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Teluk Kalung, Malaysia Mammals Malaysia has a rich mammalian fauna with over 260 species recorded.
Some of these however, such as the Orang-utan (Pongo pygmaes) and
Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus) do not occur in Peninsula Malaysia.
The majority of the species are bats As in many areas of the world the larger species in particular are very much under threat from habitat loss and in Malaysia mammals such Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus), Sumatran Rhinoceros (Didermocerus sumatrensis) and Tiger (Panthera tigris) are of major conservation concern. Other species like macaque monkeys and Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) that have adapted to the presence of humans and can live in quite small patches of forest are still widespread. Mammals Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) is a widespread species in South-east Asia and inhabits all suitable habitats even urban areas such as the Botanical Gardens in Kula Lumpur. Nevertheless like all other non-human primates the Long-tailed Macaque has declined in Malaysia with an estimated reduction of >23% in its total population between 1957-1975 (Khan 1986). These monkeys often inhabit coastal forests and mangrove swamps. They frequently feed along the shoreline eating crabs and other crustaceans, hence their alternative name of Crab-eating Macaque. On the Tioxide property small groups of macaques are frequently present in the forests adjacent to Tiger Bay. In September 2000 long-tailed Macaques in the Tiger Bay forests were seen feeding on wild fig and searching the rocks adjacent to the company’s wastewater outfall for invertebrates. Silvered Leaf Monkey (Presbytis cristata) - small group of these monkeys was recorded at the confluence of the Sungai Chukai and the Sungai Ibok during the original EIA investigation prior to the construction of the Tioxide plant (EIA, ND). According to Harrison (1974) however, this species is only found on the west- coast of Malaysia between Penang and Malacca. Its occurrence in the area around the Tioxide site therefore needs to be confirmed1. As with the macaque, Silvered Leaf Monkey populations have also declined by more than 42% mainly as a result of deforestation (Kahn 1986). Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) is a common animal in Malaysia and is frequently found around the Tioxide property. Tract of this animal are frequent in the forested area around Tiger Bay. Formerly Wild Boar also occurred on the production site area and at times animals might still visit the site. Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis) is the commonest small cat in Malaysia. Local workers refer to “Tiger Cat” frequenting the areas adjacent to the works, especially around the Tiger Bay forests. Tracks have also been found on woodland trails in this area. It is probable that this “Tiger Cat” is the Leopard Cat, however, the reports could refer to Common Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) that is also sometimes called the Toddy Cat. Additional work is required to confirm these records. A careful examination of clear footprints would probably be sufficient. It is quite possible that both the Leopard Cat and the Common Palm Civet both occur. Tiger (Panthera tigris) has a huge range with various races occurring from southeast Asia throughout China and the Indian sub-continent north to Siberia and west to the Caspian Sea. Over this vast geographic range all Tiger sub-species are rare and endangered and some races such as the Caspian and Bali Tigers are almost certainly extinct. The race Panthera tigris corbetti still occurs in Peninsula Malaysia mainly in forest reserves but is nowhere common. Occasionally Tigers wander outside of their normal home range and habitat and can live close to human settlements. In the past Tigers have been reported from the Chukai area and two animals were unfortunately killed in Kemaman in the late 1970s (Khan 1986). Apart from some tracks, seen in the Tiger Bay area during the construction of the Tioxide plant, that could have been made by Tiger there were no further reports until 2001. At that time there were positive reports that a Tiger, almost certainly a young animal, was visiting the company properties at Teluk Kalung (G. Best pers. com.). Hairy-nosed Otter (Lutra sumatrana) is the otter species most associated with coastal waters in Malaysia. Three otters watched around the Tioxide wastewater discharge pipe at Tiger Bay in September 2000 were large animals with broad heads and were almost certainly this species. In the past otters have been recorded by other observers in the mouth of the Sungai Chukai. These too could have been Hairy-nosed Otters, but Small Clawed Otter (Amblonyx cinerea) and Smooth Otter (Lutra perspicillata) must also be considered as possibilities. More information on the otter species around the Tioxide is required. Otters are vulnerable to habitat change and deterioration of water quality and all species are of conservation concern. Malayan Pangolin (Manis javanica) – a dead animal (road kill) was found in March 1992. Pangolins are widespread but nowhere common. They are nocturnal or at least crepuscular and not often observed. Overall populations are therefore difficult to estimate. Plantain Squirrel (Callosciurus notatus) – this is the common squirrel of lowland forests, plantations and gardens in Malaysia. This is the only species of squirrel as yet recorded around the Tioxide site although many species are known from Malaysia. Further surveys will probably find additional species especially in the forested areas around Tiger Bay. Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) – dolphins recorded by G Best off Tiger Bay in September 2001 were probably Common Dolphins, although several species of dolphin and small whale are found in Malaysian waters. 1 A commoner and more widespread species is the Banded Leaf Monkey (Presbytis melolophos). This is a variable species and could possibly be confused with Silvered Leaf Monkey. |
