Danced

Management of Conservation Area ,

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE REPORT No. 38

LAKE LINUMUNSUT

(I)The Herpetofauna and Freshwater Fishes of Linumunsut Lake, Maliau Basin, Sabah

(II) Diversity and Abundance of Birds Community at Linumunsut Lake, Maliau Basin, Sabah

April 2002

Authors: Maklarin lakim, Alim Biun & Paul Yambun , Research & Education Division P.D.Box 10626, M& 88806 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Phone +60 88 211881, Fax +60 88 211001 Hans Skotte Moeller Drnis Consult ltd., Vesterbrogade 140,2 DK 1620 Copenhagen V, Denmark Phone: + 4533318464 Fax: + 4533247599 E-mail: [email protected] THE HERPETOFA UNA AND FRESHWATER FISHES OF LINUMUNSUT LAKE, MALIAU BASIN, SABAH.

Maklarin B.Lakim & PaulYambun Researchand EducationDivision SabahParks.

ABSTRACT. Abundance and diversity of reptiles, amphibians and freshwater fishes in LinumunsutLake and its surroundingareas were surveyed.Sixteen species of reptiles,32 speciesof amphibian and 8 speciesof freshwaterfishes were obtained from various survey techniques employedduring the fieldwork. Herpetofaunaof Linumunsutare representativeof the Bornean lowland forests species.A majority of the amphibianspecies are primary forest inhabitants.The freshwaterfishes representedfish communitiestypical to rivers and streamsin the westernpart of Sabah.The record of speciescomposition is slightly greaterthan that from previous surveys in interior parts of Maliau Basin ConservationArea. This showsthe outstandingvalues of the Maliau Basin ConservationArea in tenns ofherpetofaunaand freshwaterfishes communities.

1. INTRODUCnON

The Maliau Basin Conservation Area is a pristine wilderness region located in the remote south central part of the state of Sabahin Malaysia. Covering some 58,840 hectares, the area encompasses a diverse assemblage of forest types, comprising mainly lower montane forest, rare montane heath or kerangas forest, lowland and hill dipterocarp forest. The variation of vegetations occurring at different elevations in the Maliau terrain as well as the isolation caused by its land formation create a unique environment that allows various fauna and flora to flourish in abundance(see Marsh, 1989; Maryati et al., 1998).

Several field studies on the abundanceand diversity of herpetofauna and freshwater fishes have been carried out in Maliau Basin. Previous related research activities concentrated more on the higher elevation areas that included montane and heath forest habitats. Inger (pers. comm.) has collected information on the occurrence of amphibian species at 450 m a.s.l and 750 m a.s.l. in the Maliau Basin. He also recorded reptiles encountered during the course of his study here. The 1988 scientific expedition provi~ed documented data on freshwater fishes at localities ranging from 450 m a.s.l. to 950 m a.s.I.(Marsh, 1989). The subsequent scientific expedition in 1996 has yielded additional discoveries on amphibian fauna (Ahmad & Wong, 1998) as well as freshwater fishes ~d crustaceans (Martin-Smith et al., 1998). However reptiles was not reported during this expedition. LinumunsutLake is also a potentiallyimportant sampling sites as the areahas nqver been sampledbefore for herpetofaunasince the 1978 faunal survey conducted by the Wildlife Section, SabahForest Department.Their preliminaryfindings indicated that the areaharbored large abundanceand diversityof reptiles and amphibiansthough encounfers were scarceor not compherensivelyreported. Among other specieshighlighted incluped giantpond turtle. Howeverdue to lack of intentionand expertise in identifyingherpetof~na itself amongthe expeditionmembers their list was very limited.

This survey aims to document the diversity and abundanceof reptile, amphibian ~d freshwater fishes in Linumunsut Lake and its surrounding areas.The findings will contriQute

2 to the establishment of a more compherensive checklist of herpetofauna and freshwater fishes from Linumunsut Lake in particular and additional data to the existing checklist of its kind in the Maliau Basin Conservation Area as a whole.

2. STUDY SITE

Linumunsut Lake at an elevation of 400 m a.s.l. is located in the northern portion of the Maliau Basin Conservation Area (Figure 1). The study site was concentrated within the 11.77 hectareslake its surrounding areas.Coverage is estimated 20 ha. The soil found in the area is categorized as the Maliau sandstone association distinctively characterized by its poor soil nutrient content and easily eroded, as a result, occurrence of heavy flooding and landslides were common in the area. The vegetation comprised mainly lowland dipterocarp rain forest although some patches of old secondary forest were found flourishing amid the forest. Open areas are also available along the edge of the lake. Riparian habitats are abundance in the surroundings of the lake including the largest river flowing from the lake, Sungai Namatoi.

The terrain of our work included flat areas, areas with moderate to steep gradients and swampy areas with stagnant or little flowing water. Sampling activities were carried out in four major locations: i.e. out flowing streams from the lake, the Sungai Namatoi, swampy area and forest floor. The Sungai Namatoi flowed with strong current over rocky beds and boulders and had steep gradient. Streams flowing out of the lake had moderate gradient, and were permanent, clear and rocky with moderate current. Stream widths were estimated at 15-25 m. Forest floor within 10-1000 m from the edge of the lake is covered by tall secondary forest and primary forest with 75-100 % canopy coverage.

3. MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data collection in the field involved 4 techniques namely; stream transects, forest transects, floor quadrats and fish and tadpoles sampling. These are standardtechniques: for inventory and monitoring ofherpetofauna (Heyer et al., 1994). These techniques condu91ed at day and night time involved four fieldcrews.

Stream Transects were done at night commencing at 1900- 2100 hIs. Fieldcrfws with head-lamps searchedalong stream or edge of lake. Individual adult reptiles and frogs were located by their eyeshine with source of light from headlamps. The adult reptiles and frogs encountered will be recorded to its species. Microhabitats for each individual encountered were recorded such as substrate, distance from water, height above watef or ground and type of aquatic habitat. Unidentified reptiles and frogs on the spot were taken as a specimen for further identification in the laboratory. Attempts were also made to ideqtify amphibians by its conspicious calling. Forest Transects is similar to the Stream Transect rut, this method ran in the forest instead of a stream. '

Floor Quadrats of 5m x 5m were carried out in the morning at 0900 until 1330 Prs. A minimum of 4 persons required to do this method. The site of every quadrat were selected randomly. Canopy cover, floor cover/ litter and number of trees> 1 Ocm dbh in~ide the quadrats were recorded. Floor litter then cleared in search of reptiles and amphibi~s.

3 Any specimensencountered were caught and recorded. Similarly, tree buttresses with trunk diameter measurements between 40 cm to 200 cm were searched for any reptiles and amphibians.All specimenswere caught manually.

Fishes were captured using a cast net in the lake and streamswide and deep enough to allow casting. In addition, hook and line were also use to catch fishes. These procedures were conducted in the afternoon between 1430 and 1630 hrs. Various aquatic microhabitats such as torrent, rime, side pool and open pool along the selected stream and within the lake were sampled. Tadpoles sampling conducted at the same time and locality using smaller sized nets. Fishes and tadpoles collected were identified (to its species),staged and released. The tadpoles that could not be identified on the spot were taken as specimens for further identification in laboratory.

Specimens collection were limited to a maximum 5 representative individuals of each speciesof herpetofauna and freshwater fishes. Each specimenwas put in a small plastic bag, tagged, identified and weighed. All specimenswere preserved in 10% formalin and stored later in 75% alcohol. Unidentified specimenswere taken to SabahParks Museum at for further identification in laboratory.

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1 Reptiles

A total of 15 species of reptiles were recorded throughout the survey which included snakes and lizards (Table 1). 9 species of lizards from 3 families and 6 species of snakes from 3 families were encountered mostly in tree buttressesand forest floor quadrats. The lizard family Scincidae was commonly encountered bearing a total of 5 species. The reptiles utilized various forest substrates such as in tree holes, under litter of dead leaves, on the branches of trees or on tree trunks above ground. Surveys of reptiles in the Maliau Basin area were not extensively carried out in previous expeditions.

Our surveys attempted to collect as many species of reptiles as possible during the one week field trip. Sightings of snakes swimming or crossing the lake were common but samplingdetermination about of thetheir same species numberwas ofa difficultspecies task. although Previous species surveys composition had also varied SUCCeede grer tly.in

Preliminary data on snakes diversity were recorded during the 1996 Maliau expeditio ; 9 species of snakes were collected, one of each species.However, species identification~ of the findings were not available. The possibility of discovering new speciesof reptiles in! the Maliau Basin area is high considering the various environments the area has to offer.

4.2 Amphibians

A total of 32 amphibian species from 5 families were recorded from all the survey techniques employed throughout the survey period (Table 2). All speciesencountered were recorded regardless of survey techniquesused. Out of the 32 speciesrecorded, 2 speciesi.e. Leptolalax sp. and Metaphrynella sundana were identified only through their distinctive calls, whereas Rhacophorns pardalis was sighted during forest transect surveys. We "'(ere unsuccessful in capturing adult individuals or tadpoles of these 3 species. Tadpole~ of

11 Ansonia sp. (not yet identified to species) was also recovered and regarded as separate species of this particular genus. Another 4 speciesnamely; Kaloula baleata, Rana luctosa, Rana nicobariensis and Rhacophorus pardalis were also the first occurrence record for Maliau Basin. In contrast, a total of 14 speciesrecorded by Ahmad & Wong (1998) were not recovered during this survey.

The family Ranidae provided the largest number of species recorded totaling 12 species, mainly belonging to the genus Rana. This was followed by the family Rhacophoridae contributing 6 amphibian species. Encounters of adult amphibians were greater in riparian transects than in the forest transects. Three specieswere encountered in non riparian surveys, namely Rana picturata and Limnonectes palavanensis found on the ground or under old dead leaves, and Limnonectesftnchi which was only observed once in a tree buttress. Based on our observation, Bufo juxtasper, Staurois latopalmatus and Rhacophorus appendiculatus were common, encountered more than once at every survey. Individuals of Rhacophorus appendiculatus were notably abundance in swampy areas adjacentto the lake. Several speciescommonly found only in disturbed forest were recorded i.e. Kaloula baleata, Fejervarya limnocharis and Polypedates leucomystax while most other recorded species occupied a variety of forest and riparian habitats, wandering from one habitat to the next.

Tadpoles surveys along riparian transects proved fruitless with the exception of Sungai Namatoi which only yielded Ansonia sp. and Huia cavitympanum tadpoles. Low samplings of tadpoles in this survey corresponded with that of the survey made in 1996 Maliau expedition. Both surveys showed similar results finding adult frogs in abundance along stream banks. However, sampling done in Sungai Maliau and its small tributary streams yielded 9 species of amphibian tadpoles at different stages of development (Inger, pers. comm.). The absenceof electrofishing technique in our survey may account for the reduced number of tadpoles encountered.Deposits of amphibian eggs were not encountered throughout our survey which may also have contributed to the absenceof tadpoles of most species in the area. Breeding could be at low point even though the duration of our survey coincided with the rainy season.

Surveys made during the 1996 Maliau expedition (Ahmad & Wong, 1998) concentrated mainly within the sub-montane and heath forest at 900 m a.s.l. and above. 25 frog species were recorded during the survey of which 6 species were rediscovered at Linumunsut Lake. Speciesoverlapping with the Linumunsut sample are common and wi~ely distributed in primary forest up to 700 m a.s.l.. The majority of the species not foun~ at Linumunsut, however, are species restricted to montane environments such as Leptobrachium montanum. Species composition and distribution of amphibians !'f°m previous surveys conducted in the Maliau Basin differed to some degree. New discovt;ries are likely even though some surveys rendered similar species composition. Still numerous species known from other forested areas in Sabah are missing from all of the Maliau surveys. Therefore, the Linumunsut amphibian survey proved to be complimenting the diversity of frog fauna in the Maliau Basin as well as the Bomean rain forests.

4.3 FreshwaterFishes

In total, 8 species from 3 families were captured (Table 4) .The family Cyp~dae contributed 6 species in contrast with the family Anguillidae and Gastromyzontidae wfch

5 yielded one species each. Martin-Smith et. al. (1998) and Marsh (1989) recorded only 3 species of fish in the Sungai Maliau and various tributaries. These species were Puntius sealei, Betta unimaculata and Hemibagrus nemurus. Only the first species was caught during this survey. However, the species sampled in Linumunsut Lake was slightly higher than that of previous surveys. This could be due to the existence of lake ecosystemsitself as well as the low elevation of the area and moderate current of the streams,providing suitable environments for other fish communities to strive.

Information gathered from village folks frequenting the lake and streams for fish catching revealed that fishes caught were abundant at eachvisit. This indicated that various food sources were aplenty to support large population of fish communities in the lake and streams. Unfortunately, examination of the stomach content of fishes caught was not conducted during this study. The absence of this procedure hampered any information regarding the diets of fish and their feeding habits. Lower strata (30 -40 cm depth) and bottom dwellers such as the Schismatorhynchus heterorhynchus and Gara bomeensis which are herbivorous, feeding on bottom detritus consisting of algae, whilst Anguilla bomeensis feeds on decapod crustaceans(crabs and prawns) (Inger & Chin, 1962).

5. CONCLUSION

The Linumunsut Lake area representstypical lowland amphibian species occupying primary and old secondary forests. Previous expeditions to Maliau revealed that at least 25 frog species were discovered, overlapping with only about half or less of the species recorded in this survey. It is evident new records were made with each expedition made to the Maliau Basin. This is specially true for reptiles and fishes which is known of its cryptic habits. Findings of this survey will add to the existing checklist of all fauna groups concerned. We believe future sampling will unveil another new record which will further expand the species checklist for Maliau Basin Conservation Area.

Acknowledgements We would like to thank Datuk Lamri Ali and Dr. Jan1iliNais for their supportand encourage~ts that enableus to participatein this particular endeavour.We would like to thank Dr. Waidi S~un, Mr. Hans Moeller, JaddaSuhaimi, Darline Lim and all colleaguesinvolved duringthe fieldworli for vaious help in the field. We also thanks Mohd. Rafi Bunggouand Melvin Roy Daniel for tlteir companionduring fieldwork providing significanthelp throughoutthe courseof this fieldwork. We also gratefulto Dr. RobertF. Ingerfor his commentsand suggestionson the earlierdraft andto ~rs. Luiza Majuakim-Y ambunfor her help in the write up of the earlierdraft of this report. :

h REFERENCES

Ahmad, A.H. & A. Wong. (1998). The amphibian fauna of the Maliau Basin. Pp. 133-137. In: Mohamed, M., W. Sinun, A. Anton, M.N. Dalimin & A.H. Ahmad (eds.). Maliau Basin Scientific Expedition. Univsersiti Malaysia Sabah,Kota Kinabalu. Heyer, W. R., M. A. Donnelly, R. W. McDiarmid, L. C. Hayek, & M. S. Foster (eds.) (1994). Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity: Standard Methods for Amphibians. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D. C. Inger, R.F. & P.K. Chin. (1962). The fresh water fishes of North . Fieldiana: Zoology, 45: 1-268 (+47 pp. In supplementary chapter by P.K. Chin) Inger, R.F & F.L. Tan. (1996a). Checklist of the frogs of Borneo. The Raffles Bulletin Of Zoology, 44(2) : 551-574 Inger, R.F. & F.L. Tan (1996b). The Natural History of Amphibians and Reptiles In Sabah. Natural History Publication (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd., Kota Kinabalu. Inger, R.F. & R. B. Stuebing (1997). Frogs of Borneo. Natural History Publication (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd., Kota Kinabalu. Inger, R.F., F.L. Tan & P. Yambun. (2000). The frog fauna of three parks in Sabah, Malaysia. Sabah Parks Nature Journal 3: 7-28 Marsh, C.W. (ed.) (1989). Expedition to Maliau Basin, Sabah, April-May 1988 : Final Report. Yayasan Sabah,Kota Kinabalu Marsh, C.W. (1989). Fish. In : Marsh, C.W. (ed.). Expedition to Maliau Basin, Sabah, April-May 1988: Final Report. Yayasan Sabah,Kota Kinabalu, pp. 143-144. Martin-Smith, K., A. Samat, S.H. Tan & H.T. Tan. (1998). The fish and crustacean fauna of the Maliau Basin, Sabah. Pp. 119-131. In: Mohamed, M., W. Sinun, A. Anton, M.N. Dalimin & A.H. Ahmad (eds.). Maliau Basin Scientific Expedition. Univsersiti Malaysia Sabah,Kota Kinabalu. Maryati, M., W. Sinun, A. Anton, M.N. Dalimin & A.H. Ahmad (eds.) (1998). Maliau Basin Scientific Expedition. University Malaysia Sabah,Kota Kinabalu.

7 Table 1. List of reptiles from the surroundings ofLinumunsut Lake.

~: * a- adult snakes/lizards.

8

~ Table 2. List of amphibians from the surroundings ofLinumunsut Lake.

Megophryidae a 2 4 1.5 t Bufonidae a 4 4,5 a 1,2,3,4,5 a a 2 a 2 a a a 2,4,5 1 3,t 4 3.4 Ranidae a a 2,3,4 a 4,5 a a a a a 2 a 2.4 a 2,3,4,5 i

a 2,3,4, , !I a 4 ! a ~~ a a a 4 Rhacophoridae a a 2,3,4 a a 1,2,3,4,5 a i 4 1 " a a 2,4,5 a

~: * a- adult; i-tadpoles. ** 1- CamelTrophy Camp;2- AgathisCamp; 3- PakisCamp; 4- Maliiau River (R.F.lnfer, pers.com.);5- '96 BaseCamp (Ahmad & Wong, 1998). '

9

Microhylidae Table 3. List offreshwaterfishes from the surroundings ofLinumunsut Lake.

Anguillidae Belut a Gastromvzontidae n bomeensis Rokot a Puntius sealei Turun u a Cyprinidae IHamoala l1lacrolemdota sabana Barab a I Tor douronensis Pelian a ISchismatorhvnchus heterorhvnchus ISaIah a I Garra borneensis ISarawi a IParacros.vochilu.\' acerus IMakalaw a

~: * a- adult freshwaterfishes.

10 DIVERSITY AND ABUNDANCE OF BIRDS COMMUNITY IN LINUMUNSUT LAKE, MALIAU BASIN, SABAH.

Hans S. Moller, Alim Biun2& Maklarin B. Lakim2 lChiefTechnicalAdvisor, DANCED- YS Project 2Research& EducationDivision, SabahParks.

ABSTRACT. Birds community of Linumunsut Lake was documented. This survey is part of a scientific expedition carried out at the lake surroundings in the period of 17-21 October 2001. This survey employed mistnetting, point sampling and general observation field procedures. A total of 108 species of birds were recorded in which 38 specieshave also been caught in mistnets and ringed prior to release.Eight species of birds were a new occurrence record for Maliau Basin at least during a series of intensive survey held in 2000 to 2001. Linumunsut area found to harbour a high diversity of birds which is associated with the presence of lake ecosystems.Various types of habitats such as a pristine rainforest, open areas as well as wetlands are the main factors contributed to the high diversity of birds of the area.

1. INTRODUCnON

Birds community is the most suitable indicator for assessingthe biodiversity of rainforest ecosystems.Birds are easyto observe due to its conspicuous presencethrough its visible and audible means of identification as well as its diverse and abundancein the forest ecosystems.Birds of Borneo, including Sabahhave been extensively documented in terms of species listing (MacKinnon & Phillipps, 1993; Smythies, 1999). However, further ecological informations for many species especially rare species are still scarce (Robson, 2000; Sheldon et ai., 2001). Therefore the monitoring of birds population within any particular area is vital in order to gauge current population status with reference to its surrounding habitats and to compare diversity and abundance between different localities. Similarly current status of birds is vital as a tool for the formulation of a managementplan for conservation of any particular area.

Forested areas in southeast conner of Sabah have been surveyed for birds. This area 1 i~ among the. last :emaining forested areas.in Sabah whic~ may still intact in terms of its bIrds populatIon. I ayasan Sabah conservatIon and protectIon areas namely Danum Valley and Maliau Basin have beed throughly documented. Similarly, Hills Park, a ~lly protected park area is also known to harbour more than 250 species of birds. Another neighbouring forest reserves such as Sapulut (Norarnly, 2000), On. Rara (Bernard & ~un, 1999), lJ1u Kalurnpang (expedition in 1996) and 1mbak Valley have been surveyed for bjrds in several different period by different researcher through the last decade and serve as an important forest refugee for birds in particular. Such informations are important tools for bird conservation and comparison between sites across the southeastconner of Sabah.

Birds of Maliau Basin Conservation Area in particular has been surveyed in 1996 and 1998 expedition. These documentation have been conducted in interior parts of the basin and have provided baseline data at least to the extend of species checklist fI.Ild important notes on the occurrence of some rare and endangared species. A total of 175 species of 40 families of birds have been documented during the first expedition in 1988

11 (Yong et al., 1988). Subsequent survey in 1996 has documented 63 species including another 7 additional species not recorded in 1998 (Yong et aI., 1998). These expeditions have documented a checklist of 182 speciesof birds.

In the period of 1999 to 2001, an intensive birds survey was jointly conducted at various sites within Maliau Basin Conservation Area by Yayasan Sabah, DANCED and Sabah Parks. This survey has discovered some more new speciesoccurrence record within this conservation area and also indicated that further survey will gain additional bird species. Obviously, more species will be disclose when survey made to different localities with different habitats. These include cryptic, rare and endangeredspecies which may still dwell within this conservation area. The survey of birds at Lake Linumunsut is a continuation of series of survey carried out at Agathis, Belian, Camel Trophy and Pakis camps prior to this expedition.

This survey aims to document the diversity and abundaceof birds community in the surroundings of the Linumunsut Lake which lies at the northernmost boundary of the Maliau Basin Conservation Area (MBCA). This is part of the expedition involved more than 60 scientists from various expertise conducted by Yayasan Sabah and DANCED in the period of 17-21 October 2001.

2. STUDY AREA

The Lake Linumunsut(LL) is locatedat the northernboundary of the Maliau Basin ConservationArea. The arealies at about400 metersabove sea level and generallycovered with pristinelowland tropical rainforest.

The uniquenessof this area lies on the existence of the only natural lake of its kind in Sabah,the Lake Linumunsut which cover an area of 11.77 hectares. The vegetation cover in the suroundings of the lake is basically lowland and hill dipterocarp forests. This has created a unique ecosystems which is related to the geological phenomenon associated with the formation of the lake itself Such lake creates a wetlands which is important habitat to waders or migratory birds. The lake has also created an open area right in the middle c;>fa remote and intact rainforest ecosystems. A vast forest edge is also created along the periphery of the lake which characterized by relatively young vegetation. Such forest c9ver is very productive and provide food resourcesto birds in particular.

3. MEffiODOLOGY

Data collection in the field involved 3 techniques namely; mist-netting, point sampling, and general observation. Data recording were conducted at day time between 0600 hrs. to 1800 hrs. for 6 consecutive days in the field.

Mist-netting of birds was the primary activitiy during fieldwork. Three different habitats namely slope, ridge and open area were choosen for mist-netting sites. At ~ch station, 10 mistnets were erected in a single line with 5 units of twin nets. Mist-nets l\sed were Japan made with size of 24 meters x 2.6 meters with 4 pockets. All the nets ~ere continuously open from 0630 am until 0530 pm during the 6 days trapping efforts. The ~s checked every 2 hours interval at 0800 am, 1000 am, 1200 am, 0200 pm and 0400 fm.

12 Birds captured in the nets were brought to the camp for standard measurements which included; total length, weight, tail length, tarsus length and beak. The species, number of nets and pocket level of capture were also recorded for standard mistnetting procedures (Keyes & Grue, 1982; Bub, 1991). The birds then ringed with metal ring with particular reference number and 'Sabah Parks' prior to release.

In the intervals of checking and monitoring of mist-nets, fieldcrews involved were also carrying out Point Sampling procedure as well as general observation in the vicinity of Linumunsut Lake. Point sampling procedure require a lone observer to sit quitely at a randomly selected point in the forest over a 5 minute period and observing any bird species mostly understorey birds that seen from that point (Rodgers, 1991). Birds observed recorded in terms of species, distance from observer, height from the ground and other associatednotes related to birds behaviour.

The general observation is an ad libitum procedure which require no specific regulation. This procedure intended for the production of 20 checklists of birds as recommended by MacKinnon & Phillipps (1993). This is a simple method hence usefull to estimate birds abundanceand prediction of total speciesnumber for particular site in a short period of fieldwork. To avoid confusion, scientific and vernacular names of bird used in this study are referred to Smythies (1999).

4. RESULTS & DISCUSSIONS

All in all 108 species of birds were recorded from he surrounding of Linumunsut Lake during the course of this scientific expedition. These included 8 speciesof birds which were not recorded during our previous fieldworks at Agathis Camp, Belian Camp, Camel Trophy Camp and Pakis Camp respectively. Checklist of birds with associatednotes is given in Appendix 1. Records of recent surveys in various sites as well as accumulative birds checklist of Maliau Basin Conservation area is also provided for instant comparison between sites. Total speciestally for this conservation area has reached241 species.Almost half of that number present in the surroundings ofLinumunsut Lake.

4.1 Mistnetting

Mistnetting activity was interesting and quite productive with around 14 cap~es per day. A total of 134 individuals from 40 species were ringed and released. Recaptures were made upon 27 individuals of 17 species of birds. Capture from the 3 mistnetting sites with slightly different habitat and topographical features is shown in Table 1. Capture effort or "net hours" is 1650 (3 sites x 10 mistnets (12 m x 2.6m (4 pockets) x 11 hours x 5 d3ys) (see Keyes & Grue, 1982). Capture successper unit effort is therefore 134/1650 = o.o~. All of the 3 sites are more or less caught similar number of birds. However, more ird specieswere caught from open area compared to ridge top and slope or riverine area. ost of the capture were involved adult birds (92 individuals) compared to juvenile birds (only 42 individuals). Sex ratio is biased to male with 45 birds compared to 34 female birds w¥st, sex of another 55 birds cannot be identified.

13 Table Numberof capturefrom differentrnistnetting sites

Total I 134 27 I 161 40 (*18 overlapped) (* Notes: A only- 5 spp.;B only- 4 spp.; C only- 13 spp.; AB- 3 spp.; AC- 5 spp.;BC- 6 spp.; ABC- 4 spp.)

Little spiderhunter (Arachnothera longrirostra) dominated the capture with 13 individuals. This is followed by grey-cheeked bulbul (AlophoiXlIS bres) and scaly-crowned babbler (Malacopteron cinereum) with 10 individuals respectively. Sooty-capped babbler (Malacopteron affine) captured in 7 occasions whilst, black-backed kingfisher (Ceyx erithacus), rufous-crowned babbler (Malacopteron magnum) and yellow-bellied bulbul (Alophoixus phaeocephalus) captured in 6 occasions. Each of hairy-backed bulbul (Tricholestes criniger) and yellow-breasted flowerpecker (Prionochilus macula/us) caught in 5 occasions. The other 31 species, caught less than 5 times. Sole capture involved 10 species which included Asian paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi), Bornean-blue flycatcher (Cyornis superbus), chestnut-winged babbler (Stachyris erythroptera) and rufous piculet (Sasia abnormalis). Number of capture was decreased with number of mistnetting day. The first day we managedto capture 37 birds and the number decreaseto 32, 36, 18 and only lIon the last day.

4.2 Point Sampling

Point sampling methods were conducted in various points in the vicinity of Lake Linumunsut. A total of 55 points randomly selected were done in various forest habitats. Through these points, 23 observations were made upon 65 individual of birds from 27 species. Mean observation record for each point sampling is 1.18 birds with 31 samP1ing points produce no record of any birds. Frequency of observation upon any particular spefies was relatively low. The most frequent species recorded was brown tluvetta (Alcifpe bronneicauda) with 13 birds recorded from 5 different points. This is followed by sooty- capped babbler (Malacopteron ciffine) with 10 birds from 2 points. Another 2 spepes recorded 4 individuals namely; red-eyed bulbul (Pycnonotus bronneus) and HosetieJd's babbler (Malacocincla sepiarium). The other 23 bird species were recorded less than 4 times. This shows the high diversity of birds in the area despite its poor representativ~ of every speciesobserved during the limited period of observation.

The sample size is actually very small for density calculation. Only 2 spepies recorded in more than 10 individuals. For the purpose of comparison between sites, density of these particular species were calculated on trial basis (Rodgers, 1991). The result was however quite illogical which believed due to a very small sample size (Table 2). Sooty- capped babbler (Malacopteron affine) is the highest density with 49,736 birds per sq.fan. This is followed by brown fluvetta (Alcippe brunneicauda), red-eyed bulbul (Pycnonotus brunneus), Horsefield's babbler (Malacocincla sepiarium) and spotted fantail (RhipidJIra

14 per/ala). Bird diversity was obviously high despite lack of individuals representing species in the record.

Table 2. Density estimates for 5 selectedbird speciesat Lake Linumunsut.

4.3 Twenty SpeciesChecklist

Checklisting of birds was the main activities during general observation in the vicinity of mistnetting sites. A total of 8 accumulated checklist of '20 species checklist' of birds were successfullymade during the 5 days fieldwork at Lake Linumunsut. Cumulative total number of species from these checklists is 81 species which included 23 species of birds captured in mistnets. Another 17 species of birds captured in mistnets were missing from observation. The species discovery curve is shown in Figure 1. The curve indicates that there are many more speciesnot included in the list if the time of survey prolonged. The high diversity and abundance of bird community within Linumunsut Lake is typical to pristine tropical rainforest habitats.

90 80 70 60 50 '0 40 0 z 30 20 10 0

Figure 1. Bird speciesdiscovery curve for Lake Linumunsut, Maliau Basin.

The most frequent speciesrecorded in the checklist were blue-eared barbet app~red only 5 times in the checklist. This is followed by 11 species which appeared 4 times in:the

15 accumulated checklist. The lack of frequency of observation despite the high number of speciesindicated thet more specieswill be recorded as period of observation extended.

There were 11 species recorded 4 times which included Asian paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi), black-and-yellow broadbill (Eurylaimus achromalus) and little cucoo dove (Macropygia ruficeps). Other speciesrecorded less than 4 times with a total of 41 speciesrecorded only once in the accumulated checklist. Among these specieswere rare Bomean bristlehead (pityriasis gymnocephala), gold-whiskered barbet (Megalaima chrysopogon), great argus (Argusianus argus), orange-breasted trogon (Harpactes oreskios) and spangled drongo (Dicrurus hottentottus). Three speciesof hornbills fell in this category namely; bushy-crested hornbill (Annorhinus galeritus), wreathed hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus) and white-crowned hornbill (Berenicornis comatus).

5. CONCLUSION

Birds community in the surroundings of Lake Linumunsut is diverse and abundance which is typical to the primary forest habitat of the lowland area. The existence of the lake ecosystem has created various habitats such as wetland, open area and vast forest edge in the periphery of the lake. Birds community affected by such habitats within the lake ecosystems itself. The remoteness of the area and the restricted access from nearby community from Kg. Inarad, have kept the area intact. Disturbance upon birds by villagers occasional visit to this particular place is obviously minimum. The scenic beauty of this particular wilderness area is best preserved in order to harbour not only birds community but its flora and fauna as a whole unique ecosystems.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Datuk Lamri Ali and Dr. JamiliNais for their supportand encouragements that enable our participation in this particular endeavour.Wealso indebtto Dr. Waidi SinUll and JaddaSuhaimi, Darline Lim and all colleagueinvolved in the field. We alsothanks BisehBangilon for their companionduring fieldwork providing significant help throughoutthe course of this fieldwork.

REFERENCES

Bernard, H. & P. Diun (1999). A checklist of the avifauna of Gunung Rara Forest Reserve, Tawau, Sabah,Malaysia. Sabah Parks Nature Journal, 2.: 45-58. Bub, H. (1991). Bird Trapping & Bird Banding. Cornell University Press, New York. Fowler, J. & Cohen, L. (1992). PracticaIStatisticsforFieldBi%gy. John Wiley & Sons. Noramly, G. (2000). Report on the avifauna of the Tibow area, Sapulut Forest Reserve, Sabah.Unpublished report. : Keyes, B.E. & C.E. Grue (1982). Capturing birds with mist-nets: A review. NQrth American Bird Bander, 1(1): 2-14. MacKinnon, J. & K. Phillipps (1993). A Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo, Sumatra, Jpva and Bali. Oxford University Press Inc., New York. :

16 Maryati, M., W. Sinull, A. Anton, M.N. Dalimin & A.H. Ahmad (eds.) (1998). Maliau Basin Scientific Expedition. Universiti Malaysia Sabah,Kota Kinabalu. Mikol, S.A (1980). Field Guidelines for Using Transects to Sample Nongame Bird Populations. Report for Bilogical Services, Fish & Wildlife Service, US Deparrnmt of the Interior, Washington D.C. Robson, C. (2000). A Field Guide To The Birds of Thailand and South-east Asia. Asia Books, Bangkok, Thailand. Rodgers, W.A. (1991). Techniques for Wildlife Census in India: A Field Manual. Technical Manual, Wildlife Institute of India. Sheldon, F.H., R.G. Moyle & J. Kennard (2001). Ornithology ofSabah: History, gazetteer, annotated checklist and bibloigraphy. Ornithological Monographs No. 52, Washington D.C.. Smythies, B.E. (1999). The Birds of Borneo (4th edition). Natural History Publications (Borneo), Kota Kinabalu. Yong, D., K.W. Scriven & A. Johns (1988). Birds. In: Marsh, C.W. (ed.). Expedition to Maliau Basin, Sabah, April-May 1988 : Final Report. Yayasan Sabah, Kota Kinabalu. Yong, D., M. Palanus & A. Tuuga (1998). Preliminary report on the survey of birds of the Maliau Basin. In: Maryati, M., W. SinUll, A. Anton, M.N. Dalimin & A.H. Ahmad (eds.). Maliau Basin Scientific Expedition. Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu.

17 Appendix 1

Checklist of birds recorded at Agathis Camp (AC), Belian Camp (BC), Camel Trophy Camp (CT), Pakis Camp (PC) and Lake Linumunsut (LL), Maliau Basin Conservation Area. [Notes: m- mistnetted; 0- observed; x- recorded from MBCA but not during this survey]

# Family fCommon name Sci~.tifitN~e ;N~ Anhingidae 1 Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster 0 NT(R) Ardeidae 2 Great-billed Heron iArdeasumatrana 0 NT(R) 3 Little Heron !Butonaesstriatus x Accipitridae 4 Bat Hawk ~achaeramvhusalcinus 5 BI 's Hawk Ea Ie S izaetusalboni er 0 6 Crested Se ent Ea Ie S ilornis cheela 0 Im,o~ 0 0 0 Falconidae 7 White-fronted Falconet icrohieraxIan rom 0 Nf(R), E 8 Pere .e Falcon ~~rinus 0 x Phasianidae 9 Crested Fireback 0 VU(R) 10 Bulwer's Pheasant ILoohura bulweri 0 VU(R),E -if (Crested (Wood) Partrid,ge IRoululus rouloul 0 Dr Partridge E 13 IGreat ArlF,US iArgusianusargus 0 I 0 0 0 0 ~colopacioae 114 CommonSan i er Actitis h~fJoleucos Phalaropodidae Red-neckedPhalarooe Phalaropuslobatus Columbide 1\6 Large GreenPi~eon Treron ca ellei 0 0 NT(R) Treron curvirostra 0 118 'Mountain Imperial pigeon IDucula badia 0 0 0 19 'Green Imperial Pigeon IDucula aenea 0 Dove Chalco ha s indica 1m, 0 0 im,ol ~0 ;; 21 ILittle Cuckoo Dove s 0 0 ~- 22 IR~y CuckooDove ensis 0 Psittacidae 23 Bl~e-crowned Han~11. Parrot ILoriculusgal~lus 0 0 0 0 0 24 ~Blue-~ed Parrot IPsittinuscvanurus 0 NT(R)

~lus fugax Cuculus sfJarverloides 0 ~27 IMoustachedHawk-cuckoo ~Cuculusva~~ 0 x 128 !Indian Cuckoo ,t.:uculusmicropterus Cuckoo 'Cacomantismerulinus 0 0 30 !BandedBay~~~ '(:acomantissonne~ 0 31 IRusty breasted Cuckoo sevulcralis m,o lm,Q 32 ~~!olet Cuckoo 33 !Droll,go Cuckoo ~Surniculuslu£:Ubris 0 0

18

~~~I~~~~~li7-IThic~-~~~EmeraldtllCrimson-headed29'PlaintiveICacomanhsIChryso~~~~nthorhynchus 34 IRaffies's Malkoha i?haenicophaeus chlorophaeus I 0 I 0 0 0 35 IBlack-bellied Malkoha c- iPhaenicophaeusdiardi 0 O 36 'Chestnut-breastedMalkoha - curvirostris I 0 0 0 0 37 IRed-bi~Malkoha IPhaenicoohaeus;avanicus 0 0 0 38 IGreater Coucal ILenJ!!!1JUs sm~~is 0 0 0 Strlgloae 39 Brown Wood-Owl Strix leptogrammicaPhodius 1m 0~ 40IOrioo~~ Owl badius !m,o Owl Ketuoa ketupu Podargloae ~~~~outh (1) Batrachostomusso. Caprimulgidae 43 ~v~~Ea!~ Nightjar 'EurostofJodustemminckii 0 ApodidaeWhite-bellied 44 . Swiftlet Collocalia eculenta 0 0 R H; 0 0 0 0

47 IBrown-backed needletail Hirundapus giganteus I 0 0 Hemiprocmoae 48 Grev-rumpedTreeswift ,Hemiprocnelongipennis IHemiJJrocne0 0 0 49 IWhiskered Treeswift comata 0 0 0 () 50 ILittle Swiftlet IApus affinis 0 0 Trogonidae!Diard's 51 Trogon IHaroactesdiardii 0 0 52 jScarlet-RumDed Trogon Haroactesduvaucelii In, OlIn, 0' 0 ,m,o 0 53 IRed-naoed Trogon IHarlJactes kdsumba m,OI ° 54 IOran.ge-breasted Tro.gon Haroactesoreskios 0 0 Tro~on Haroactesorrovhaeus 0 0 0

156 Kingfisher In, 157 IBlue-banded KingtIsner ~o 58 IBlue-eared Kin.gfisher 59_I~Q~~ing:fisher 60 ,Rufous-collared Kinghsne~ Ius 61-)Black-backed Kin.gfisher 62 IRufous-backed Kinghs~~ Ceyxrufidorsus

63 Bee-e~ amictus 0 0 0 0 0 Bucerotidae 164 White-crowned Hombill Berenicorniscomatus 0 0 0 2 165IWreaili~ombill IRhy~~s undulatus 0 0 0 0 -" 66 IBushy~r~d Hombill Anorrhinus .1!.a!~us 0 0 0 0" 67 'Black Hombill Anthracoceros malava!:z~s- 0 0 68 !Pied Hombill IAnthracocerosalbi rostris x 69 IHelmeted Hombill IBuceros vi.f!.i!- 0 0 0 0 *(R) Hombill ~Bucerosrhinoceros 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 001 0 0 0 , E 73 IBomean Barbet lMe£:alalma~mia

19

~~I~ffy~ish~1~al!lOn-rumDedAlcedinidae!MeropioaeiRed-beardedINycfyomis70~R11inocerosI'Phaen!£!!~eus !!~ded 0 0 0 lMe1!alaimamystacoohanos ~ 175 IBlue-eared Barbet lMegalaimaaustra/is 0 0 0 0 0 Barbet 1M~~qlaima chrysoDo~on 0 0 0 0 177 IMountain BarbetI lMegalaimamonticola E,X ~ IRed=~ ~bet ra~ 0 0 0 0

179 Indicator archivelavcus 0

180 Mulleripictus pulverulentus 0 0 0 0 IWhite-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis 0 0 Dendrocopos canicapillus~~~~~~~= 0 0 0 ' 0

84 ICommon Flarneback :~~~--- Ig~n~pi~m0 0 jav~ne~e I 85 IMaroon Woodoecker Blythipicus rubiginosus 0 rn,O-,m,o0 m 0~ 86 IRufous Piculet Sasia abnormis m,O m m mo~ 87 I Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus ~I~~=;~w oodpeckerFicus uniceus 0 0 89 'Checker-throated WoQqpecker icus mentalis x 90 'Grev-and-buffWoodoecker iHemicircus concr~!!:ls 0 0 I 0 0 0 Q'\ 0 I 0 !Eurylaimloae m,OI 0 0 ~ j~eenBroadbill ICalVlJtomenaviridis -~ 95 IBlack-and-vellow ~!:Q~l- ochromalus 0 0 0 96 IBanded Broadbill I~urylalmus jgvanicus m ICorydon sumatranus x 198 IBlack-and-red Broadbill lC:vmbirhvn~~;:Orhynchus I 0 0 0 Pittidae 199 Blue-bandedPitta Pitta arquata 1_-,:::,:- 100I Giant Pitta Pitta caerulea Nf(R), x 101'Blue-headed Pitta Nf(R), E, Pitta baudi x lo2jBandedPitta 0

103 IHirundo tahi~~ 0 0 0 0 Motacillidae 104 ~yWa,gtail Motacilla cinerea 0 0 0 0

1105 0 0 0 2 Fly~tcher-Shrike Hemivushirundinaceus 0 0 0 Wood-Shrike J~~~is gularis 0 1081 Le~s~kooshrike I Coracinatl!!!!!!jata x 109I Sunda Cukooshrike )Coracina larvata 0 - ~~ellied Cuckoo-shrike striata .0 111\Scarlet M~~ IPericocotusflammeus 0 0 0

ILaniidae 1112 Tiger Shrike Lanius~J!~ 0 Chloropseidae 1131GreenIora Ae~t~viridissima 0 0 0 1141CommonIora Aef!jthina tiphia 0 0 0

20

*~lf~~~1~1~~a!~~J!~rbetI:.97_l~~~bil1[76IGold-whiskered~1!.alajmaICoracina'IO6lBlack-wingedTO7ILar~e181~1!j;JJrylaimusI 115Lesser Green Leafbird Chloro sis uno 0 on 0 0 0 0 0 116Blue-win ed Leafbird Chloro sis cochinchinensis 0 117Greater Green Leafbird Chloro sis sonnerali 0 0 0 118Asian Fai Bluebird Irena uella 0 0 In,O 0 Pycnonotidae 119Black-and-white Bulbul cos m, 0 0 120Gre -bellied Bulbul ris 0 m, 0 m 0 121Puff-backed Bulbul 0 m, 0 m 122Cream-vented Bulbul m, 0 m, 0 In, 0 m,o 0 123Red-e ed Bulbul m, 0 0 m 0 124Olive-win ed Bulbul m, 0 m 125S ectacled Bulbul halmos m, 0 m m,o 126Straw-headed Bulbul s 0 127Black-headed Bulbul m, 0 0 0 0 128Yellow-vented Bulbul In, 0 In,O 129Scal -breasted bulbul s 0 130Ochraceous Bulbul In, 0 0 m, 0 131Gre -cheekedBulbul m,o m,O m,o m,o 132Yellow-bellied Bulbul halus In, 0 In, 0 m m,o 133Hai -backed Bulbul m, 0 m, 0 m m,o 134Buff-vented Bulbul 10 e 0 ivacea In, 0 135Streaked Bulbul Ixos ensis 0 136Ash Bulbul Hemi ala 0 137Finch's Bulbul Crini chii 0 0 Turdidae 138White-browed Shortwin Br na x 139Rufous-tailed Shama]; 0 m, 0 In, 0 m 140Ma ie Robin COO 0 141White-crowned Shama C dii m, 0 m, 0 m m,o 142White-crowned Forktail Enicurus e aulli m,o m,o 143Chestnut-na ed Forktail Enicurus 'llus 0 m m,o 144Siberian Blue Robin Erithacus c m, 0 m m 145Chestnut-ca ed Thrush Zoothera ism Timaliidae 146Black-ca ed Babbler Pellorneum. 0 0 m 147Temminck's Babbler Pellorneum ~ x 148White-chested Babbler Trichastoma rostratum 0 m,o m,o 0 NT(R) 149Ferro incus Babbler Trichastoma bicolor m, 0 m, 0 0 m 0 NT(R) 150Horsfield's Babbler 'um m 0 151Short-tailed Babbler ensis 0 m, 0 m m,o 152Flu -backed Tit-Babbler m, 0 In, 0 m 153Stri ed Tit-Babbler In, 0 In, 0 m,o 0 154Rufous-crowned Babbler s m, 0 m, 0 m,o m,o 155Scal -crowned Babbler um In, 0 In, 0 In, 0 m m,o 156Moustached Babbler "rostre m 157Soot -ca ed Babbler m, 0 In, 0 m,o 158Chestnut-backed Scimitar Babler Pomator inus montanus m,o m, 0 m, 0 m 0 159Stri ed Wren Babbler Ke In, 0 0 0 160E ebrowed Wren Babbler Na dota x 161Gre -throated Babbler St sIn,O m

21 162jGrev-headedBabbler 1 ffi. 01 1 m.O 163IChestnut-fUInDed Babbler 1 I m 1m, 01 I m 1m 164I Rufous-fronted Babbler .]~ IStachyris rufifrons I 165I Chestnut-winged Babbler IStachvriservthrootera--1 ~.' 1m,m.o 01m, 0 166Black k Lau.ghin.gtl1rushLau rush IGarruiaxGarrulax luJ!.Ubrislu 167Sunda Lau rush Garrul valliatus I I I I r..J x 1681Chestnut -capped Laughingthrush Garrulax mitratus 169lWhite-browedShrike Babbler Peteruthius - ,170Brown Fulvetta brunneicauda 0 m,o n),O i171Chestnut-crested Yuhma Yuhina everetti 0 0 0 1172White-bellied Yuhina Yuhinazantholeuca 0 0 Pardalotidae 1173 t-::-~ Flveater Gerogynesulvhurea

I 177 I Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopussuperciliaris 1m, 0 Tailorb~ Orthotomus atro1!Ularis 0 0 0

0

Muscic~vadauurica 0 0 0 0 189Gre catcher Muscicapa?ris~isticta 0 190 Ve r I!j:u~vias thalassina 0 0 ~ ~di~o Flvcatc er indig~ """'"0 m E m NT(R)

Flycatcher jCyornis unicolor 0 1197IMalaysi~~~y~atcher ICyornis turco~~ I I~ mo I [198jSnowy-browed Flyc~ IFicedulahyperythra 0

Dicaeidae '206 Scarlet-breastedFlowerpe~ Prionochilus thoracicus 0

22

~ID~rk-::n~d~A/civveEu~yias196~-blue~Im,ojStaCJIStacJax ..

207Yellow- cker Prlonochilus xantho 'US m, 0 m, 0 0 m,o m,O E 208 Yellow-br ecker Prlonochilus maculatus m, 0 m, 0 m, 0 m m,o 209 Crimson-breast owe kef Prlonochilus ercussus 0 210Yellow-vented Flo kef Dicaeum ch ~orrheum 0 211 Black-sided Flowe er Dicaeum monticolum 0 212 Scarlet-backed FI ecker Dicaeum cruentatum x c 213 Oran e-bellied FI ecker Dicaeum tri onosti ma m, 0 0 m '"

Nectariniidae I' 214 Pu ed Sunbird H 0 amma h 0 ammicum m, 0 m, 0 m, 0 m m,o ~:" 215 Crimson Sunbird 0 0 0 0 c 216Temminck's Sunbird m,o 0 0 I 217 Plain Sunbird m,o m,o m,o m,o 218 Rub -cheeked Sunbird 0 0 219 PI in- r .0 0 220 m, 0 m, 0 m, 0 m,O m,o 221 er 's x 222 r 0 223 roo 0 0 224 ter ~ 0 225 ter 0

226 e Zoster.. 0 or 227 Oculoc ns 0 0 E Sturnidae 228 Hill M a Gracula reli 'osa 0 0 0 0 Cracticidae 229 Bomean Bristlehead Pi halo 0 0 0 NT(R),E Passeridae 230 Eurasian Tree S arrow Passer montanus 0 Estrildidae 231Dus Munia Lonchura scans m, 0 m,o 0 m,O 0 Dicruridae 232 Dicrurus leuco haeus 0 233 Dicrurus aeneus 0 234 Dicrurus hottentottus 0 "~! 235 0 Dicrurus aradiseus 0 0 0 0 riolidae ~.'!f:" 236 Dark-throated Oriole Orlolus xanthornus 0 0 0 0 ic'."C~ C Corvidae 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NT(R) 0 0 0 x

0 118 122 85 127 108

23