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Journal of Science and Technology in the Tropics (2010) 6: 23-30
The mammal fauna of Pulau Singa Besar, Langkawi, Kedah,
Peninsular Malaysia
Lim Boo Liat1 , Norhayati Ahmad2,3 , O. Noor Alif Wira4 , Shahrul Anuar Md. Sah5 1Jalan Koop Cuepacs 3 E, Taman Cuepacs, 43200 Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia
2School of Environment and Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology,
University Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
3Institute for Environment & Development (LESTARI) , Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia,
43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
4Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Penang, Malaysia
5Department of Biological Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
(Email: chizlim54@yahoo.com)
Abstract Studies on the mammal fauna of Pulau Singa Besar, Langkawi were carried out during 2001
and 2002. A total of 51 species – 21 non volant and 30 volant species – from past and recent studies were
recorded. Two species, the Smooth otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) and Indian False vampire (Megaderma
lyra) are new records for the Langkawi Archipelago. The species diversity between the non volant and volant
mammals is discussed.
Keywords mammals – Malaysia – bats – diversity – island
INTRODUCTION
Pulau Singar Besar, Langkawi is one of the 104 islands
in the Langkawi Island archipelago. It is a permanent
forest reserve, uninhabited, and was established as a
bird and animal sanctuary in 1990. The island consists
of various pristine forest types, such as dipterocarp
lowland tropical forest, mangrove coastal forest, and
sandy beach forest. In terms of the mammal fauna,
the island has been known for the high density of
mousedeer (Tragulus kanchil, T. napu), wildboar
(Sus scrofa), and Long-tailed macaque (Macaca
fascicularis).
Not much was known of its mammal species
diversity until the late 1980s. A survey was carried out
on the vertebrate fauna and 17 species of mammals
were recorded [1]. After a lapse of 10 years, more
comprehensive studies on the vertebrate fauna
(amphibian and reptile, mammal, bird) were carried
out at different periods of 8–10 days each in 2001
and 2002 under the purview of the Department of
Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP). We report here
the results of the 47 mammal species.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Pulau Singa Besar is located south of the main
Langkawi island, wedged in between the small island
of Pulau Beras Basah on the west and the larger
island of Pulau Dayang Bunting on the east (Fig.
1). The island is 11.3 km 2 in area, reaches 270 m in
elevation and is nearly entirely covered by pristine
dipterocarp forest. The island is traversed by steep
valleys drained by seasonal streams. Limestone
outcrops are prominent on the north-eastern part of
the island. Caves of varying depths and widths occur
in this limestone area. There are three clear water
streams that flow to the east of the island, Sg. Boton
and Sg. Pantai, while Sg. Sepai flows to the northern
coast.
The island, as in the Kadawi region, experiences
dry periods between December-April. During the
north-east monsoon, the island is exposed to torrential
rain and storms. Day temperature varies from 27°C
under shade and 37ºC in the open on the beach. Night
temperature is around 24–27°C. It is hot and humid
most of the time [1].
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Journal of Science and Technology in the Tropics (2009) 5: 111-116