2 AND JASON HON2 1Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia. 2World Wildlife Fund for Nature, 7th Floor, Bangunan Binamas, Lot 138, Section 54, Jalan Padungan, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. *Corresponding author: [email protected] Abstract: The persistence of biodiversity in the Bornean rainforest depends on its ability to adapt to anthropogenic exploitation. The remaining forests in Sarawak are fragmented and isolated and their ability to support large sized mammals is of great concern. In view of this, camera trapping survey was conducted in the recently gazetted Baleh National Park to record the richness, activity pattern and distribution of medium-to-large sized mammals. A total of 15 infrared camera traps were set within the park. We identified at least 27 species of mammals, 12 birds and two reptiles. From the total mammalian species detected, four were listed as “totally protected” and 15 as “protected” under the Sarawak Wild Life Protection Ordinance 1998. Additionally, under the IUCN 2018 Red List criteria, one species was identified as “critically endangered” (Manis javanica), one as “endangered” (Catopuma badia), seven as “vulnerable” and four as “near threatened”. This study had identified the occurrence and distribution of some rare, endangered and threatened species. The presence of these species can be used to identify core conservation sites within Baleh National Park. Keywords: Birds, reptiles, mammals, Manis javanica, Catopuma badia. Introduction history of logging and agriculture use, which Species distribution and habitat needs are critical leads to the growth of secondary forests and in planning wildlife conservation. The lack of human settlements (Mohd-Azlan & Lawes, information on the distribution of many Borneo 2012). Gaveau et al. (2014) estimated that oil species has impeded conservation efforts, palm planting and logging were carried out on 2 especially for critical species. The terrestrial approximately 10 % (78,480 km ) of the Borneo mammals of Borneo comprise some 288 species, landmass in 2010. The density of logging roads which are dominated by 102 chiropteran and 61 in Borneo is high (the highest was reported 2 rodent species (Payne et al., 1985; Phillipps in Sarawak at 0.89 km per km ) compared to & Phillipps, 2016). Medium- to large-sized international standards. The primary logging terrestrial mammals are generally charismatic road density in Central Africa is 16 times and they are often used to promote tourism. But lesser than in Borneo (Laporte et al., 2007; many of them are also of conservation concern Gaveau et al., 2014). Those roads have caused (Leu et al., 2011). Mammalian species respond many protected areas in Sarawak to become differently to changes in their habitats and some fragmented and isolated. Yamada et al. (2014) may be very sensitive to environmental distress had studied the impact of logging roads on dung (Pires et al., 2012). Since they are an important beetles and small mammals in Temengor forest component of terrestrial ecosystems, a decrease reserve in Perak, Malaysia. They observed that in their population through hunting, and/or loss the construction of logging roads to a selective of habitats may affect other species, including logging site in the forest would not only humans. negatively affect the species’ biodiversity, but also their ecological functions. (Laurance et al., Many existing protected areas in Sarawak, 2009). including Baleh National Park, has had some CAMERA TRAPPING OF WILDLIFE IN THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED BALEH NATIONAL PARK 39 Degradation of dipterocarp forests will a foundation for sustainable development in bring negative consequences to terrestrial a region dominated by the logging industry. ecosystems in Borneo as all mast-fruiting Although hunting is prohibited in Baleh communities support nomadic vertebrates National Park, little is known about the diversity in their reproduction (Curran et al., 1999; of medium and large mammals in this area. Curran & Leighton, 2000). A study by Cusack Despite the remote location of this area, the et al. (2015) showed that Borneo terrestrial vast network of logging roads provides access rodents responded negatively to the level of for intrusion and excision. However, the extend microhabitat disturbances in logged forests and of these threats to the biodiversity in Upper black rats (Rattus rattus), which is an invasive Baleh remains poorly understood. As a result, species, would colonise the degraded sites. remote protected areas, such as Baleh National A similar scenario can be expected for large Park, may not be receiving enough support and mammals. Therefore, although many studies resources, making their effective management a suggested that logged forests are still valuable challenging task. for biodiversity conservation to some extent Therefore, the objective of this study is to (Wells et al., 2008; Berry et al. 2010; Edward document the rare, endangered and threatened et al., 2010), the secondary forests that arise in medium to large mammal species of conservation those areas can facilitate the spread of generalist importance with the aid of camera trapping. species, including invasive ones such as black This study is expected to identify several rats (Cusack et al., 2015; Yamada et al., 2014). cryptic species, especially those of conservation In view of these complexities, it is important importance (Mohd-Azlan & Engkamat, 2013). to understand the species diversity in protected The presences of flagship species are expected areas. to facilitate the protection of their core habitat Logged forests are also prone to wildfires and expedite the formulation of a management (Cochrane et al., 1999; Nepstad et al., 1999; plan for Baleh National Park. Laurence, 2001; Siegert et al., 2001), especially in countries with hot and dry climate. Poor forest Materials and Methods management will increase canopy exposure, which, in turn, alters the microhabitats of Study site many species by raising ground temperature The study was carried out at the Baleh National and sunlight penetration. (Putz et al., 2008). Park in Baleh, Kapit Division, Sarawak, which Mammals with narrow ecological niches was accessible by land and river. The Baleh live above the ground or in the upper canopy National Park is a mix dipterocarp forest gazetted levels, while tolerant mammals are usually on 21st September 2017 (Gazette No.4079) with herbivorous or omnivorous and live in the a land size of approximately 66,721 hectares lower vegetative strata (Meijaard et al., 2006). that spanned from the district to the Malaysian- Logging, which reduces forest canopy coverage, Indonesian border with Kalimantan. The has been observed to alter species composition topography consisted of plateaus and mountain in forests (Berry et al., 2008). Therefore, before chains up to 1000 m above sea level (Muol & conservation can be carried out, it is important Noweg, 2018). Most of the riverine forest is in to understand the distribution and composition pristine condition, although there were traces of of endangered species, especially in protected logging. Logging was still conducted when this areas with history of logging. study was carried out. The areas under logging The Baleh National Park in Kapit, Sarawak, concessions were divided into coupes and re- is a protected area in the Upper Baleh region that entries were made after rotations between the serves as an important tool for the conservation of coupes. This had resulted in the formation of biological diversity and, consequently, provide many pockets of secondary forests intersected with logging roads. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management Volume 14 Number 4, August 2019: 38-51 Jayasilan Mohd-Azlan et al. 40 Vegetation survey in Mujong River positioned adjacent to game trails, pathways, area (Tanaka et al., 2007) identified a flora natural salt licks and at random locations with no population of hardwood trees (Eusideroxylon habitat preferences to increase the detection of zwageri and Eusideroxylon melangangai), different terrestrial mammal species according common ferns (Dicranopteris sp.), nutrushes to Bernard et al. (2013). The study areas were (Scleria purpurascens), fig trees (Ficus sp.) accessed by four-wheel-drive vehicles and on and blumes (Fragraea crassipes). The land foot through logging roads and old skid trails near human settlements (longhouses) were and by boat along rivers. mostly secondary forests and agricultural ReconyxTM and Bushnell® camera traps, land (temuda), which had been planted with which were modified with sealant and silica rubber trees, rice, vegetables and fruits (e.g., gel to make them humid-resistant under local Ananas cosmosus, Durio spp., Canarium conditions, were set up to operate 24 hours odontophyllum, Theobroma cacao, Manihot for five months. Cameras were placed on tree esculenta and Sauropus androgynus) (pers. trunks approximately 30 cm above the ground. obs.). The Baleh river was clearer upstream The interval between each trigger was set to but could become murky when it rained. The minimum of one minute, which reduced multiple population was mostly Iban, but there was a captures of the same individual per trigger. Time significant Kenyah