Low Number Of Non-Volant Small Mammals At Nunuk-Marai Parai, Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia

Abstract

The population of small mammals in Malaysia exhibits significant variation. These creatures fulfil crucial functions within diverse ecosystems, contributing to the preservation of forest environments and the overall health of landscapes. Additionally, they play a vital role in local food chains, participating in prey-predator interactions that have a direct impact on their distribution and overall diversity. The objective of this investigation is to meticulously observe and document the non-flying mammal species that inhabit Nunuk-Marai Parai. The collection of samples was conducted over a span of seven days, employing a total of 20 cage traps and 20 pitfalls to effectively capture the small mammals. The identification of species was carried out by examining morphological characteristics, such as measuring body size, observing fur colour, and assessing tail shape. During the study, a total of six non-volant small mammals were captured. These included one species of tree shrew, Tupaia gracilis, and three species of rats namely Leopoldamys sabanus, Maxomys surifer, and Maxomys ochraceiventer. Furthermore, no shrews were captured during the duration of the study. The trapping success was found to be low, with a limited number of individuals captured during the designated sampling period. Enhancing the level of sampling effort could potentially enhance the probability of successfully capturing the animals in question. This study can serve as a valuable resource for future revisions of conservation and sustainable management plans in this specific area.