PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Table of Content 1.0 Introduction...... 1 1.1 Project Background ...... 2 2.0 Basis of Assessment ...... 2 3.0 Methodology ...... 3 3.1 General Ecology Assessment ...... 5 3.1.1 Pre-Assessment of the Project Area ...... 5 3.1.2 Habitat Assessment and Classification ...... 5 3.2 Fauna Diversity Assessment ...... 6 3.2.1 Direct Observation ...... 7 3.2.2 Elephant Dung Pile Count ...... 9 3.2.3 Camera Trapping ...... 10 3.2.4 Animal Identification ...... 15 4.0 Study Findings ...... 15 4.1 Fauna Diversity Assessment ...... 15 4.2 Mammals ...... 17 4.3 Avifauna ...... 19 4.4 Herpetofauna ...... 22 5.0 Potential Impacts on Wildlife ...... 24 5.1 Habitat Loss ...... 24 5.2 Disruption of Ecological Corridors ...... 25 5.3 Increased Risk of Poaching ...... 26 5.4 Increased Human-Wildlife Conflict ...... 28 5.4.1 Elephant Disturbance on Oil Palm Trees ...... 29 5.4.2 Elephant Disturbance on Human Safety ...... 29 6.0 Wildlife Management Action Plan ...... 30 6.1 Mitigation Measures Prior to Project Implementation ...... 30 6.2 Cooperation with Department of Wildlife and National Parks ...... 32 6.3 Allocation of Riparian Buffer Zone and Other Preserved Areas ...... 32 6.4 Management of Wildlife Conflict ...... 34 6.4.1 Best Management Practice for Wildlife Management ...... 34 6.4.2 Elephant Conflict ...... 35 6.4.3 Other Wildlife Conflicts ...... 36 6.4.4 Frequent Plantation’s Floor Clearing ...... 36 6.4.5 Dialogs ...... 37 6.4.6 Own Prevention Action ...... 37 6.4.7 Contingency Plan ...... 37 6.5 Program Monitoring and Wildlife Rescue ...... 38 6.6 Management Access to Plantation Area ...... 39 7.0 Project Impact Management to Residential Kg. Orang Asli ...... 39 8.0 Conclusion ...... 39
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 0
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
1.0 Introduction
Human-Elephant conflicts exist since 1950’s when Malaysia adopting Rancangan Malaya to boost the country economic by aiming in the agricultural sector. From there, Malaysia land use has started to change from a forested area to agricultural sites by giving way to commercial commodities such as oil palm, rubber and etc.
Numerous of lowland forests have been converted to plantation and residential area. Lacking of foraging habitat and shelter for the elephant and other wildlife triggered them to move out of the jungle where they used to be comfortable with.
A raise of the conflict cases between human-elephant put Department of Wildlife and National Parks in the more active role in managing all the conflict issues. Department of Wildlife and National Parks is the only federal authority in the position to manage all the wildlife related issues. Nevertheless, Non-government organization stakeholders (WWF- Malaysia, WCS, MYCAT and etc.) also play an active role in compliment the Department’s role in resolving the raising conflict issues.
The drafting of the Wildlife Management Plan (WMP) for the development of oil palm plantation in Jerantut, Pahang is basically to compliment to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks role in managing human-wildlife conflict issues. The elephant has been highlighted in the plan as this species is the flagship species and high conservation value wildlife species. Human-wildlife conflict management is the gist of the management plan as other species is foreseeable to escape to other forest patches during the systematic earthwork phase as discussed under the Environment Impact Assessment. The plantation management as stakeholder is willing to pay active role in reducing the potential negative impacts incurred following the conversing of land use status of the proposed development area.
The objective of the plan is to draft a guideline for the oil palm plantation development management in confronting all potential human-wildlife conflict.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 1
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
1.1 Project Background
The wildlife inventory study had been conducted with the permission from PERHILITAN through a letter with a reference number: JPHL&TN (IP): 100-34/1.24 Jld 14 (59) dated on 25th July 2019.
The Project Area is located in PT4951-PT4955 and PT4987-PT4991, Mukim Tembeling, District of Jerantut, Pahang Darul Makmur. The Project Area covers the total area of 8,094.43ha (20,001 acres) and mostly categorized as logged-over forest at different logging cycles. The Project Area is located within three permanent forest reserves; Yong, Yong (Tambahan B) and Yong (Lipis) Forest Reserves. Almost 67% (13,406 acres) of the total Project Area is located within Central Forest Spine (CFS) under CFS1-SL2: Krau Wildlife Reserve – Bencah Forest Reserve – Som Forest Reserve – Yong Forest Reserve.
2.0 Basis of Assessment
This section describes the existing biological components in the study area for mammals, herpetofauna and avifauna. The description below is based on available published and unpublished data, interviews with local residents and relevant authorities, as well as data collected from the field surveys. The wildlife composites in the proposed project area were surveyed to assess the potential impacts of project implementation on the biological system. Field samplings were augmented by cross references with other surveys carried-out in the nearby vicinity.
The proposed project involved converting of the logged-over forest to oil palm plantation which required land clearing and removal of existing trees shrub of the soil surface. The overall conversion of logged-over forest to mono crop has a negative impact to the functioning of the ecosystem in the proposed area. Obviously, that wildlife sector and flora composition represent the essential component of the biological environment.
After the commission of the plantation project, most of the environmental impacts are likely to be permanent and there is no ultimate way to minimize the potential impacts. However, with appropriate mitigating measures as provided in this report some potential impacts can be avoided prior to the commencing of the land conversion activities. It must be mentioned that in describing the potential impacts and mitigating measures where a particular parameter is not mentioned, it means that there is virtually no impact on that parameter or negligible when compared to other factors. The following provides the environmental parameters under assessment for the preparation of this report.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 2
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
3.0 Methodology
The fauna assessment was conducted for one months (30 sampling days) starting from 27th July to 10th September 2019 by focusing on terrestrial fauna (mammals, birds and herptiles) through non-invasive methods (without capturing or handling wildlife). A total of 22 fauna observation points were designated based on stratified random sampling design (Figure 3.1). For each fauna observation point, the fauna assessment was conducted for 5 days and 4 nights and limited to 1km radius from the fauna observation point to maximize the fauna sightings. The assessment outcomes were in terms of habitat assessment, checklist of recorded fauna (direct and indirect evidence) and the estimation of fauna home/foraging niche. Some patches of the Project Area were not assessed due to inaccessible tracks and unsuitable terrestrial fauna habitat such as highly disturbed terrain and watery area. The assessment methods were designed based on 2 approaches:
a) Direct Evidence: Primary sighting of the fauna species at the observation point b) Indirect Evidence: Secondary evidence which indicates the existence of fauna species at the observation point
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 3
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Figure 3.1: Satellite image of the Project Area and location of Fauna Observation Point (1-22)
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 4
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
3.1 General Ecology Assessment
3.1.1 Pre-Assessment of the Project Area
The Project Area was pre-assessed by analyzing spatial information to gather better information on terrain condition, current vegetation status and land status based on available national/local legislation. Spatial information was analysed to determine available habitats, area in hectare and location of recorded GPS points by integrating GIS data and readily-available Landsat 8 satellite images provided by United State Geological Survey (USGS) database. Central Forest Spine (CFS) Master Plan under National Physical Plan was referred to delineate the proposed ecological corridors as within and surrounding the Project Area. Spatial information on Permanent Forest Reserve and 5th National Forest Inventory were gathered from Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia (FDPM) to understand the landscape matrices of the Project Area, thus expecting types of habitat lies within it. The Stratified Random Sampling design was used to determine potential fauna observation points and camera trap locations based on the gathered data and forest type.
3.1.2 Habitat Assessment and Classification
The entire area was accessed at all accessible roads/routes by using 4WD vehicles. Garmin GPSMAP 64S was used to record the GPS tracks and points (Plate 3.1a). Vegetation formation, terrain structure and habitat transition were observed to get better overview on habitat types and habitat complexity. Detailed on ground surveys were conducted by trekking all available trails, untouched and inaccessible areas but limited by safety and risk assessment. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) was used to survey inaccessible area and aerial view of the potential wildlife habitat. In this study, Mavic 2 Pro was used as the platform to capture aerial images and video footages for post-image processing (Plate 3.1b).
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 5
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Plate 3.1: a) Garmin GPSMAP 64S was used to record GPS tracks and points. b) Tree canopy surveillance for potential wildlife habitat by using Mavic 2 Pro as UAV platform
Habitat classification is crucial to understand the expected fauna diversity, current ecosystem processes, landscape matrices and potential impacts once the Project been implemented. The Project Area is experiencing thorough habitat transition due to high anthropogenic disturbances and instable forest succession stages with different temporal and spatial effects. Classification of habitat based on vegetation and terrain formation can be categorized as:
I. Forests (undisturbed) VIII. Lakes/Ponds II. Forests (secondary) IX. Bare rocks III. Shrub lands X. Quarry slopes/Cliffs IV. Grasslands XI. Caves and V. Bare lands surroundings VI. Wetland XII. Mangrove VII. Rivers/Streams XIII. Coastal zones XIV. Cultivated lands
3.2 Fauna Diversity Assessment
The study of fauna diversity was intensively conducted at all accessible terrain to cover all habitat types in the Project Area. Due to the large total land area and patches of open cleared land, the fauna assessment was selectively conducted at the areas prior determined by habitat assessment method. In this study, twenty-two fauna observation points were stratified randomly located to represent the variety of habitat and increase chances to detect wildlife within the Project Area. In addition, twenty-two camera trap points were also stratified randomly located to capture any movement of wildlife especially for nocturnal animals and estimate their home range.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 6
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
3.2.1 Direct Observation
Direct observation was the most applied method throughout the study duration to gather direct and indirect evidences of fauna existence. In this study, twenty-two fauna observation points were stratified randomly located to represent all habitats in the Project Area (Figure 3.1). Each fauna observation point was assessed for the duration of 5-days and 4-nights. The maximum sampling size for each point is limited to 1km radius from the fauna observation point (total coverage area ~ 314.2 ha) – Figure 3.2. At each point, 3 categories of assessments were applied based on the distance from the point of observation (Table 3.1).
The observations were made at minimal disturbance approach by using camouflage attire to reduce visibility. Field technicians were worked in a small group (2-3 person per team) to minimize disturbance and noise during the fauna assessment. Direct observations were made either with unaided eyes or aided with a pair of binoculars (Plate 3.2a). The DSLR camera (Nikon – D7100) and telescopic lens (Nikon – 500mm) were used for taking photographs (Plate 3.2b). Only experienced and skilled field technicians were authorized to record sighted species with no photo to avoid species misidentification. Unidentified fauna calls were recorded using a digital voice recorder (Olympus DM-650) and compared with the recorded calls compiled by Scharringa (2005). Night observations were made by both trail walking and driving (Plate 3.3). Indirect evidence in the field was based on the following observations:
I. Foot prints VIII. Bedding sites II. Fecal pellets, feces or dung IX. Feeding traces III. Nests X. Aural observations especially birds IV. Wallowing pools or sites and certain calling mammals V. Well-worn trails / animal paths XI. Interview with locals particularly the VI. Odor or scent for certain local people animals XII. Literature reviews VII. Carcass
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 7
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Figure 3.2: Layout of fauna observation point with 3 survey categories.
Table 3.1: Type of fauna assessment based on distance from fauna observation point.
CATEGORY TYPE OF ASSESSMENT Detailed assessment at any accessible area with special 100m buffer from PO attention to microhabitats and foraging niches Assessment via animal trails with visual coverage limited to 500m buffer from PO 5m at both sides of the trail Assessment at any forested land, logging track and open 1km buffer from PO area with no visual coverage limitation
b) a) Plate 3.2 a) Fauna observation by using a Plate 3.2 b) Usage of DSLR camera with pair of binoculars telephoto lens for wildlife photography. Both methods required camouflage attire during day assessment to reduce visibility and become concealed within the forested habitat.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 8
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Plate 3.3 a) Night observation by assessing Plate 3.3 b) Night observation by 4WD driving forest trail with the aid of headlamp and to observe nocturnal wildlife along the DSLR camera logging tracks.
3.2.2 Elephant Dung Pile Count
Since the Project Area was reported as having herds of Asian Elephants, elephant dung pile count method was conducted to determine potential home range of the elephant and can be used for human-elephant conflict management. The dung count was made during day time along the accessible logging tracks and nature trails for 3 consecutive days (from 23rd – 25th August, 2019) to cover the entire Project Area. The dung pile classification was based on the new standard MIKE dung pile classification system (the S system) in the document for ‘Dung Survey Standards for the MIKE Programme’. Only fresh dung piles within Stage 1 – 3 were recorded during the survey (Plate 3.4). The coordinate of each fresh dung pile was recorded by using Garmin GPSMAP 64S as a single unit. Spatial analysis was conducted to determine the home range of Asian Elephants within the Project Area by mapping the dung piles location and project the dataset into several home range buffers.
Plate 3.4 a) Fresh dung piles with intact Plate 3.4 b) Dried dung piles with no boli (Stage 1 – 2) – included in the count intact boli (Stage 3 – 5) – excluded from the count.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 9
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
3.2.3 Camera Trapping
A total of 22 camera traps were installed at the Project Area based on the designated stratified random sampling design. The cameras were set up for a month (30 days) to cover all habitat types of interest (as determined in the habitat assessment method) and the possibly location to be utilized by animals especially in concealing habitat. Bushnell NatureView HD Essential Trail Cameras were used as the platform in camera trapping method with the 12 MP image resolution, 0.6 second trigger, Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor and detection range up to 18.3m. These cameras were equipped with 32GB SD secure digital card capacity and 8 AA Ni-MH batteries to ensure the function of camera for a long period of time in the field (Plate 3.5).
Each camera trap was mounted approximately 50cm from the ground to maximize photographic capture rate of wildlife ranging in sizes from rats to elephants. The camera trap was securely locked with metal clamp and padlock. Location, date and time for every image captured were also recorded. The maximum distance between each camera trap was restricted to 4km to increase the coverage of wildlife home range. The location and details of all camera traps were described in Table 3.2. Note that 2 unit of camera traps were found missing during the second week of camera trapping. The missing camera traps were possibly stolen by logging workers or intruders based on the severe damage at the supporting tree by machete. The location of installed camera traps was not totally concealed due to their location which were next to logging track and might be spotted by intruders. The missing camera traps have been replaced by 2 new units which were installed at more secure area for another 30 sampling days (Camera Trap 23 and Camera Trap 24).
* The location and coordinates of the camera traps are only accessible and available for PERHILITAN.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 10
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Plate 3.5 a) Mounted camera trap Plate 3.5 b) Final inspection on camera (Bushnell Natureview HD Essential Trail trap (batteries, SD card, functionality) Camera) and securely locked with metal before operation. clamp and padlock.
Table 3.2: Location and details of Camera Trap 1 – 24
(including 2 units of lost camera trap)
Camera Trap 1 Camera Trap 2
Elevation : 88 m a.s.l. Elevation : 104 m a.s.l. Description: Forest next to sub-urban area. Description : Island forest on the east. Camera Trap 3 Camera Trap 4
Elevation : 84 m a.s.l. Elevation : 112 m a.s.l. Description: Newly logged-over forest. Description: Intermediate secondary forest.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 11
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Camera Trap 5 Camera Trap 6
Elevation : 115 m a.s.l. Elevation : 116 m a.s.l. Description: Forest island with edge effect. Description: Regenerating secondary forest
Camera Trap 7 (Lost) Camera Trap 8
Elevation : 93 m a.s.l. Elevation : 106 m a.s.l. Description: Early succession next to trail. Description: Open waste ground.
Camera Trap 9 Camera Trap 10
Elevation : 95 m a.s.l. Elevation : 111 m a.s.l. Description: Forest remnant with big trees. Description: Mature secondary forest.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 12
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Camera Trap 11 Camera Trap 12
Elevation : 134 m a.s.l. Elevation : 87 m a.s.l. Description: Forest remnant at hilly terrain Description: Intermediate secondary forest next to regenerating forest. dominated by late-seral trees.
Camera Trap 13 Camera Trap 14
Elevation : 153 m a.s.l. Elevation : 96 m a.s.l. Description: Succession of secondary Description: Remnant of mature secondary forest.
Camera Trap 15 Camera Trap 16
Elevation : 93 m a.s.l. Elevation : 171 m a.s.l. Description: Forest remnant next to Description: Secondary forest with almost logging track with swampy homogenous tress. area.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 13
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Camera Trap 17 Camera Trap 18
Elevation : 102 m a.s.l. Elevation : 109 m a.s.l. Description: Forest remnant surrounded by Description: Grassland with patches of invading secondary secondary trees. vegetation.
Camera Trap 19 Camera Trap 20
Elevation : 85 m a.s.l. Elevation : 114 m a.s.l. Description: Buffer along logging track Description: Nearly mature secondary next to logged-over forest forest next to wildlife trail.
Camera Trap 21 (Lost) Camera Trap 22
Elevation : 127 m a.s.l. Elevation : 121 m a.s.l. Description: Regenerating secondary Description: Forest remnant surrounded by forest next to logging track. regenerating secondary trees
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 14
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Camera Trap 23 Camera Trap 24
Elevation : 126 m a.s.l. Elevation : 87 m a.s.l. Description: Regenerating secondary Description: Open area with evidence of forest along abandoned wildlife crossing next to river. logging track.
3.2.4 Animal Identification
Mammals sighted were identified by using Francis (2008) and Medway (1983), while for birds using Robson (2008). Grismer (2011), Das (2010) and Chan et al. (2009) were used for herptiles identification.
4.0 Study Findings
4.1 Fauna Diversity Assessment
The fauna diversity assessment managed to record a total of 204 vertebrate fauna species from 80 families with 70 species (24 families) of mammals, 80 species (40 families) of birds and 54 species (16 families) of herptiles. Of all recorded species, a total of 145 species (71.08%) were recorded by direct evidence, 38 species (18.63%) were recorded by indirect evidence and 21 species (10.29%) based on previous literature. The ground observation method employed 22 fauna observation points throughout a total of 110 sampling nights with an estimated assessment coverage area of 6912.4 ha (85.40% of the Project area). In addition to the ground observation method, unlimited habitat and fauna survey by 4WD driving were successfully conducted throughout the assessment duration.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 15
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
The Camera Trapping method successfully recorded the diversity of fauna within the Project area. A total of 22 units of camera traps were successfully staged for 30 sampling days (excluding 2 stolen camera traps). As a result, a total of 1,095 images were recorded from 682 trap nights. Out of the images, 282 images (25.75%) were further selected after removing 813 (74.25%) unidentified and repeated images. The most frequently photographed species was the Eurasian Wild Boar (47.93%). The relative abundance of Eurasian Wild Boar indicates a high level of habitat disturbance with successive populations of Eurasian Wild Boar as opportunist and declining populations of forest specialist fauna species. Details of the relative percentage of captured fauna photos based on species is illustrated in Figure 4.1.
Crestless Fireback Pheasant Small-toothed Palm Civet Greater Coucal 2.07% 1.24% 1.65% Malayan Porcupine 3.72% Asian Elephant 0.83% Yellow-Throated Marten 2.89% Asian Tapir 2.48% Water Monitor Lizzard 5.79%
Tiger 0.41% Sun Bear 0.83% Red Muntjac 3.72%
Red Junglefowl 13.22%
Malayan Peacock Pheasant 0.83%
Malay Civet Eurasian Wild Pig 2.07% 47.93%
Leopard Greater Mousedeer Large Indian Civet Grey-Bellied Squirrel 0.41% 1.65% 3.31% 4.96%
Figure 4.1: Relative percentage of recorded fauna as captured by camera traps
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 16
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
4.2 Mammals
A total of 70 species of mammals belonging to 24 families were recorded and observed within the Project area. Most of the mammals were recorded by direct observation and camera trapping. Several mammals were observed by footprint identification. Population of Common Treeshrew and Wild Boar were recorded as abundant within the Project area and surrounding forested lands. In addition, the Asian Elephant population is expected as abundant especially at the forest fringe and secondary forest formations based on the abundance of elephant dung piles. Some photographs on observed mammals via direct observation and camera trapping are shown in Table 4.1 and Table 4.2 respectively.
Table 4.1: Sightings of mammals within the Project Area:
Asian Elephant, Elephas maximus Long-tailed Macaque, Macaca fascicularis
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 17
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Table 4.2 Some of Recorded mammals by camera traps within the Project Area (post- analysed from photo and video)
Grey-bellied Squirrel Malayan Tapir Callosciurus caniceps Tapirus indicus
Large Indian Civet Malay Civet Viverra zibetha Viverra tangalunga
Eurasian Wild Boar Leopard Sus scrofa Panthera pardus
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 18
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
4.3 Avifauna
A total of 80 species of birds belonging to 40 families were recorded and expected to be observed within the Project area. Most of the birds were recorded by direct observation. Several birds were expected to be observed within the Project area by voice call identification. The most commonly recorded species were the Asian Dollarbird, Magpie Robin, Pink-necked Pigeon, Zebra Dove, Spotted Dove, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Crested Serpent Eagle, Barred Buttonquail and Javan Myna. In addition, White-headed Munia was abundant at the Project area especially at the forest fringe and open areas with tall grasses, where they use the area as foraging and breeding grounds. Some photographs on observed avifauna via direct observation is shown in Plate 4.1 until Plate 4.3 respectively.
Plate 4.1: Sightings of birds within the Project Area: a) Black Hornbill, Anthracoceros malayanus b) Black-thighed Falconet, Microhierax fringillarius c) Chestnut-breasted Malkoha, Phaenicophaeus curvirostris d) Greater Racquet-tailed Drongo, Dicrurus paradiseus e) White-headed Munia (adult and juvenile), Lonchura maja.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 19
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Plate 4.2: Sightings of birds within the Project Area: a) Brahminy Kite, Haliastur indus b) White-breasted Waterhen, Amourornis phoenicurus c) Dollarbird, Eurystomus orientalis d) Rhinoceros Hornbill, Buceros rhinoceros e) Yellow-vented Bulbul, Pyncnonotus goiavier f) Whiskered Treeswift, Hemiprocne comata g) Grey Wagtail, Motacilla cinerea h) Pink- necked Green Pigeon, Treron vernans.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 20
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Plate 4.3: Sightings of birds within the Project Area: a) Spotted Dove, Streptopelia chinensis b) Red-wattled Lapwing, Vanellus indicus c) Javan Myna, Acridotheres javanicus d) Richard’s Pipit, Anthus richardi e) Lesser Coucal, Centropus bengalensis f) Savanna Nightjar, Caprimulgus affinis f) Barred Buttonquail, Turnix suscitator.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 21
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
4.4 Herpetofauna
A total of 54 species of herptiles from 16 families exist or expected to exist within the Project area (amphibians = 22 species, reptiles = 32 species). Twenty-seven of the herptile species are listed as Protected (P) in the Malaysian Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 [Act 716] and the Wildlife Conservation (Amendment of Schedule) Order 2012 (amphibians = 3 species, reptiles = 24 species) which represent 50% of the total recorded species. Some photographs on observed herpetofauna via direct observation is shown in Plate 4.4 and Plate 4.5 respectively.
Plate 4.4: Sightings of amphibians within the Project Area: a) Ornate Narrow-mouthed Frog, Microhyla fissipes b) White-lipped Frog, Chalcorana labialis c) Tadpoles of Narrow- mouthed Frog (Microhyla spp.)in the water-logged area next to logging track d) Grass Frog, Fejervarya limnocharis e) Butler’s Narrow-mouthed Frog, Microhyla butleri f) Malayan Slender Treefrog, Polypedates discanthus g) Asian Common Toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 22
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Plate 4.5: Sightings of reptiles within the Project Area: a) Common Garden Lizard, Calotes versicolor b) Many-lined Sun Skink, Eutropis multifasciata c) Painted Bronzeback Tree Snake, Dendrelaphis pictus d) Water Monitor Lizard, Varanus salvator e) f) Possibly Golden Tree Snake (Chrysopelea ornata) hiding in the tree hollow g) Asian Leaf Turtle, Cyclemys dentata.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 23
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
5.0 Potential Impacts on Wildlife
5.1 Habitat Loss
The development of the project will result in replacement of logged-over forest with an oil palm plantation monoculture. This clearly represents habitat loss for the area particularly the endangered and vulnerable large mammal species, such as tiger, elephant etc. which the original wildlife reserve was established to protect.
Habitat loss would cause a reduction in the local small mammal populations, particularly species that are restricted to the forest habitats. However, representative species are expected to thrive in the adjacent forest wildlife reserve.
The elephant is clearly a species of concern with the impacts on local wildlife. The impact on the local elephant population will be more significant as the forest habitat of the site will be converted to oil palm plantation. Thus the remaining local animals will naturally be more dependent on the remaining forest habitat within the project area. Therefore, the loss of any remaining forest area deprived the local elephants of forest habitat and exacerbate the situation already created by clearance of the earlier forest. The impact is anticipated to the most significant during the initial clearing stage and initial planting stage where instruction and crop damage is most likely.
The location of the project area will force elephants to move through the plantation to access food sources in adjacent areas. This may likely lead to an increase human-wildlife conflict. For the development and operation of the oil palm plantation, the elephant needs to be properly, managed to safeguard workers, protect the crops and property as well as safeguard their long term survival.
Habitat loss would clearly cause a reduction in the local small mammal populations, particularly species that are restricted to the forest habitats. However, representative species are expected to thrive in the adjacent forests and wildlife reserves.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 24
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Mitigation and Abatement Measures.
Limit clearing to the areas to be planted and maintain buffer zones within the natural vegetation intact. This will allow wetland obligates, small mammals and amphibians to survive in the wetland buffer zones.
Enrichment of the wildlife habitats is recommended in the existing forest conservation areas to be maintained. With the additional light at the edge of these areas, and access to nutrients from the plantation area, plant flowering will increase with increased availability of plant nectar. This will supplement the early instars of insect predators contributing of the natural pest control in the plantation area and will feather in the Integrated Pest management (IPM). The IPM strategy that reduces dependence on chemical use in the plantation, and so reduces impacts on local wildlife. Increased flowering will also support nectar feeding birds. Enrichment planting of food plants utilized by wildlife to augment residual food supplies that remain after project development I also recommended. Trees can be planted along stretches of the buffer zone that do not flood or at the edge of the site.
5.2 Disruption of Ecological Corridors
The clearing of logged-over forest within an important ecological linkage will restrict wildlife movement between the forest reserves at the north and south side of the site. However, it should be noted that the site adjacent to the project site has already been cleared by. While it is clear that there will be loss of forest within an important ecological linkage and cause the remaining contiguous forest strip to be narrowed, the establishment of an oil palm plantation will not totally severe the linkage. It is therefore of utmost importance that the Pahang State authorities could afford permanent protection for the remaining strip of contiguous forest within the ecological linkage to safeguard the long term survival of wildlife of Pahang. This is beyond the scope of the project proponent.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 25
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Mitigation and Abatement Measures
Established a wildlife crossing area.
o Maintain existing internal roads in the area in their present condition (i.e. no road widening) o Put up sign posts o For small mammals and reptiles, appropriate forms of crossings would be culverts, either box or circular. Both types of culverts may be used and if properly designed could also serve as drainage structures as well as wildlife crossings.
Create Riparian Corridor
o Rivers play an important role to create continuous corridor which can connect the isolated forest islands. o Gazette a riparian reserve as a wildlife corridor (50 m wide on both sides) in order to link Krau complex to Sg Jelai. o Freeze on development in the riparian reserves.
Land Use Management Control
o Practice sustainable agriculture as provided in the guideline ‘Guidelines for Sustainable Agricultural Management of Plantations’ and RSPO criteria and indicators.
5.3 Increased Risk of Poaching
The accessibility to the project site will make the adjacent forests more accessible to poachers who can assess the area easily. In addition, if foreign workers are employed, they may also poach wildlife. This will add pressure to wildlife population in that area and possibly compete with Orang Asli in the vicinity area. The remaining forested areas outside the plantation boundary would attract large mammals into a confine area which would increase the risk of them being caught to poachers.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 26
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Mitigation and Abatement Measures
Implement a strict security control of access to the plantation site. This will prevent the project site being used as an access route to the forested area to the north.
Report any hunting or poaching activities in the area to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
Prohibit workers from hunting wildlife and put up suitable posters.
Implement an environmental awareness program for workers, which instill conservation values of local wildlife.
Put up posters of totally protected and protected wildlife at workers camps which clearly indicate the penalties for offenses.
Prohibit wildlife hunting and poaching during the project development and operation. The Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 [Act 716] states that any person who commits an offence (illegal poaching and hunting) will be liable to a fine and imprisonment term for offences pertaining to totally protected species (mandatory jail term and a fine up to RM 500,000 if convicted) (Plate 5.1). Access roads must be constructed for the purpose of the oil palm plantation development only. Unauthorized individuals must be prevented from using these roads to prevent illegal hunting and trapping. Place “No Hunting” and “No Trespassing” signage at appropriate locations (e.g. workers’ quarters) that can be seen by the contractors and workers (Plate 5.2). Built a permanent guard house with 24 hours surveillance at the entrance of the access road to the project site to prevent the intrusion by poachers and other intruders hunting or trapping wildlife species (Plate 5.3). Any information related to illegal hunting and poaching should be reported to the contractors and/or the plantation management immediately and that information must be channeled to the relevant authority, e.g. Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Police Department, etc.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 27
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Plate 5.1: Offence and Penalty for Wildlife Trapping or Hunting
Plate 5.2: Example of Warning Sign for Wildlife Plate 5.3: Example of Permanent Poaching Guard House
5.4 Increased Human-Wildlife Conflict
Human-wildlife conflict is expected to happen throughout the Project implementation duration due to forest and habitat loss. Habitat loss during the initial site clearing will cause the wildlife populations to move to the adjacent habitats. The DWNP defines human-wildlife conflict as behaviors or acts of wildlife species that may cause death, injury, property destruction, damage of crops, depredation of livestock or could cause fear on public safety. The impact of human-wildlife conflict varies based on the magnitude of disturbance (by population) and buffer between forest remnants and developed areas
Wild Boar and Long-tailed Macaques are expected to cause the most human-wildlife conflicts within the Project area due to their foraging niche and adaptiveness to the changes in the environment. This may increase wildlife encounters with the plantation WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 28
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
workers and Orang Asli villagers in the vicinity area. Crop raiding by elephant, wild boars and long-tailed macaque may increase in adjacent settlements.
The labor quarters of workers within the Project site and tapping operations that require workers to enter the plantation at dawn will also increase the risk dangerous encounters with large mammals. This adds the risk to wildlife-human conflict.
5.4.1 Elephant Disturbance on Oil Palm Trees
Trapped in an isolated forest island is the main trigger factor in the human-elephant conflict. Shrinking of a forest habitat size that used to provide them plenty of food is now reducing. In other words, it is over its carrying capacity for the existing elephant population. In order to survive, the elephant will tend to seek for food in the plantation area as the newly oil palm seedling is an easy target.
The elephant will try as hard as possible to enter the plantation for the oil palm tree or its seedling. Each oil palm seedlings destroy will cause loss to the plantation management. It also involved indirect cost such as planting, fertilizing, weeding and etc.
5.4.2 Elephant Disturbance on Human Safety
Whenever there is case elephant creating chaos in the plantation, it creates safety issues for the plantation workers. No doubt the elephant is active foraging in night time and will return to the adjacent forest in the dawn. However, it is important to note that some of the workers’ camp is located in the oil palm plantation itself due to accessibility.
Human safety would be a serious issue if the elephant encroached the plantation and looking for food near to worker camps. If happen to be, that group of elephant in the middle of high anger, all the worker camps will give way. It will also threaten human life. This scenario will create fear sentiment in all workers to work in the plantation and indirectly the plantation production will drop in the long run.
Mitigation and abatement measures
Carry out directional clearing block by block to facilitate movement of wildlife to adjacent forests without getting driven into the pockets of forests.
Develop and implement Safe Working Procedures for workers working on the plantation. The worker should be briefed on the Do’s and Don’ts during wildlife encounters, particularly for elephant and wild boar.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 29
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Implement proper food waste disposal practices to avoid attracting wildlife to settlements.
Provide proper lids or dustbins to prevent long-tailed macaque raiding garbage for food scraps.
Wildlife control activities for pest species like wild boar, long-tailed macaque or porcupine. Control activities shall only be carried out in close consultation with the supervision by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
6.0 Wildlife Management Action Plan
6.1 Mitigation Measures Prior to Project Implementation
Planning of Planting Activities
Oil palm planting activities should be conducted concurrently and by stage following the sustainable planning approach to avoid prolonged land abandonment between land clearing and planting phases. Abandoned land will cause habitat utilization by generalist fauna species such as Wild Boars and Long-tailed Macaques, thus increasing the chance for human-wildlife conflict. The planting activities should be divided into smaller sub-blocks. Once the site clearing and earthwork is completed at a sub-block, planting should be conducted immediately to cover the exposed soil and minimize any detrimental environmental impacts to the surrounding environment. The site clearing and earthworks can be started at the next sub-block once the planting activity is completed at the current sub-block.
Planting activities should be operated starting from the south towards the north of the Project Area. The reason is to maximize the natural force for wildlife to escape towards the forest reserve on the north and avoid the island forest on the south which may contribute to human-wildlife conflict.
Continuous Monitoring of Fauna Diversity and Potential Conflicts
With the aim of minimizing human-wildlife conflicts, the Project Developer should implement site clearing activities by phases to allow wildlife movement towards the remaining forest remnant. The wildlife movement should follow the available forest corridors and avoid any chance to enter fragmented forest and sub-urban areas as proposed in Figure 6.1 below. The projected wildlife movement is directed to the north- west side of the Project area since the anthropogenic pressures are taking place at other
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 30
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
sides of the boundary. The site clearing operation should start from south towards north- west in order to provide efficient wildlife escape routes to the forest remnant. As there is one forest island detected at the south of the Project area, the Project Developer should consider to create a temporary ecological corridor before site clearing to allow wildlife movement towards the available forest corridor.
Figure 6.1: Proposed Projected wildlife movement. The development should start from south towards north-west in order to provide efficient wildlife escape route to the forest remnant.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 31
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
6.2 Cooperation with Department of Wildlife and National Parks
The plantation management will fully collaborate with the authority to ensure the classified elephant is properly managed. The plantation management will secure portion of a fund (if needed) for the utilization of the authority for management purposes. In the case of disturbance, the involvement of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks is essential, the plantation management will seek advices from the department for any suitable course of actions including culling or else based on the inventory records provided by the management.
Employee development of any project in the forest areas are among a group of high- potential activities in violation of the Department Act as wildlife poaching and illegal catching wildlife. Therefore, it is important for project management work with the Department to undertake activities on awareness, education and related training to increase awareness of the Act and Regulation based wildlife.
Plantation management would also collaborate with the authority to conduct any forms of dialog or outreach programs in providing sufficient information to the workers or nearby villagers. Besides that, the developer needs to keep in contact with Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) for any action with respect to the disturbance from wildlife since as they have no license to use firearms. The nearest DWNP’s contact details and address area as follow:
District State Pejabat PERHILITAN Daerah Jerantut, Jabatan PERHILITAN Negeri Pahang, No. 1, Bangunan JKKK Bukit Rang, Lot No. S204-S2016, Tkt. 2. Blok B, Simpang Balai Penghulu Pulau Tawar, OR Bangunan Centre Point, 27050 Jerantut, Jalan Haji Abdul Rahman, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur. Pahang Darul Makmur. Phone Number : 017-675 0158 Phone Number: 09-517 8111 Fax Number : - Fax Number : 09-517 8822 Email : - Email : [email protected]
6.3 Allocation of Riparian Buffer Zone and Other Preserved Areas
Riparian buffer zone are vital elements of watersheds, due to their protection of surface and ground water quality from impacts related to human land use. For the Project area, 50m buffer strips are suggested for each side of the watercourse. Other buffer zones should be preserved and categorized as non-planting area such as the hill tops, slopes >
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 32
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
25º, potential wildlife corridors and salt lick areas. These buffers and preserved areas play major role as an ecological corridor network to maximize the movement of fauna from the operational area towards designated forest reserves and to ensure less fauna diversity reduction due to anthropogenic disturbances. Even though the Project area is not entirely located within the Central Forest Spine (CFS) Ecological Corridor, special attention should be given to maintain available ecological corridors to avoid the extension of forest fragmentation and degradation, thus causing habitat destruction for wildlife.
Plate 6.1: Example of Riparian Reserve Signage
The boundary of the plantation area near the forest edge shall be properly managed. The Project Developer should adopt a minimum of 20meter buffer zone inside the boundaries based on the guidelines by the Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia – Pekeliling Ketua Pengarah Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia Bilangan 5 Tahun 2014.
Conservation efforts such as the maintenance of the tree or plant species in the buffer zone areas that are important for food resources, water resources, breeding and nesting sites should be carried out through planting species of plants and trees that can accommodate those in need.
The conservation programs shall be conducted by the EMU project proponent and in collaboration with relevant technical departments such as Wildlife and National Parks, Forestry and FRIM.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 33
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
6.4 Management of Wildlife Conflict
The risk of threats and disturbance of wildlife in the project area is high because it involves the opening of Forest and Wildlife Reserve, which is the habitat of the main species such as elephant, tiger or leopard, wild boar and tapirs.
6.4.1 Best Management Practice for Wildlife Management
As the Project Area has been converted into an oil palm plantation, best management practices should be implemented for wildlife management during Project implementation to avoid human-wildlife conflicts and promote continuity of wildlife conservation. The Project Developer is suggested to take conservation initiatives by installing wildlife alert at the potential human-wildlife conflict, wildlife crossing and buffer zones. Prior communication with the DWNP would be necessary for permission. To minimize human-wildlife conflicts, no direct contact should be made with wildlife by workers or visitors within the Project area. Impose strictly no wildlife feeding especially on primates to avoid the population becoming neutralized within anthropogenic environments. The Project Developer should enforce wildlife-related regulations among workers and contractors towards conflicting wildlife species. Impose strictly no disturbing, harming or killing of any of the conflicting wildlife species through improper methods such as poisoning and using weapons. Proper signage on wildlife-related offences must be installed sufficiently especially at any accessible tracks. The Project Developer should limit the chance of illegal activities by workers especially at night by controlling staff movement from on-site quarters via security post guard. Several mitigation measures should be provided to avoid human-wildlife conflicts such as installing electric fencing (minimum voltage of 7kV) and wildlife trenching. The combination of wildlife trenching and electric fencing has been found to be efficient to control human-wildlife conflicts but requires high cost of operation. The usage of blue LED signal light by the Project Developer to scare away Asian Elephants has been found to be efficient and low cost (Plate 6.2). The Project Developer should implement continuous surveillance along the Project boundary and access roads to the Project area to avoid potential wildlife-related offences.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 34
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Plate 6.2: Blue LED signal light is found to be efficient to scare away the Asian Elephants.
6.4.2 Elephant Conflict
Electric fencing and construction of ditch
The plantation management would seek advices for the Department of Wildlife and National Parks prior to any construction of ditch or electric fencing to locate the best location of construction sites with the most efficient protection and costs. Upon construction of ditches, electric fencing or any structural prevention systems, all prevention mechanisms would be well maintained. Ditches and electric fence will be construct step by step depends on each block.
The construction will be made shortly a complete block of land clearing work. Also, it is installed only when the plants are in young stage or in replanting stage. The installation of ditch and electric fences will be gradual during the opening phases of each block. The construction is to ensure the elephant ditch and electric fences built will prevent the wildlife from entering into the boundary of the Project Site. This is important to reduce the risk of wildlife trapped within the project area.
The size of the ditch is usually 3m x 2m. Once constructed, the ditch or any other structural control system shall be well maintained to ensure its’ effectiveness. Figure 6.2 shows the mitigation strategies for elephant, tapir and wild boar encroachment at the plantation area.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 35
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Figure 6.2: Animal Ditch and Fence for Human-Wildlife Conflict Prevention
6.4.3 Other Wildlife Conflicts
Besides the elephant, the project area also has a potential experience disturbance of crop destruction from wild boars and primates (long-tailed macaque) and security threats from the species of predator especially the tiger.
Species involved is a protected species in the act of the department, and any action in respect to its conflict of species should seek advice from the department. In general, the Wild Boars attacks can be controlled through the installation of electric fences and traps.
6.4.4 Frequent Plantation’s Floor Clearing
The carnivore species prey for species like sambar deer, wild boar, barking deer and small mammal species. The niches for those prey species are areas with dense bush and shrub. Eventually, the carnivore will utilize the dense bush area for hunting. The plantation management shall clear the bush area at least every 4 months. The management will practice a best management plan in managing the plantation’s floor to prevent the dangerous predator from utilizing for hunting ground.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 36
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
6.4.5 Dialogs
Arrange informal dialog with the nearby plantation management and nearby villagers in collaboration with authority to serve as platform for all nearby stakeholders to exchange opinions in managing problematic wildlife issues. In such platform, the authority would be able to present their conservation strategy in managing human-wildlife conflict. In the same time, the dialog programme can also act a platform for all the stakeholders to form a mutual understanding where all the best management practice should include human-wildlife management issues.
During the dialogs session, some awareness features can be added for the workers in the plantation. Tips and preventive measures shall be widely spread on step and precaution needed in the event confronting dangerous carnivores.
Besides, the session dialog among the workers pertaining to prohibit wildlife hunting and poaching during the project development and operation. The Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 [Act 716] states that any person who commits an offence (illegal poaching and hunting) will be liable to a fine and imprisonment term for offences pertaining to totally protected species (mandatory jail term and a fine up to RM 500,000 if convicted)
6.4.6 Own Prevention Action
The management will update and propose to the authority any suitable preventing actions and get endorsement from the authority to practice any problem solving solution methods which might infringe the law. Prior to conducting any actions, consultation from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks would be sought.
6.4.7 Contingency Plan
The plantation management shall seek consultation with the DWNP for developing a contingency plan to resolve potential elephant, tapir and wild boar encroachment to the plantation area.
The Plantation Management team should immediately inform the DWNP once wildlife is sighted. Involving this department and various other nature conservation groups and NGOs may help in the management of the wildlife species rather than shooting to scare the animals away.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 37
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
Any wildlife conflict encountered by nearby residents must be immediately reported to DWNP Pahang, or the complaint can be made online via https://apps.wildlife.gov.my/e_aduan/index.php (Figure 6.3).
Figure 6.3: e-Aduan/e-Complaint at https://apps.wildlife.gov.my/e_aduan/index.php
6.5 Program Monitoring and Wildlife Rescue
Monitoring program will be carried out during the opening work of the project to identify the species that are affected and threatened in the opening stages of the forests involved. The wildlife rescue program should be carried out if there are wildlife trapped, injured or otherwise in need of the department to conduct rescue operations or transfer of wildlife involved.
Program monitoring and wildlife rescue will be conducted by the department in collaboration with the staff of the Environmental Unit - EMU development of projects which scheduled to be set together.
The implementation of the monitoring program to detect threats to wildlife will increase the value of environmental conservation to the project because there are elements closer monitoring to ensure project developers constantly emphasizes the protection and conservation efforts on species that are potentially affected.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 38
PROPOSED OIL PALM PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT ON 8,094.43 HECTARES (20,001 ACRES) LAND ON
PT4951-PT4955 AND PT4987-PT4991 IN MUKIM TEMBELING, DISTRICT OF JERANTUT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR.
6.6 Management Access to Plantation Area
The project developer shall submit profile information and transport vehicles to be involved in the development of the plantation including those used by subcontractor employees. This information shall be updated from time to time.
7.0 Project Impact Management to Residential Kg. Orang Asli
Local community especially residents of Kg. Org Asli Kuala Atok will face the effects of the oil palm project development.
The opening of the forest will cause potential wildlife conflict such as elephants, wild boars, and tigers will also move to the indigenous settlements involved either for food or as a route.
The project proponent is proposed to prepare a response planning activities of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to help local communities cope with the effects of the opening of forests.
8.0 Conclusion
The logged-over forest area will be developed to the oil palm plantation. The vicinity of the project area is a wildlife reserve and the distribution of wildlife populations is still high. Therefore, habitat and species conservation measures at involved location should be implemented in full commitment by parties involved. The proposed wildlife management plan (WMP) should be implemented during the development of an oil palm plantation. The proceedings of the plan submitted is based on two elements, namely the preservation of habitats and species and to ensure the safety and well-being of the parties involved.
WIRANDA (M) SDN BHD 39