Ficld Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Modes of Assessment

For exchange students TAs assessment = 20 Quiz = 20 Project presentation =60

For NUS students Local fieldtrip guiding =10 Quiz =10 T As assessment =10 Project presentation =30 Project written report =40

Oral presentation format 15 minutes presentation 10 minutes Question amp Answer session

Presentations will be marked based on the following criteria bull Timing Did the talk stick to the allotted time bull Introduction Clear introduction to the topic and the study bull Materials and Methods How the work was conducted and why

it was done that way bull Results Appropriate analysis conducted correctly bull Discussion Good interpretation of results as well as

comparison to other studies bull Q and A How well were the questions answered bull Overall How effective was the presentation

Format of written report Each report should be submitted as a hardcopy printed 15-spaced and single-sided on A4 paper and organized into the following sections

0 Abstract 0 Introduction 0 Material and methods 0 Results 0 Discussion 0 Reference list

Word limits and deadline maximum 2000 words (excluding references) All written reports should be submitted to Miss Xu Weiting at Block S2 level 4 room 01 (students room) by 5pm on Wed 27 July 2011 Late submissions will be penalized (10 deduction per day past deadline)

6

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

June to July 2005 For the latter the long dry spell from 20 Jan to 31 Mar 2005 may have had an effect on inducing flowering

GROWTH CYCLE OF THE FOREST It is impossible to understand the structure of the rain forest

without understanding the forest growth cycle Trees are not immortal and when a giant tree dies it creates a gap in the canopy How large a gap depends on whether it decays standing upright or falls full length and whether it knocks or pulls down neighbouring trees in the process Tree-fall gaps are filled mainly by those seedlings and saplings which survive Eventually one or more trees restore the canopy The whole forest can be seen as a mosaic of patches at different stages in this growth cycle

The canopy is in a continuous state of flux because trees die When a large tree dies its crown slowly dies back then the limbs and trunk slowly disintegrate and eventually fall If there are climbers growing on that tree the tree fall can create a large gap in the canopy as in falling the climbers pull down the neighbouring trees upon which they are also climbing Trees may also die suddenly by lightning strike or be blown down by strong winds Seedlings in the gap start growing because the light levels increase and pioneers invade Later climax species establish themselves below the pioneers which cannot reestablish themselves as their seedlings require high light intensities Ultimately when the climax species reach full size the canopy has reached its mature phase Thus there are four phases of the canopy 1 Gap - Caused by tree falls large or small area no canopy top

so high light intensities lower relative humidity hotter and with drier soil climax tree seedlings and pioneer species (the latter in bigger gaps) Large gaps will have characteristics of secondary forest on undegraded soil

2 Building - Regrowth has started and is in mid-phase canopy top has formed so lower light intensity below more humid cooler and with moister soil young climax tree species and mature pioneer tree species

3 Mature - Trees reach their full sizes canopy top is very well developed so very low light intensity below most humid coolest and with moistest soil climax species only ie emergent and main canopy top species dominate with pioneer species absent

4 Degenerate - Trees have begun to die with disintegration of limbs and trunk canopy top is less well developed than mature

12

Field Studies in Biodiyersity 120 I I

phase so slightly more light less humid slightly warmer and with slightly drier soil dying emergent and main canopy top species

Plants to Note

SINo Species Family Common Name

Synusia Taxonomic Group

Habitat

1 Agrostistachys longifolia

Euphorbiaceae jenjulong treelet dicotyledon primary forest understorey

2 Alstonia angusliloba

Apocynaceae pulai tree dicotyledon secondary forest main canopy or emergent secondary and primary forest main canopy or emergent secondary forest subcanopy tree or open areas exotic weed of primary and seoondary forest trails and gaps

I

3 Campnosperma auriculatum

Anacardiaceae terentang tree dicotyledon

4 Caryota mitis Arecaceae (Formerly Palmaceae)

fish tail palm

tree monocotyledon

5 Clidemia hirta Melastomataceae hairy clidemia

herb dicotyledon

6 Shorea curtisii Dipterocarpaceae seraya tree dicotyledon primary forest emergent

7 Strebus eongatus

Moraceae tempinis tree dicotyledon secondary forest or open areas

8 Tacca integrifolia

Taccaceae bat lily herb monocotyledon primary forest understorey

9 Tectaria singaporeana

Dryopteridaceae paku todak

herb fern primary forest understorey

13

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 20 11

TALL SECONDARY FOREST

Secondary forest is forest which replaces cleared primary forest by a process called succession In Singapore secondary forest consists of those which grow in sites with undegraded soil (trema belukar) and those with degraded soil (adinandra belukar) The word belukar is Malay for secondary forest With time both forest types tend to grow into tall secondary forest and are similar at least in structure although diversity for that formed from the latter tends to be lower unless the adinandra belukar site is close enough to seed sources of primary forest species Tall secondary forest whether developing in trema or adinandra belukar sites if close enough to seed sources for prj mary forest species will ultimately develop into forest that is indistinguishable from primary forest so completing the succession

Tall secondary forest in the earlier stages tends to look very uniform in terms of the trunk diameters This is to be expected as all the original trees were cut and the trees replacing them all started growing at about the same time The species also tend to be rather characteristic so the physiognomy and species composition can give us valuable clues as to the forest type

Most tall secondary forest in Singapore is found in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve surrounding the Seletar Peirce and MacRitchie Reservoirs with some in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve The original pioneer species which invaded the bare ground as a result of clear fell ing of the forest will be shaded out after 40 to 70 years This can be seen from the few individuals remaining of Adinandra dumosai (tiup tiup) and other species In tall secondary forest Rhodamnia cinerea (silver back) tends to dominate initially being a species which is also found in adinandra belukar It can do this because its seedlings are more shade tolerant than the others in adinandra belUkar Other prominent species include Calophyllum species (bintangor) Garcinia parvifolia (wild kandis) Cyathocalyx and Xylopia species (custard apple family Annonaceae) Lindera lucida and Litsea species (laurel family Lauraceae) and Porterandia anisophyllea and Timonius wallichianus (coffee family Rubiaceae) Locally abundant will be species of Elaeocarpus (oil fruit) Archidendron clyperia (grasshopper tree) and Macaranga species (mahang)

With further development the area becomes more enriched with species particularly if it is surrounded by primary forest which provides many seed sources to disperse to the area via dispersers such

14

r ield Studies in Biodiversit 12011

as birds bats and wind More species of the Annonaceae Burseraceae Euphorbiaceae (rubber family) Lauraceae and Myristicaceae (nutmeg family) make their appearance Syzygium species (kelat) also become more common As an emergent species Campnosperma auricula tum (terentang) is common Species of Alstonia (pula) Ixonanthes icosandra (twenty men tree) and Ixonanthes retiulata (ten men tree) are locally common in the main canopy or as emergents Palm species include Caryota mitis (fish tail palm) from the earlier stages some rattans (Calamus species) and the clustering palm bayas (Oncosperma horridum) In the undergrowth is the treelet Anisophyllea disticha (Ieechwood) and woody climbers like Rourea species This is the most advanced stage of tall secondary forest found in Singapore and cannot be classified as many primary forest species are absent the most notable being the members of the Dipterocarpaceae possibly because the soils are too poor andor the microclimates too dry and hot for the more sensitive primary forest species

Tall Secondary Forest Plants Vou Should Be Able to Recognize

SINo Species Family Common Name

Synusia Taxonomic Group

Habitat I

1 Smilax bracteata

Smilacaceae bearded smilax

climber monocotyledon secondary forest

2 Rhodamnia cinerea

Myrtaceae silver back

tree dicotyledon secondary forest

3 Pnmus polystachyus

Rosaceae bat laurel tree dicotyledon secondary forest

4 Calophylum species

Guttiferae bintangor tree dicotyledon secondary

forest 5 Syzygium

species Myrtaceae kelat tree dicotyledon ~r~dary I

REFERENCES

Chin SC RT Corlett VC Wee and SV Geh (editors) 1995 Rain forest in the city Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Singapore The Gardens Bulletin Singapore Supplement NO3 168 pp

Richards PW 1996 The tropical rain forest 2nd edition Cambridge University Press Cambridge 575 pp

Wee VC and RT Corlett 1986 The city and the forest plant life in urban Singapore Singapore University Press Singapore 186 pp

2ndWhitmore TC 1998 An introduction to tropical rain forests edition Oxford University Press Oxford 282 pp

15

Field Studies in Biodi versity I 2011

Field Trip to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve The Mangrove Ecosystem

8 July 2011

OBJECTIVES o Learn characteristics of a mangrove ecosystem o Observe the diversity of its constituent flora and fauna

HABITAT - Inter-tidal tropical forest community with interacting populations of

terrestrial aquatic and amphibious plants and animals - Protectedsheltered coastlines and river estuaries low energy

environment - Periodic immersion by seawater leading to great fluctuation in salinity - Soft muddy and waterlogged anoxic soil Hydrogen sulphide (rotten

egg smell) from deep black anoxic mud a by-product of anaerobic respiration by sulphur-reducing bacteria

- Low plant species diversity due to harsh environmental conditions (50-60 spp of mangrove plants in the world)

- Zonation based on topography divided into 4 areas sand bar main forest mud lobster mound and pool system and back-mangrove

Bridge across Sungei Buloh Besar at SBWR 16

Field Studio in Biodiversitv 120 II

MANGROVE ORGANISMS

Listed below are some common mangrove organisms that you are likely to encounter during your trip to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Mangrove Fungi SINo i Species Family Common Description

Name 1 I Lentinus spp Polyporaceae Gregarious leathery fungi that have the

typical mushroom fruiting bodies

2 I Ganoderma Polyporaceae IBracket consisting of a stalk and acap Bracket fungi with many pores

spp fungus underneath fruiting bodies through which spores are discharged and dispersed via the wind

Mangrove Algae SINo Family Common Description

Name Species

-1 Ghaetomorpha Cladophoraceae Common green algae filamentous gracilis forms loose balls that gets caught

between roots of mangrove plants 2 Gatenela sp Rhabdoniaceae Red algae with branching thallus

constricted into segments -

Mangrove Plants Ferns SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1 Acrostichum aureum

Pteridaceae piai raya True mangrove fern pinnate leaves leaves red when young fertile leaflets at the tip covered with red-brown sporangia more common on landward side of mangroves

2 Acrostichum speciosum

Pteridaceae piai lasu Another true mangrove fern as above but leaves brownish-green when young more common on seaward side of mangroves

Flowering Plants SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1

-

Acanthus spp

-shy --

Acanthaceae

- - -

sea holly jeruju

- -

Herbaceous shrubs distinct leaf shape (like Holly) deeply lobed with sharp spines at each lobe tip flowers in spikes at branch tips

17

Field Srudis in Biodiversitv I 20 11

2 Avicennia spp

Verbenaceae apimiddotapi Buttress rool and pencilmiddotlike stilt pneumatophore leaves opposite eggmiddot shaped hairy under surface fruit flattened elongated and ellipsoid

3 Bruguiera spp

Rhizophoraceae bakau Buttress root and kneed pneumatophore leaves opposite leathery bark with numerous orange lenticels seedling hypocotyls pencil or cigarmiddotlike

4 Derris trifoliata

Fabaceae Common derris

Climber with pinnate leaves of 3 5 or 7 leaflets inflorescence is small with peamiddotlike flowers

5 Excoecaria agalocha

Euphorbiaceae buta buta Abundant corrosive latex often multimiddot stemmed and associated with mud lobster mounds spreading surface roots leaves alternate

6 Taipariti tiliaceum

Malvaceae Sea hibiscus

Small tree leaves spirally arranged leaves are heartmiddotshaped with a pointed tip flowers are bright yellow fading to dull orange with a maroon centre more common towards landward side

7 Nypa fruticans

Arecaceae nipah Only true mangrove palm Common and are found in areas of low salinities and calm water long featherlike fronds up to 9m forming a rosette at each branch ti~

8 Rhizophora spp

Rhizophoraceae bakau Branched prop or stilt pneumatophore leaves opposite elliptical under surface with black dots seedling hypocotyls with warty pointed tip

9 Sonneratia spp

Lylhraceae perepat (S alba)

Conicalmiddotshape still pneumatophore leaves opposite fruit pearmiddotshaped

10 Xylocarpus spp

Meliaceae nyireh Buttress roots leaves opposite fruit grapefruit to pomelomiddotsize woody capsule

Mangrove Animals SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1 Oysdercus decussates

pyrrhocoridae cottonmiddot stainer bug

Often gregarious under a leaf feeds only on the seeds of Talipariti tifiaceum

2 Aucha velans Noctuidae tidemiddot watching mangrove moth

Found on Avicennia spp common name derived from apparent favourable perching stance -looking downwards on a tree trunk as if watching the tide

3 llyogynis microcheirum

Cam ptandriidae silt crab Small inconspicuous crabs often found on the mud surface or under debris

18

FieJd Studies in l3iodiversil1 20 11

Introduction to Paya Bay and Accommodation

Paya Bay is a small bay on the western side of P Tioman There are a few resorts along the shore and a small village We will be staying at Paya Beach Resort (httpwwwpayabeachcomindexhtml) All rooms are air-conditioned with attached toilet and shower Two to three students wHI be allocated to each room Three main meals (breakfast lunch and dinner) will be provided

Breakfast - 7am to 930am Lunch - 1130am to 130pm Dinner - 7pm to 830pm Note there will be daily aher-dinner meetingsactivities at B30pm

Fresh drinking water is available throughout the day from a dispenser placed in the dining area Tap water is not potable so please ensure that you drink bottled water or obtain drinking water from the dispenser Soft drinks and snacks at own cost (SGD 1 - RM 24) Towels will be provided by the resort however bring your own toiletries There are shops that sell snacks and a few small restaurants at this bay Please note that there are no ATMs here Cash (Malaysian Ringgit) is the preferred mode of transaction Internet connection is available at Paya Beach Resort Mobile phone coverage is present but intermittent You can use landline telephones at the resort or at one or two of the nearby shops Paya Beach Resort

Wildlife around the bay Paya Bay and the area around it are rich in biodiversity so please watch where you step and what you touch If you are Hfting rocks to look at the animals under them please ensure that you return the rock to its original position gently The organisms found under a rock can usually only survive under shady conditions and will not survive well if exposed Observe animals quietly to ensure that you are observing their natural behaviour Try not to disturb them as this will only cause them to hide

23

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

June to July 2005 For the latter the long dry spell from 20 Jan to 31 Mar 2005 may have had an effect on inducing flowering

GROWTH CYCLE OF THE FOREST It is impossible to understand the structure of the rain forest

without understanding the forest growth cycle Trees are not immortal and when a giant tree dies it creates a gap in the canopy How large a gap depends on whether it decays standing upright or falls full length and whether it knocks or pulls down neighbouring trees in the process Tree-fall gaps are filled mainly by those seedlings and saplings which survive Eventually one or more trees restore the canopy The whole forest can be seen as a mosaic of patches at different stages in this growth cycle

The canopy is in a continuous state of flux because trees die When a large tree dies its crown slowly dies back then the limbs and trunk slowly disintegrate and eventually fall If there are climbers growing on that tree the tree fall can create a large gap in the canopy as in falling the climbers pull down the neighbouring trees upon which they are also climbing Trees may also die suddenly by lightning strike or be blown down by strong winds Seedlings in the gap start growing because the light levels increase and pioneers invade Later climax species establish themselves below the pioneers which cannot reestablish themselves as their seedlings require high light intensities Ultimately when the climax species reach full size the canopy has reached its mature phase Thus there are four phases of the canopy 1 Gap - Caused by tree falls large or small area no canopy top

so high light intensities lower relative humidity hotter and with drier soil climax tree seedlings and pioneer species (the latter in bigger gaps) Large gaps will have characteristics of secondary forest on undegraded soil

2 Building - Regrowth has started and is in mid-phase canopy top has formed so lower light intensity below more humid cooler and with moister soil young climax tree species and mature pioneer tree species

3 Mature - Trees reach their full sizes canopy top is very well developed so very low light intensity below most humid coolest and with moistest soil climax species only ie emergent and main canopy top species dominate with pioneer species absent

4 Degenerate - Trees have begun to die with disintegration of limbs and trunk canopy top is less well developed than mature

12

Field Studies in Biodiyersity 120 I I

phase so slightly more light less humid slightly warmer and with slightly drier soil dying emergent and main canopy top species

Plants to Note

SINo Species Family Common Name

Synusia Taxonomic Group

Habitat

1 Agrostistachys longifolia

Euphorbiaceae jenjulong treelet dicotyledon primary forest understorey

2 Alstonia angusliloba

Apocynaceae pulai tree dicotyledon secondary forest main canopy or emergent secondary and primary forest main canopy or emergent secondary forest subcanopy tree or open areas exotic weed of primary and seoondary forest trails and gaps

I

3 Campnosperma auriculatum

Anacardiaceae terentang tree dicotyledon

4 Caryota mitis Arecaceae (Formerly Palmaceae)

fish tail palm

tree monocotyledon

5 Clidemia hirta Melastomataceae hairy clidemia

herb dicotyledon

6 Shorea curtisii Dipterocarpaceae seraya tree dicotyledon primary forest emergent

7 Strebus eongatus

Moraceae tempinis tree dicotyledon secondary forest or open areas

8 Tacca integrifolia

Taccaceae bat lily herb monocotyledon primary forest understorey

9 Tectaria singaporeana

Dryopteridaceae paku todak

herb fern primary forest understorey

13

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 20 11

TALL SECONDARY FOREST

Secondary forest is forest which replaces cleared primary forest by a process called succession In Singapore secondary forest consists of those which grow in sites with undegraded soil (trema belukar) and those with degraded soil (adinandra belukar) The word belukar is Malay for secondary forest With time both forest types tend to grow into tall secondary forest and are similar at least in structure although diversity for that formed from the latter tends to be lower unless the adinandra belukar site is close enough to seed sources of primary forest species Tall secondary forest whether developing in trema or adinandra belukar sites if close enough to seed sources for prj mary forest species will ultimately develop into forest that is indistinguishable from primary forest so completing the succession

Tall secondary forest in the earlier stages tends to look very uniform in terms of the trunk diameters This is to be expected as all the original trees were cut and the trees replacing them all started growing at about the same time The species also tend to be rather characteristic so the physiognomy and species composition can give us valuable clues as to the forest type

Most tall secondary forest in Singapore is found in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve surrounding the Seletar Peirce and MacRitchie Reservoirs with some in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve The original pioneer species which invaded the bare ground as a result of clear fell ing of the forest will be shaded out after 40 to 70 years This can be seen from the few individuals remaining of Adinandra dumosai (tiup tiup) and other species In tall secondary forest Rhodamnia cinerea (silver back) tends to dominate initially being a species which is also found in adinandra belukar It can do this because its seedlings are more shade tolerant than the others in adinandra belUkar Other prominent species include Calophyllum species (bintangor) Garcinia parvifolia (wild kandis) Cyathocalyx and Xylopia species (custard apple family Annonaceae) Lindera lucida and Litsea species (laurel family Lauraceae) and Porterandia anisophyllea and Timonius wallichianus (coffee family Rubiaceae) Locally abundant will be species of Elaeocarpus (oil fruit) Archidendron clyperia (grasshopper tree) and Macaranga species (mahang)

With further development the area becomes more enriched with species particularly if it is surrounded by primary forest which provides many seed sources to disperse to the area via dispersers such

14

r ield Studies in Biodiversit 12011

as birds bats and wind More species of the Annonaceae Burseraceae Euphorbiaceae (rubber family) Lauraceae and Myristicaceae (nutmeg family) make their appearance Syzygium species (kelat) also become more common As an emergent species Campnosperma auricula tum (terentang) is common Species of Alstonia (pula) Ixonanthes icosandra (twenty men tree) and Ixonanthes retiulata (ten men tree) are locally common in the main canopy or as emergents Palm species include Caryota mitis (fish tail palm) from the earlier stages some rattans (Calamus species) and the clustering palm bayas (Oncosperma horridum) In the undergrowth is the treelet Anisophyllea disticha (Ieechwood) and woody climbers like Rourea species This is the most advanced stage of tall secondary forest found in Singapore and cannot be classified as many primary forest species are absent the most notable being the members of the Dipterocarpaceae possibly because the soils are too poor andor the microclimates too dry and hot for the more sensitive primary forest species

Tall Secondary Forest Plants Vou Should Be Able to Recognize

SINo Species Family Common Name

Synusia Taxonomic Group

Habitat I

1 Smilax bracteata

Smilacaceae bearded smilax

climber monocotyledon secondary forest

2 Rhodamnia cinerea

Myrtaceae silver back

tree dicotyledon secondary forest

3 Pnmus polystachyus

Rosaceae bat laurel tree dicotyledon secondary forest

4 Calophylum species

Guttiferae bintangor tree dicotyledon secondary

forest 5 Syzygium

species Myrtaceae kelat tree dicotyledon ~r~dary I

REFERENCES

Chin SC RT Corlett VC Wee and SV Geh (editors) 1995 Rain forest in the city Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Singapore The Gardens Bulletin Singapore Supplement NO3 168 pp

Richards PW 1996 The tropical rain forest 2nd edition Cambridge University Press Cambridge 575 pp

Wee VC and RT Corlett 1986 The city and the forest plant life in urban Singapore Singapore University Press Singapore 186 pp

2ndWhitmore TC 1998 An introduction to tropical rain forests edition Oxford University Press Oxford 282 pp

15

Field Studies in Biodi versity I 2011

Field Trip to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve The Mangrove Ecosystem

8 July 2011

OBJECTIVES o Learn characteristics of a mangrove ecosystem o Observe the diversity of its constituent flora and fauna

HABITAT - Inter-tidal tropical forest community with interacting populations of

terrestrial aquatic and amphibious plants and animals - Protectedsheltered coastlines and river estuaries low energy

environment - Periodic immersion by seawater leading to great fluctuation in salinity - Soft muddy and waterlogged anoxic soil Hydrogen sulphide (rotten

egg smell) from deep black anoxic mud a by-product of anaerobic respiration by sulphur-reducing bacteria

- Low plant species diversity due to harsh environmental conditions (50-60 spp of mangrove plants in the world)

- Zonation based on topography divided into 4 areas sand bar main forest mud lobster mound and pool system and back-mangrove

Bridge across Sungei Buloh Besar at SBWR 16

Field Studio in Biodiversitv 120 II

MANGROVE ORGANISMS

Listed below are some common mangrove organisms that you are likely to encounter during your trip to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Mangrove Fungi SINo i Species Family Common Description

Name 1 I Lentinus spp Polyporaceae Gregarious leathery fungi that have the

typical mushroom fruiting bodies

2 I Ganoderma Polyporaceae IBracket consisting of a stalk and acap Bracket fungi with many pores

spp fungus underneath fruiting bodies through which spores are discharged and dispersed via the wind

Mangrove Algae SINo Family Common Description

Name Species

-1 Ghaetomorpha Cladophoraceae Common green algae filamentous gracilis forms loose balls that gets caught

between roots of mangrove plants 2 Gatenela sp Rhabdoniaceae Red algae with branching thallus

constricted into segments -

Mangrove Plants Ferns SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1 Acrostichum aureum

Pteridaceae piai raya True mangrove fern pinnate leaves leaves red when young fertile leaflets at the tip covered with red-brown sporangia more common on landward side of mangroves

2 Acrostichum speciosum

Pteridaceae piai lasu Another true mangrove fern as above but leaves brownish-green when young more common on seaward side of mangroves

Flowering Plants SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1

-

Acanthus spp

-shy --

Acanthaceae

- - -

sea holly jeruju

- -

Herbaceous shrubs distinct leaf shape (like Holly) deeply lobed with sharp spines at each lobe tip flowers in spikes at branch tips

17

Field Srudis in Biodiversitv I 20 11

2 Avicennia spp

Verbenaceae apimiddotapi Buttress rool and pencilmiddotlike stilt pneumatophore leaves opposite eggmiddot shaped hairy under surface fruit flattened elongated and ellipsoid

3 Bruguiera spp

Rhizophoraceae bakau Buttress root and kneed pneumatophore leaves opposite leathery bark with numerous orange lenticels seedling hypocotyls pencil or cigarmiddotlike

4 Derris trifoliata

Fabaceae Common derris

Climber with pinnate leaves of 3 5 or 7 leaflets inflorescence is small with peamiddotlike flowers

5 Excoecaria agalocha

Euphorbiaceae buta buta Abundant corrosive latex often multimiddot stemmed and associated with mud lobster mounds spreading surface roots leaves alternate

6 Taipariti tiliaceum

Malvaceae Sea hibiscus

Small tree leaves spirally arranged leaves are heartmiddotshaped with a pointed tip flowers are bright yellow fading to dull orange with a maroon centre more common towards landward side

7 Nypa fruticans

Arecaceae nipah Only true mangrove palm Common and are found in areas of low salinities and calm water long featherlike fronds up to 9m forming a rosette at each branch ti~

8 Rhizophora spp

Rhizophoraceae bakau Branched prop or stilt pneumatophore leaves opposite elliptical under surface with black dots seedling hypocotyls with warty pointed tip

9 Sonneratia spp

Lylhraceae perepat (S alba)

Conicalmiddotshape still pneumatophore leaves opposite fruit pearmiddotshaped

10 Xylocarpus spp

Meliaceae nyireh Buttress roots leaves opposite fruit grapefruit to pomelomiddotsize woody capsule

Mangrove Animals SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1 Oysdercus decussates

pyrrhocoridae cottonmiddot stainer bug

Often gregarious under a leaf feeds only on the seeds of Talipariti tifiaceum

2 Aucha velans Noctuidae tidemiddot watching mangrove moth

Found on Avicennia spp common name derived from apparent favourable perching stance -looking downwards on a tree trunk as if watching the tide

3 llyogynis microcheirum

Cam ptandriidae silt crab Small inconspicuous crabs often found on the mud surface or under debris

18

FieJd Studies in l3iodiversil1 20 11

Introduction to Paya Bay and Accommodation

Paya Bay is a small bay on the western side of P Tioman There are a few resorts along the shore and a small village We will be staying at Paya Beach Resort (httpwwwpayabeachcomindexhtml) All rooms are air-conditioned with attached toilet and shower Two to three students wHI be allocated to each room Three main meals (breakfast lunch and dinner) will be provided

Breakfast - 7am to 930am Lunch - 1130am to 130pm Dinner - 7pm to 830pm Note there will be daily aher-dinner meetingsactivities at B30pm

Fresh drinking water is available throughout the day from a dispenser placed in the dining area Tap water is not potable so please ensure that you drink bottled water or obtain drinking water from the dispenser Soft drinks and snacks at own cost (SGD 1 - RM 24) Towels will be provided by the resort however bring your own toiletries There are shops that sell snacks and a few small restaurants at this bay Please note that there are no ATMs here Cash (Malaysian Ringgit) is the preferred mode of transaction Internet connection is available at Paya Beach Resort Mobile phone coverage is present but intermittent You can use landline telephones at the resort or at one or two of the nearby shops Paya Beach Resort

Wildlife around the bay Paya Bay and the area around it are rich in biodiversity so please watch where you step and what you touch If you are Hfting rocks to look at the animals under them please ensure that you return the rock to its original position gently The organisms found under a rock can usually only survive under shady conditions and will not survive well if exposed Observe animals quietly to ensure that you are observing their natural behaviour Try not to disturb them as this will only cause them to hide

23

Field Studies in Biodiyersity 120 I I

phase so slightly more light less humid slightly warmer and with slightly drier soil dying emergent and main canopy top species

Plants to Note

SINo Species Family Common Name

Synusia Taxonomic Group

Habitat

1 Agrostistachys longifolia

Euphorbiaceae jenjulong treelet dicotyledon primary forest understorey

2 Alstonia angusliloba

Apocynaceae pulai tree dicotyledon secondary forest main canopy or emergent secondary and primary forest main canopy or emergent secondary forest subcanopy tree or open areas exotic weed of primary and seoondary forest trails and gaps

I

3 Campnosperma auriculatum

Anacardiaceae terentang tree dicotyledon

4 Caryota mitis Arecaceae (Formerly Palmaceae)

fish tail palm

tree monocotyledon

5 Clidemia hirta Melastomataceae hairy clidemia

herb dicotyledon

6 Shorea curtisii Dipterocarpaceae seraya tree dicotyledon primary forest emergent

7 Strebus eongatus

Moraceae tempinis tree dicotyledon secondary forest or open areas

8 Tacca integrifolia

Taccaceae bat lily herb monocotyledon primary forest understorey

9 Tectaria singaporeana

Dryopteridaceae paku todak

herb fern primary forest understorey

13

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 20 11

TALL SECONDARY FOREST

Secondary forest is forest which replaces cleared primary forest by a process called succession In Singapore secondary forest consists of those which grow in sites with undegraded soil (trema belukar) and those with degraded soil (adinandra belukar) The word belukar is Malay for secondary forest With time both forest types tend to grow into tall secondary forest and are similar at least in structure although diversity for that formed from the latter tends to be lower unless the adinandra belukar site is close enough to seed sources of primary forest species Tall secondary forest whether developing in trema or adinandra belukar sites if close enough to seed sources for prj mary forest species will ultimately develop into forest that is indistinguishable from primary forest so completing the succession

Tall secondary forest in the earlier stages tends to look very uniform in terms of the trunk diameters This is to be expected as all the original trees were cut and the trees replacing them all started growing at about the same time The species also tend to be rather characteristic so the physiognomy and species composition can give us valuable clues as to the forest type

Most tall secondary forest in Singapore is found in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve surrounding the Seletar Peirce and MacRitchie Reservoirs with some in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve The original pioneer species which invaded the bare ground as a result of clear fell ing of the forest will be shaded out after 40 to 70 years This can be seen from the few individuals remaining of Adinandra dumosai (tiup tiup) and other species In tall secondary forest Rhodamnia cinerea (silver back) tends to dominate initially being a species which is also found in adinandra belukar It can do this because its seedlings are more shade tolerant than the others in adinandra belUkar Other prominent species include Calophyllum species (bintangor) Garcinia parvifolia (wild kandis) Cyathocalyx and Xylopia species (custard apple family Annonaceae) Lindera lucida and Litsea species (laurel family Lauraceae) and Porterandia anisophyllea and Timonius wallichianus (coffee family Rubiaceae) Locally abundant will be species of Elaeocarpus (oil fruit) Archidendron clyperia (grasshopper tree) and Macaranga species (mahang)

With further development the area becomes more enriched with species particularly if it is surrounded by primary forest which provides many seed sources to disperse to the area via dispersers such

14

r ield Studies in Biodiversit 12011

as birds bats and wind More species of the Annonaceae Burseraceae Euphorbiaceae (rubber family) Lauraceae and Myristicaceae (nutmeg family) make their appearance Syzygium species (kelat) also become more common As an emergent species Campnosperma auricula tum (terentang) is common Species of Alstonia (pula) Ixonanthes icosandra (twenty men tree) and Ixonanthes retiulata (ten men tree) are locally common in the main canopy or as emergents Palm species include Caryota mitis (fish tail palm) from the earlier stages some rattans (Calamus species) and the clustering palm bayas (Oncosperma horridum) In the undergrowth is the treelet Anisophyllea disticha (Ieechwood) and woody climbers like Rourea species This is the most advanced stage of tall secondary forest found in Singapore and cannot be classified as many primary forest species are absent the most notable being the members of the Dipterocarpaceae possibly because the soils are too poor andor the microclimates too dry and hot for the more sensitive primary forest species

Tall Secondary Forest Plants Vou Should Be Able to Recognize

SINo Species Family Common Name

Synusia Taxonomic Group

Habitat I

1 Smilax bracteata

Smilacaceae bearded smilax

climber monocotyledon secondary forest

2 Rhodamnia cinerea

Myrtaceae silver back

tree dicotyledon secondary forest

3 Pnmus polystachyus

Rosaceae bat laurel tree dicotyledon secondary forest

4 Calophylum species

Guttiferae bintangor tree dicotyledon secondary

forest 5 Syzygium

species Myrtaceae kelat tree dicotyledon ~r~dary I

REFERENCES

Chin SC RT Corlett VC Wee and SV Geh (editors) 1995 Rain forest in the city Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Singapore The Gardens Bulletin Singapore Supplement NO3 168 pp

Richards PW 1996 The tropical rain forest 2nd edition Cambridge University Press Cambridge 575 pp

Wee VC and RT Corlett 1986 The city and the forest plant life in urban Singapore Singapore University Press Singapore 186 pp

2ndWhitmore TC 1998 An introduction to tropical rain forests edition Oxford University Press Oxford 282 pp

15

Field Studies in Biodi versity I 2011

Field Trip to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve The Mangrove Ecosystem

8 July 2011

OBJECTIVES o Learn characteristics of a mangrove ecosystem o Observe the diversity of its constituent flora and fauna

HABITAT - Inter-tidal tropical forest community with interacting populations of

terrestrial aquatic and amphibious plants and animals - Protectedsheltered coastlines and river estuaries low energy

environment - Periodic immersion by seawater leading to great fluctuation in salinity - Soft muddy and waterlogged anoxic soil Hydrogen sulphide (rotten

egg smell) from deep black anoxic mud a by-product of anaerobic respiration by sulphur-reducing bacteria

- Low plant species diversity due to harsh environmental conditions (50-60 spp of mangrove plants in the world)

- Zonation based on topography divided into 4 areas sand bar main forest mud lobster mound and pool system and back-mangrove

Bridge across Sungei Buloh Besar at SBWR 16

Field Studio in Biodiversitv 120 II

MANGROVE ORGANISMS

Listed below are some common mangrove organisms that you are likely to encounter during your trip to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Mangrove Fungi SINo i Species Family Common Description

Name 1 I Lentinus spp Polyporaceae Gregarious leathery fungi that have the

typical mushroom fruiting bodies

2 I Ganoderma Polyporaceae IBracket consisting of a stalk and acap Bracket fungi with many pores

spp fungus underneath fruiting bodies through which spores are discharged and dispersed via the wind

Mangrove Algae SINo Family Common Description

Name Species

-1 Ghaetomorpha Cladophoraceae Common green algae filamentous gracilis forms loose balls that gets caught

between roots of mangrove plants 2 Gatenela sp Rhabdoniaceae Red algae with branching thallus

constricted into segments -

Mangrove Plants Ferns SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1 Acrostichum aureum

Pteridaceae piai raya True mangrove fern pinnate leaves leaves red when young fertile leaflets at the tip covered with red-brown sporangia more common on landward side of mangroves

2 Acrostichum speciosum

Pteridaceae piai lasu Another true mangrove fern as above but leaves brownish-green when young more common on seaward side of mangroves

Flowering Plants SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1

-

Acanthus spp

-shy --

Acanthaceae

- - -

sea holly jeruju

- -

Herbaceous shrubs distinct leaf shape (like Holly) deeply lobed with sharp spines at each lobe tip flowers in spikes at branch tips

17

Field Srudis in Biodiversitv I 20 11

2 Avicennia spp

Verbenaceae apimiddotapi Buttress rool and pencilmiddotlike stilt pneumatophore leaves opposite eggmiddot shaped hairy under surface fruit flattened elongated and ellipsoid

3 Bruguiera spp

Rhizophoraceae bakau Buttress root and kneed pneumatophore leaves opposite leathery bark with numerous orange lenticels seedling hypocotyls pencil or cigarmiddotlike

4 Derris trifoliata

Fabaceae Common derris

Climber with pinnate leaves of 3 5 or 7 leaflets inflorescence is small with peamiddotlike flowers

5 Excoecaria agalocha

Euphorbiaceae buta buta Abundant corrosive latex often multimiddot stemmed and associated with mud lobster mounds spreading surface roots leaves alternate

6 Taipariti tiliaceum

Malvaceae Sea hibiscus

Small tree leaves spirally arranged leaves are heartmiddotshaped with a pointed tip flowers are bright yellow fading to dull orange with a maroon centre more common towards landward side

7 Nypa fruticans

Arecaceae nipah Only true mangrove palm Common and are found in areas of low salinities and calm water long featherlike fronds up to 9m forming a rosette at each branch ti~

8 Rhizophora spp

Rhizophoraceae bakau Branched prop or stilt pneumatophore leaves opposite elliptical under surface with black dots seedling hypocotyls with warty pointed tip

9 Sonneratia spp

Lylhraceae perepat (S alba)

Conicalmiddotshape still pneumatophore leaves opposite fruit pearmiddotshaped

10 Xylocarpus spp

Meliaceae nyireh Buttress roots leaves opposite fruit grapefruit to pomelomiddotsize woody capsule

Mangrove Animals SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1 Oysdercus decussates

pyrrhocoridae cottonmiddot stainer bug

Often gregarious under a leaf feeds only on the seeds of Talipariti tifiaceum

2 Aucha velans Noctuidae tidemiddot watching mangrove moth

Found on Avicennia spp common name derived from apparent favourable perching stance -looking downwards on a tree trunk as if watching the tide

3 llyogynis microcheirum

Cam ptandriidae silt crab Small inconspicuous crabs often found on the mud surface or under debris

18

FieJd Studies in l3iodiversil1 20 11

Introduction to Paya Bay and Accommodation

Paya Bay is a small bay on the western side of P Tioman There are a few resorts along the shore and a small village We will be staying at Paya Beach Resort (httpwwwpayabeachcomindexhtml) All rooms are air-conditioned with attached toilet and shower Two to three students wHI be allocated to each room Three main meals (breakfast lunch and dinner) will be provided

Breakfast - 7am to 930am Lunch - 1130am to 130pm Dinner - 7pm to 830pm Note there will be daily aher-dinner meetingsactivities at B30pm

Fresh drinking water is available throughout the day from a dispenser placed in the dining area Tap water is not potable so please ensure that you drink bottled water or obtain drinking water from the dispenser Soft drinks and snacks at own cost (SGD 1 - RM 24) Towels will be provided by the resort however bring your own toiletries There are shops that sell snacks and a few small restaurants at this bay Please note that there are no ATMs here Cash (Malaysian Ringgit) is the preferred mode of transaction Internet connection is available at Paya Beach Resort Mobile phone coverage is present but intermittent You can use landline telephones at the resort or at one or two of the nearby shops Paya Beach Resort

Wildlife around the bay Paya Bay and the area around it are rich in biodiversity so please watch where you step and what you touch If you are Hfting rocks to look at the animals under them please ensure that you return the rock to its original position gently The organisms found under a rock can usually only survive under shady conditions and will not survive well if exposed Observe animals quietly to ensure that you are observing their natural behaviour Try not to disturb them as this will only cause them to hide

23

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 20 11

TALL SECONDARY FOREST

Secondary forest is forest which replaces cleared primary forest by a process called succession In Singapore secondary forest consists of those which grow in sites with undegraded soil (trema belukar) and those with degraded soil (adinandra belukar) The word belukar is Malay for secondary forest With time both forest types tend to grow into tall secondary forest and are similar at least in structure although diversity for that formed from the latter tends to be lower unless the adinandra belukar site is close enough to seed sources of primary forest species Tall secondary forest whether developing in trema or adinandra belukar sites if close enough to seed sources for prj mary forest species will ultimately develop into forest that is indistinguishable from primary forest so completing the succession

Tall secondary forest in the earlier stages tends to look very uniform in terms of the trunk diameters This is to be expected as all the original trees were cut and the trees replacing them all started growing at about the same time The species also tend to be rather characteristic so the physiognomy and species composition can give us valuable clues as to the forest type

Most tall secondary forest in Singapore is found in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve surrounding the Seletar Peirce and MacRitchie Reservoirs with some in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve The original pioneer species which invaded the bare ground as a result of clear fell ing of the forest will be shaded out after 40 to 70 years This can be seen from the few individuals remaining of Adinandra dumosai (tiup tiup) and other species In tall secondary forest Rhodamnia cinerea (silver back) tends to dominate initially being a species which is also found in adinandra belukar It can do this because its seedlings are more shade tolerant than the others in adinandra belUkar Other prominent species include Calophyllum species (bintangor) Garcinia parvifolia (wild kandis) Cyathocalyx and Xylopia species (custard apple family Annonaceae) Lindera lucida and Litsea species (laurel family Lauraceae) and Porterandia anisophyllea and Timonius wallichianus (coffee family Rubiaceae) Locally abundant will be species of Elaeocarpus (oil fruit) Archidendron clyperia (grasshopper tree) and Macaranga species (mahang)

With further development the area becomes more enriched with species particularly if it is surrounded by primary forest which provides many seed sources to disperse to the area via dispersers such

14

r ield Studies in Biodiversit 12011

as birds bats and wind More species of the Annonaceae Burseraceae Euphorbiaceae (rubber family) Lauraceae and Myristicaceae (nutmeg family) make their appearance Syzygium species (kelat) also become more common As an emergent species Campnosperma auricula tum (terentang) is common Species of Alstonia (pula) Ixonanthes icosandra (twenty men tree) and Ixonanthes retiulata (ten men tree) are locally common in the main canopy or as emergents Palm species include Caryota mitis (fish tail palm) from the earlier stages some rattans (Calamus species) and the clustering palm bayas (Oncosperma horridum) In the undergrowth is the treelet Anisophyllea disticha (Ieechwood) and woody climbers like Rourea species This is the most advanced stage of tall secondary forest found in Singapore and cannot be classified as many primary forest species are absent the most notable being the members of the Dipterocarpaceae possibly because the soils are too poor andor the microclimates too dry and hot for the more sensitive primary forest species

Tall Secondary Forest Plants Vou Should Be Able to Recognize

SINo Species Family Common Name

Synusia Taxonomic Group

Habitat I

1 Smilax bracteata

Smilacaceae bearded smilax

climber monocotyledon secondary forest

2 Rhodamnia cinerea

Myrtaceae silver back

tree dicotyledon secondary forest

3 Pnmus polystachyus

Rosaceae bat laurel tree dicotyledon secondary forest

4 Calophylum species

Guttiferae bintangor tree dicotyledon secondary

forest 5 Syzygium

species Myrtaceae kelat tree dicotyledon ~r~dary I

REFERENCES

Chin SC RT Corlett VC Wee and SV Geh (editors) 1995 Rain forest in the city Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Singapore The Gardens Bulletin Singapore Supplement NO3 168 pp

Richards PW 1996 The tropical rain forest 2nd edition Cambridge University Press Cambridge 575 pp

Wee VC and RT Corlett 1986 The city and the forest plant life in urban Singapore Singapore University Press Singapore 186 pp

2ndWhitmore TC 1998 An introduction to tropical rain forests edition Oxford University Press Oxford 282 pp

15

Field Studies in Biodi versity I 2011

Field Trip to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve The Mangrove Ecosystem

8 July 2011

OBJECTIVES o Learn characteristics of a mangrove ecosystem o Observe the diversity of its constituent flora and fauna

HABITAT - Inter-tidal tropical forest community with interacting populations of

terrestrial aquatic and amphibious plants and animals - Protectedsheltered coastlines and river estuaries low energy

environment - Periodic immersion by seawater leading to great fluctuation in salinity - Soft muddy and waterlogged anoxic soil Hydrogen sulphide (rotten

egg smell) from deep black anoxic mud a by-product of anaerobic respiration by sulphur-reducing bacteria

- Low plant species diversity due to harsh environmental conditions (50-60 spp of mangrove plants in the world)

- Zonation based on topography divided into 4 areas sand bar main forest mud lobster mound and pool system and back-mangrove

Bridge across Sungei Buloh Besar at SBWR 16

Field Studio in Biodiversitv 120 II

MANGROVE ORGANISMS

Listed below are some common mangrove organisms that you are likely to encounter during your trip to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Mangrove Fungi SINo i Species Family Common Description

Name 1 I Lentinus spp Polyporaceae Gregarious leathery fungi that have the

typical mushroom fruiting bodies

2 I Ganoderma Polyporaceae IBracket consisting of a stalk and acap Bracket fungi with many pores

spp fungus underneath fruiting bodies through which spores are discharged and dispersed via the wind

Mangrove Algae SINo Family Common Description

Name Species

-1 Ghaetomorpha Cladophoraceae Common green algae filamentous gracilis forms loose balls that gets caught

between roots of mangrove plants 2 Gatenela sp Rhabdoniaceae Red algae with branching thallus

constricted into segments -

Mangrove Plants Ferns SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1 Acrostichum aureum

Pteridaceae piai raya True mangrove fern pinnate leaves leaves red when young fertile leaflets at the tip covered with red-brown sporangia more common on landward side of mangroves

2 Acrostichum speciosum

Pteridaceae piai lasu Another true mangrove fern as above but leaves brownish-green when young more common on seaward side of mangroves

Flowering Plants SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1

-

Acanthus spp

-shy --

Acanthaceae

- - -

sea holly jeruju

- -

Herbaceous shrubs distinct leaf shape (like Holly) deeply lobed with sharp spines at each lobe tip flowers in spikes at branch tips

17

Field Srudis in Biodiversitv I 20 11

2 Avicennia spp

Verbenaceae apimiddotapi Buttress rool and pencilmiddotlike stilt pneumatophore leaves opposite eggmiddot shaped hairy under surface fruit flattened elongated and ellipsoid

3 Bruguiera spp

Rhizophoraceae bakau Buttress root and kneed pneumatophore leaves opposite leathery bark with numerous orange lenticels seedling hypocotyls pencil or cigarmiddotlike

4 Derris trifoliata

Fabaceae Common derris

Climber with pinnate leaves of 3 5 or 7 leaflets inflorescence is small with peamiddotlike flowers

5 Excoecaria agalocha

Euphorbiaceae buta buta Abundant corrosive latex often multimiddot stemmed and associated with mud lobster mounds spreading surface roots leaves alternate

6 Taipariti tiliaceum

Malvaceae Sea hibiscus

Small tree leaves spirally arranged leaves are heartmiddotshaped with a pointed tip flowers are bright yellow fading to dull orange with a maroon centre more common towards landward side

7 Nypa fruticans

Arecaceae nipah Only true mangrove palm Common and are found in areas of low salinities and calm water long featherlike fronds up to 9m forming a rosette at each branch ti~

8 Rhizophora spp

Rhizophoraceae bakau Branched prop or stilt pneumatophore leaves opposite elliptical under surface with black dots seedling hypocotyls with warty pointed tip

9 Sonneratia spp

Lylhraceae perepat (S alba)

Conicalmiddotshape still pneumatophore leaves opposite fruit pearmiddotshaped

10 Xylocarpus spp

Meliaceae nyireh Buttress roots leaves opposite fruit grapefruit to pomelomiddotsize woody capsule

Mangrove Animals SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1 Oysdercus decussates

pyrrhocoridae cottonmiddot stainer bug

Often gregarious under a leaf feeds only on the seeds of Talipariti tifiaceum

2 Aucha velans Noctuidae tidemiddot watching mangrove moth

Found on Avicennia spp common name derived from apparent favourable perching stance -looking downwards on a tree trunk as if watching the tide

3 llyogynis microcheirum

Cam ptandriidae silt crab Small inconspicuous crabs often found on the mud surface or under debris

18

FieJd Studies in l3iodiversil1 20 11

Introduction to Paya Bay and Accommodation

Paya Bay is a small bay on the western side of P Tioman There are a few resorts along the shore and a small village We will be staying at Paya Beach Resort (httpwwwpayabeachcomindexhtml) All rooms are air-conditioned with attached toilet and shower Two to three students wHI be allocated to each room Three main meals (breakfast lunch and dinner) will be provided

Breakfast - 7am to 930am Lunch - 1130am to 130pm Dinner - 7pm to 830pm Note there will be daily aher-dinner meetingsactivities at B30pm

Fresh drinking water is available throughout the day from a dispenser placed in the dining area Tap water is not potable so please ensure that you drink bottled water or obtain drinking water from the dispenser Soft drinks and snacks at own cost (SGD 1 - RM 24) Towels will be provided by the resort however bring your own toiletries There are shops that sell snacks and a few small restaurants at this bay Please note that there are no ATMs here Cash (Malaysian Ringgit) is the preferred mode of transaction Internet connection is available at Paya Beach Resort Mobile phone coverage is present but intermittent You can use landline telephones at the resort or at one or two of the nearby shops Paya Beach Resort

Wildlife around the bay Paya Bay and the area around it are rich in biodiversity so please watch where you step and what you touch If you are Hfting rocks to look at the animals under them please ensure that you return the rock to its original position gently The organisms found under a rock can usually only survive under shady conditions and will not survive well if exposed Observe animals quietly to ensure that you are observing their natural behaviour Try not to disturb them as this will only cause them to hide

23

r ield Studies in Biodiversit 12011

as birds bats and wind More species of the Annonaceae Burseraceae Euphorbiaceae (rubber family) Lauraceae and Myristicaceae (nutmeg family) make their appearance Syzygium species (kelat) also become more common As an emergent species Campnosperma auricula tum (terentang) is common Species of Alstonia (pula) Ixonanthes icosandra (twenty men tree) and Ixonanthes retiulata (ten men tree) are locally common in the main canopy or as emergents Palm species include Caryota mitis (fish tail palm) from the earlier stages some rattans (Calamus species) and the clustering palm bayas (Oncosperma horridum) In the undergrowth is the treelet Anisophyllea disticha (Ieechwood) and woody climbers like Rourea species This is the most advanced stage of tall secondary forest found in Singapore and cannot be classified as many primary forest species are absent the most notable being the members of the Dipterocarpaceae possibly because the soils are too poor andor the microclimates too dry and hot for the more sensitive primary forest species

Tall Secondary Forest Plants Vou Should Be Able to Recognize

SINo Species Family Common Name

Synusia Taxonomic Group

Habitat I

1 Smilax bracteata

Smilacaceae bearded smilax

climber monocotyledon secondary forest

2 Rhodamnia cinerea

Myrtaceae silver back

tree dicotyledon secondary forest

3 Pnmus polystachyus

Rosaceae bat laurel tree dicotyledon secondary forest

4 Calophylum species

Guttiferae bintangor tree dicotyledon secondary

forest 5 Syzygium

species Myrtaceae kelat tree dicotyledon ~r~dary I

REFERENCES

Chin SC RT Corlett VC Wee and SV Geh (editors) 1995 Rain forest in the city Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Singapore The Gardens Bulletin Singapore Supplement NO3 168 pp

Richards PW 1996 The tropical rain forest 2nd edition Cambridge University Press Cambridge 575 pp

Wee VC and RT Corlett 1986 The city and the forest plant life in urban Singapore Singapore University Press Singapore 186 pp

2ndWhitmore TC 1998 An introduction to tropical rain forests edition Oxford University Press Oxford 282 pp

15

Field Studies in Biodi versity I 2011

Field Trip to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve The Mangrove Ecosystem

8 July 2011

OBJECTIVES o Learn characteristics of a mangrove ecosystem o Observe the diversity of its constituent flora and fauna

HABITAT - Inter-tidal tropical forest community with interacting populations of

terrestrial aquatic and amphibious plants and animals - Protectedsheltered coastlines and river estuaries low energy

environment - Periodic immersion by seawater leading to great fluctuation in salinity - Soft muddy and waterlogged anoxic soil Hydrogen sulphide (rotten

egg smell) from deep black anoxic mud a by-product of anaerobic respiration by sulphur-reducing bacteria

- Low plant species diversity due to harsh environmental conditions (50-60 spp of mangrove plants in the world)

- Zonation based on topography divided into 4 areas sand bar main forest mud lobster mound and pool system and back-mangrove

Bridge across Sungei Buloh Besar at SBWR 16

Field Studio in Biodiversitv 120 II

MANGROVE ORGANISMS

Listed below are some common mangrove organisms that you are likely to encounter during your trip to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Mangrove Fungi SINo i Species Family Common Description

Name 1 I Lentinus spp Polyporaceae Gregarious leathery fungi that have the

typical mushroom fruiting bodies

2 I Ganoderma Polyporaceae IBracket consisting of a stalk and acap Bracket fungi with many pores

spp fungus underneath fruiting bodies through which spores are discharged and dispersed via the wind

Mangrove Algae SINo Family Common Description

Name Species

-1 Ghaetomorpha Cladophoraceae Common green algae filamentous gracilis forms loose balls that gets caught

between roots of mangrove plants 2 Gatenela sp Rhabdoniaceae Red algae with branching thallus

constricted into segments -

Mangrove Plants Ferns SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1 Acrostichum aureum

Pteridaceae piai raya True mangrove fern pinnate leaves leaves red when young fertile leaflets at the tip covered with red-brown sporangia more common on landward side of mangroves

2 Acrostichum speciosum

Pteridaceae piai lasu Another true mangrove fern as above but leaves brownish-green when young more common on seaward side of mangroves

Flowering Plants SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1

-

Acanthus spp

-shy --

Acanthaceae

- - -

sea holly jeruju

- -

Herbaceous shrubs distinct leaf shape (like Holly) deeply lobed with sharp spines at each lobe tip flowers in spikes at branch tips

17

Field Srudis in Biodiversitv I 20 11

2 Avicennia spp

Verbenaceae apimiddotapi Buttress rool and pencilmiddotlike stilt pneumatophore leaves opposite eggmiddot shaped hairy under surface fruit flattened elongated and ellipsoid

3 Bruguiera spp

Rhizophoraceae bakau Buttress root and kneed pneumatophore leaves opposite leathery bark with numerous orange lenticels seedling hypocotyls pencil or cigarmiddotlike

4 Derris trifoliata

Fabaceae Common derris

Climber with pinnate leaves of 3 5 or 7 leaflets inflorescence is small with peamiddotlike flowers

5 Excoecaria agalocha

Euphorbiaceae buta buta Abundant corrosive latex often multimiddot stemmed and associated with mud lobster mounds spreading surface roots leaves alternate

6 Taipariti tiliaceum

Malvaceae Sea hibiscus

Small tree leaves spirally arranged leaves are heartmiddotshaped with a pointed tip flowers are bright yellow fading to dull orange with a maroon centre more common towards landward side

7 Nypa fruticans

Arecaceae nipah Only true mangrove palm Common and are found in areas of low salinities and calm water long featherlike fronds up to 9m forming a rosette at each branch ti~

8 Rhizophora spp

Rhizophoraceae bakau Branched prop or stilt pneumatophore leaves opposite elliptical under surface with black dots seedling hypocotyls with warty pointed tip

9 Sonneratia spp

Lylhraceae perepat (S alba)

Conicalmiddotshape still pneumatophore leaves opposite fruit pearmiddotshaped

10 Xylocarpus spp

Meliaceae nyireh Buttress roots leaves opposite fruit grapefruit to pomelomiddotsize woody capsule

Mangrove Animals SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1 Oysdercus decussates

pyrrhocoridae cottonmiddot stainer bug

Often gregarious under a leaf feeds only on the seeds of Talipariti tifiaceum

2 Aucha velans Noctuidae tidemiddot watching mangrove moth

Found on Avicennia spp common name derived from apparent favourable perching stance -looking downwards on a tree trunk as if watching the tide

3 llyogynis microcheirum

Cam ptandriidae silt crab Small inconspicuous crabs often found on the mud surface or under debris

18

FieJd Studies in l3iodiversil1 20 11

Introduction to Paya Bay and Accommodation

Paya Bay is a small bay on the western side of P Tioman There are a few resorts along the shore and a small village We will be staying at Paya Beach Resort (httpwwwpayabeachcomindexhtml) All rooms are air-conditioned with attached toilet and shower Two to three students wHI be allocated to each room Three main meals (breakfast lunch and dinner) will be provided

Breakfast - 7am to 930am Lunch - 1130am to 130pm Dinner - 7pm to 830pm Note there will be daily aher-dinner meetingsactivities at B30pm

Fresh drinking water is available throughout the day from a dispenser placed in the dining area Tap water is not potable so please ensure that you drink bottled water or obtain drinking water from the dispenser Soft drinks and snacks at own cost (SGD 1 - RM 24) Towels will be provided by the resort however bring your own toiletries There are shops that sell snacks and a few small restaurants at this bay Please note that there are no ATMs here Cash (Malaysian Ringgit) is the preferred mode of transaction Internet connection is available at Paya Beach Resort Mobile phone coverage is present but intermittent You can use landline telephones at the resort or at one or two of the nearby shops Paya Beach Resort

Wildlife around the bay Paya Bay and the area around it are rich in biodiversity so please watch where you step and what you touch If you are Hfting rocks to look at the animals under them please ensure that you return the rock to its original position gently The organisms found under a rock can usually only survive under shady conditions and will not survive well if exposed Observe animals quietly to ensure that you are observing their natural behaviour Try not to disturb them as this will only cause them to hide

23

Field Studies in Biodi versity I 2011

Field Trip to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve The Mangrove Ecosystem

8 July 2011

OBJECTIVES o Learn characteristics of a mangrove ecosystem o Observe the diversity of its constituent flora and fauna

HABITAT - Inter-tidal tropical forest community with interacting populations of

terrestrial aquatic and amphibious plants and animals - Protectedsheltered coastlines and river estuaries low energy

environment - Periodic immersion by seawater leading to great fluctuation in salinity - Soft muddy and waterlogged anoxic soil Hydrogen sulphide (rotten

egg smell) from deep black anoxic mud a by-product of anaerobic respiration by sulphur-reducing bacteria

- Low plant species diversity due to harsh environmental conditions (50-60 spp of mangrove plants in the world)

- Zonation based on topography divided into 4 areas sand bar main forest mud lobster mound and pool system and back-mangrove

Bridge across Sungei Buloh Besar at SBWR 16

Field Studio in Biodiversitv 120 II

MANGROVE ORGANISMS

Listed below are some common mangrove organisms that you are likely to encounter during your trip to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Mangrove Fungi SINo i Species Family Common Description

Name 1 I Lentinus spp Polyporaceae Gregarious leathery fungi that have the

typical mushroom fruiting bodies

2 I Ganoderma Polyporaceae IBracket consisting of a stalk and acap Bracket fungi with many pores

spp fungus underneath fruiting bodies through which spores are discharged and dispersed via the wind

Mangrove Algae SINo Family Common Description

Name Species

-1 Ghaetomorpha Cladophoraceae Common green algae filamentous gracilis forms loose balls that gets caught

between roots of mangrove plants 2 Gatenela sp Rhabdoniaceae Red algae with branching thallus

constricted into segments -

Mangrove Plants Ferns SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1 Acrostichum aureum

Pteridaceae piai raya True mangrove fern pinnate leaves leaves red when young fertile leaflets at the tip covered with red-brown sporangia more common on landward side of mangroves

2 Acrostichum speciosum

Pteridaceae piai lasu Another true mangrove fern as above but leaves brownish-green when young more common on seaward side of mangroves

Flowering Plants SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1

-

Acanthus spp

-shy --

Acanthaceae

- - -

sea holly jeruju

- -

Herbaceous shrubs distinct leaf shape (like Holly) deeply lobed with sharp spines at each lobe tip flowers in spikes at branch tips

17

Field Srudis in Biodiversitv I 20 11

2 Avicennia spp

Verbenaceae apimiddotapi Buttress rool and pencilmiddotlike stilt pneumatophore leaves opposite eggmiddot shaped hairy under surface fruit flattened elongated and ellipsoid

3 Bruguiera spp

Rhizophoraceae bakau Buttress root and kneed pneumatophore leaves opposite leathery bark with numerous orange lenticels seedling hypocotyls pencil or cigarmiddotlike

4 Derris trifoliata

Fabaceae Common derris

Climber with pinnate leaves of 3 5 or 7 leaflets inflorescence is small with peamiddotlike flowers

5 Excoecaria agalocha

Euphorbiaceae buta buta Abundant corrosive latex often multimiddot stemmed and associated with mud lobster mounds spreading surface roots leaves alternate

6 Taipariti tiliaceum

Malvaceae Sea hibiscus

Small tree leaves spirally arranged leaves are heartmiddotshaped with a pointed tip flowers are bright yellow fading to dull orange with a maroon centre more common towards landward side

7 Nypa fruticans

Arecaceae nipah Only true mangrove palm Common and are found in areas of low salinities and calm water long featherlike fronds up to 9m forming a rosette at each branch ti~

8 Rhizophora spp

Rhizophoraceae bakau Branched prop or stilt pneumatophore leaves opposite elliptical under surface with black dots seedling hypocotyls with warty pointed tip

9 Sonneratia spp

Lylhraceae perepat (S alba)

Conicalmiddotshape still pneumatophore leaves opposite fruit pearmiddotshaped

10 Xylocarpus spp

Meliaceae nyireh Buttress roots leaves opposite fruit grapefruit to pomelomiddotsize woody capsule

Mangrove Animals SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1 Oysdercus decussates

pyrrhocoridae cottonmiddot stainer bug

Often gregarious under a leaf feeds only on the seeds of Talipariti tifiaceum

2 Aucha velans Noctuidae tidemiddot watching mangrove moth

Found on Avicennia spp common name derived from apparent favourable perching stance -looking downwards on a tree trunk as if watching the tide

3 llyogynis microcheirum

Cam ptandriidae silt crab Small inconspicuous crabs often found on the mud surface or under debris

18

FieJd Studies in l3iodiversil1 20 11

Introduction to Paya Bay and Accommodation

Paya Bay is a small bay on the western side of P Tioman There are a few resorts along the shore and a small village We will be staying at Paya Beach Resort (httpwwwpayabeachcomindexhtml) All rooms are air-conditioned with attached toilet and shower Two to three students wHI be allocated to each room Three main meals (breakfast lunch and dinner) will be provided

Breakfast - 7am to 930am Lunch - 1130am to 130pm Dinner - 7pm to 830pm Note there will be daily aher-dinner meetingsactivities at B30pm

Fresh drinking water is available throughout the day from a dispenser placed in the dining area Tap water is not potable so please ensure that you drink bottled water or obtain drinking water from the dispenser Soft drinks and snacks at own cost (SGD 1 - RM 24) Towels will be provided by the resort however bring your own toiletries There are shops that sell snacks and a few small restaurants at this bay Please note that there are no ATMs here Cash (Malaysian Ringgit) is the preferred mode of transaction Internet connection is available at Paya Beach Resort Mobile phone coverage is present but intermittent You can use landline telephones at the resort or at one or two of the nearby shops Paya Beach Resort

Wildlife around the bay Paya Bay and the area around it are rich in biodiversity so please watch where you step and what you touch If you are Hfting rocks to look at the animals under them please ensure that you return the rock to its original position gently The organisms found under a rock can usually only survive under shady conditions and will not survive well if exposed Observe animals quietly to ensure that you are observing their natural behaviour Try not to disturb them as this will only cause them to hide

23

Field Studio in Biodiversitv 120 II

MANGROVE ORGANISMS

Listed below are some common mangrove organisms that you are likely to encounter during your trip to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Mangrove Fungi SINo i Species Family Common Description

Name 1 I Lentinus spp Polyporaceae Gregarious leathery fungi that have the

typical mushroom fruiting bodies

2 I Ganoderma Polyporaceae IBracket consisting of a stalk and acap Bracket fungi with many pores

spp fungus underneath fruiting bodies through which spores are discharged and dispersed via the wind

Mangrove Algae SINo Family Common Description

Name Species

-1 Ghaetomorpha Cladophoraceae Common green algae filamentous gracilis forms loose balls that gets caught

between roots of mangrove plants 2 Gatenela sp Rhabdoniaceae Red algae with branching thallus

constricted into segments -

Mangrove Plants Ferns SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1 Acrostichum aureum

Pteridaceae piai raya True mangrove fern pinnate leaves leaves red when young fertile leaflets at the tip covered with red-brown sporangia more common on landward side of mangroves

2 Acrostichum speciosum

Pteridaceae piai lasu Another true mangrove fern as above but leaves brownish-green when young more common on seaward side of mangroves

Flowering Plants SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1

-

Acanthus spp

-shy --

Acanthaceae

- - -

sea holly jeruju

- -

Herbaceous shrubs distinct leaf shape (like Holly) deeply lobed with sharp spines at each lobe tip flowers in spikes at branch tips

17

Field Srudis in Biodiversitv I 20 11

2 Avicennia spp

Verbenaceae apimiddotapi Buttress rool and pencilmiddotlike stilt pneumatophore leaves opposite eggmiddot shaped hairy under surface fruit flattened elongated and ellipsoid

3 Bruguiera spp

Rhizophoraceae bakau Buttress root and kneed pneumatophore leaves opposite leathery bark with numerous orange lenticels seedling hypocotyls pencil or cigarmiddotlike

4 Derris trifoliata

Fabaceae Common derris

Climber with pinnate leaves of 3 5 or 7 leaflets inflorescence is small with peamiddotlike flowers

5 Excoecaria agalocha

Euphorbiaceae buta buta Abundant corrosive latex often multimiddot stemmed and associated with mud lobster mounds spreading surface roots leaves alternate

6 Taipariti tiliaceum

Malvaceae Sea hibiscus

Small tree leaves spirally arranged leaves are heartmiddotshaped with a pointed tip flowers are bright yellow fading to dull orange with a maroon centre more common towards landward side

7 Nypa fruticans

Arecaceae nipah Only true mangrove palm Common and are found in areas of low salinities and calm water long featherlike fronds up to 9m forming a rosette at each branch ti~

8 Rhizophora spp

Rhizophoraceae bakau Branched prop or stilt pneumatophore leaves opposite elliptical under surface with black dots seedling hypocotyls with warty pointed tip

9 Sonneratia spp

Lylhraceae perepat (S alba)

Conicalmiddotshape still pneumatophore leaves opposite fruit pearmiddotshaped

10 Xylocarpus spp

Meliaceae nyireh Buttress roots leaves opposite fruit grapefruit to pomelomiddotsize woody capsule

Mangrove Animals SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1 Oysdercus decussates

pyrrhocoridae cottonmiddot stainer bug

Often gregarious under a leaf feeds only on the seeds of Talipariti tifiaceum

2 Aucha velans Noctuidae tidemiddot watching mangrove moth

Found on Avicennia spp common name derived from apparent favourable perching stance -looking downwards on a tree trunk as if watching the tide

3 llyogynis microcheirum

Cam ptandriidae silt crab Small inconspicuous crabs often found on the mud surface or under debris

18

FieJd Studies in l3iodiversil1 20 11

Introduction to Paya Bay and Accommodation

Paya Bay is a small bay on the western side of P Tioman There are a few resorts along the shore and a small village We will be staying at Paya Beach Resort (httpwwwpayabeachcomindexhtml) All rooms are air-conditioned with attached toilet and shower Two to three students wHI be allocated to each room Three main meals (breakfast lunch and dinner) will be provided

Breakfast - 7am to 930am Lunch - 1130am to 130pm Dinner - 7pm to 830pm Note there will be daily aher-dinner meetingsactivities at B30pm

Fresh drinking water is available throughout the day from a dispenser placed in the dining area Tap water is not potable so please ensure that you drink bottled water or obtain drinking water from the dispenser Soft drinks and snacks at own cost (SGD 1 - RM 24) Towels will be provided by the resort however bring your own toiletries There are shops that sell snacks and a few small restaurants at this bay Please note that there are no ATMs here Cash (Malaysian Ringgit) is the preferred mode of transaction Internet connection is available at Paya Beach Resort Mobile phone coverage is present but intermittent You can use landline telephones at the resort or at one or two of the nearby shops Paya Beach Resort

Wildlife around the bay Paya Bay and the area around it are rich in biodiversity so please watch where you step and what you touch If you are Hfting rocks to look at the animals under them please ensure that you return the rock to its original position gently The organisms found under a rock can usually only survive under shady conditions and will not survive well if exposed Observe animals quietly to ensure that you are observing their natural behaviour Try not to disturb them as this will only cause them to hide

23

Field Srudis in Biodiversitv I 20 11

2 Avicennia spp

Verbenaceae apimiddotapi Buttress rool and pencilmiddotlike stilt pneumatophore leaves opposite eggmiddot shaped hairy under surface fruit flattened elongated and ellipsoid

3 Bruguiera spp

Rhizophoraceae bakau Buttress root and kneed pneumatophore leaves opposite leathery bark with numerous orange lenticels seedling hypocotyls pencil or cigarmiddotlike

4 Derris trifoliata

Fabaceae Common derris

Climber with pinnate leaves of 3 5 or 7 leaflets inflorescence is small with peamiddotlike flowers

5 Excoecaria agalocha

Euphorbiaceae buta buta Abundant corrosive latex often multimiddot stemmed and associated with mud lobster mounds spreading surface roots leaves alternate

6 Taipariti tiliaceum

Malvaceae Sea hibiscus

Small tree leaves spirally arranged leaves are heartmiddotshaped with a pointed tip flowers are bright yellow fading to dull orange with a maroon centre more common towards landward side

7 Nypa fruticans

Arecaceae nipah Only true mangrove palm Common and are found in areas of low salinities and calm water long featherlike fronds up to 9m forming a rosette at each branch ti~

8 Rhizophora spp

Rhizophoraceae bakau Branched prop or stilt pneumatophore leaves opposite elliptical under surface with black dots seedling hypocotyls with warty pointed tip

9 Sonneratia spp

Lylhraceae perepat (S alba)

Conicalmiddotshape still pneumatophore leaves opposite fruit pearmiddotshaped

10 Xylocarpus spp

Meliaceae nyireh Buttress roots leaves opposite fruit grapefruit to pomelomiddotsize woody capsule

Mangrove Animals SINo Species Family Common

Name Description

1 Oysdercus decussates

pyrrhocoridae cottonmiddot stainer bug

Often gregarious under a leaf feeds only on the seeds of Talipariti tifiaceum

2 Aucha velans Noctuidae tidemiddot watching mangrove moth

Found on Avicennia spp common name derived from apparent favourable perching stance -looking downwards on a tree trunk as if watching the tide

3 llyogynis microcheirum

Cam ptandriidae silt crab Small inconspicuous crabs often found on the mud surface or under debris

18

FieJd Studies in l3iodiversil1 20 11

Introduction to Paya Bay and Accommodation

Paya Bay is a small bay on the western side of P Tioman There are a few resorts along the shore and a small village We will be staying at Paya Beach Resort (httpwwwpayabeachcomindexhtml) All rooms are air-conditioned with attached toilet and shower Two to three students wHI be allocated to each room Three main meals (breakfast lunch and dinner) will be provided

Breakfast - 7am to 930am Lunch - 1130am to 130pm Dinner - 7pm to 830pm Note there will be daily aher-dinner meetingsactivities at B30pm

Fresh drinking water is available throughout the day from a dispenser placed in the dining area Tap water is not potable so please ensure that you drink bottled water or obtain drinking water from the dispenser Soft drinks and snacks at own cost (SGD 1 - RM 24) Towels will be provided by the resort however bring your own toiletries There are shops that sell snacks and a few small restaurants at this bay Please note that there are no ATMs here Cash (Malaysian Ringgit) is the preferred mode of transaction Internet connection is available at Paya Beach Resort Mobile phone coverage is present but intermittent You can use landline telephones at the resort or at one or two of the nearby shops Paya Beach Resort

Wildlife around the bay Paya Bay and the area around it are rich in biodiversity so please watch where you step and what you touch If you are Hfting rocks to look at the animals under them please ensure that you return the rock to its original position gently The organisms found under a rock can usually only survive under shady conditions and will not survive well if exposed Observe animals quietly to ensure that you are observing their natural behaviour Try not to disturb them as this will only cause them to hide

23

FieJd Studies in l3iodiversil1 20 11

Introduction to Paya Bay and Accommodation

Paya Bay is a small bay on the western side of P Tioman There are a few resorts along the shore and a small village We will be staying at Paya Beach Resort (httpwwwpayabeachcomindexhtml) All rooms are air-conditioned with attached toilet and shower Two to three students wHI be allocated to each room Three main meals (breakfast lunch and dinner) will be provided

Breakfast - 7am to 930am Lunch - 1130am to 130pm Dinner - 7pm to 830pm Note there will be daily aher-dinner meetingsactivities at B30pm

Fresh drinking water is available throughout the day from a dispenser placed in the dining area Tap water is not potable so please ensure that you drink bottled water or obtain drinking water from the dispenser Soft drinks and snacks at own cost (SGD 1 - RM 24) Towels will be provided by the resort however bring your own toiletries There are shops that sell snacks and a few small restaurants at this bay Please note that there are no ATMs here Cash (Malaysian Ringgit) is the preferred mode of transaction Internet connection is available at Paya Beach Resort Mobile phone coverage is present but intermittent You can use landline telephones at the resort or at one or two of the nearby shops Paya Beach Resort

Wildlife around the bay Paya Bay and the area around it are rich in biodiversity so please watch where you step and what you touch If you are Hfting rocks to look at the animals under them please ensure that you return the rock to its original position gently The organisms found under a rock can usually only survive under shady conditions and will not survive well if exposed Observe animals quietly to ensure that you are observing their natural behaviour Try not to disturb them as this will only cause them to hide

23

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Things to Bring

Clothing Footwear I Others 1 T-shirts 2 Shorts 3 Undergarments 4Swimwear 5 Sun hat cap 6 Lightweight long

pants 7 Long-sleeve shirt 8 Light raincoat

1 Slippers flipshyflops Australian thongs

2 Diving booties 3 Comfortable

walkinglt shoes boots

1 Daypack overnight bag 2 Towelsarong 3 Strong torchlight flashlight

and extra batteries 4 Writingnote-taking

materials 5 Course Handbook 6 Travel Documents (eg

passport student visa etc) 1 Personal medication(s) 2 Sunscreensunblock and insect repellent 3 Toiletries and personal hygiene items Note 1 Shorts can be worn but long pants are highly recommended for

terrestrial work (especially if you are allergic to bites and stings) to help protect from cutsscratches from vegetation and insect bites

2 Appropriate footwear MUST be worn For aquatic environments diving booties or close-toed shoes (eg old sneakers) are recommended There may be sharp litter and animals with venomous spines at the intertidal area and streams so it is very important that your feet are protected

3 Trekking shoes or boots must be worn when walking into the forest Slippers (or flip-flops or Australian Thongs) are forbidden for field work as there are many stinging and biting ground-dwelling organisms

4 For field work ensure that your belongings all fit into a compact daypack Excessive items trailing or hanging off you compromises your balance and mobility

5 DO NOT bring machetes knives and heavy equipment Laptop computers binoculars etc are optional

6 All other field equipment will be provided

24

f ield Studjes in Biodiversitll 2() II

General Health and Safety Guidelines

In case of emergency

bull Notify a member of staff or find someone to do so

bull Keep your teaching assistant informed should you feel uncomfortable or experience any pain develop rashes or any other feelings of discomfort

bull Notify your teaching assistant immediately if you have been stung or bitten

Things to be aware of

bull Be aware of weather changes If you notice lightning or hear thunder immediately leave the exposed areas and seek shelter

bull Rocks along the shore in the forest or in streams are often slippery or sharp or both Avoid clambering over them without help or supervision

bull Do not touch or harass any animals Many animals have venomous bites spines or stinging cells

bull Note that there are strong currents within the bay when the tide changes Ensure that you are with a buddy should you wish to swim in the sea - inform someone where you are going If you want to snorkel within the bay during your free time please inform your teaching assistant

bull Always inform a buddy AND the teaching assistant if you have to leave the group for any reason Please do not wander into the forests or streams alone

bull Please drink plenty of water throughout the day and some before you sleep to prevent dehydration Take all meals and get a good nights rest as you need the energy to carry out fieldwork

bull Do not litter or vandalize

bull Keep your valuables with you at all times

25

Field Srudie in Biodiversity I 2U 11

What to bring when out in the field

bull At least 1 litre of drinking water per person to prevent dehydration

bull Raincoat or poncho for wet weather

bull Ziplock bags to waterproof electronic items if it rains

bull Hat and sunscreen to protect from the sun

bull Insect repellent

bull Working torchlight with a spare set of batteries if going out at night

The Black Giant Squirrel (Ralllfa bicolor liomanensis) is a large arboreal squirrel that can be found at all elevations on Tioman This subspecies is endemic to Tioman

26

field Studies in Biod iversitv 12011

Introduction to Pulau Tioman

Pulau Tioman is a rugged pear-shaped island located -45 km east off the state of Pahang in Malaysia It is the third largest island at 1336 sq km off Peninsular Malaysia with a length of -19 km and a maximum width of -11 km The topography is mostly steep hilly slopes covered in tropical rainforest with numerous peaks running along the central spine of the island The islands low-lying areas are limited to coastal regions fronted by sandy or rocky beaches It is along the coast that the majority of the villages are built and where the native population of -3000 live The largest population centre on P Tioman is Kampung (=village in Malay) Tekek on the western coast where most facilities and amenities are available A small airstrip was built here in the late 1980s that allows small aeroplanes to land The majority of visitors however arrive via ferries from Tanjung (=headland in Malay) Gemok Kuala (= estuary in Malay) Rompin Pahang or from Mersing Johore to the various villages on the island

The hilly interior and rocky slopes of the island harbour good tropical rainforest that has remained relatively undisturbed by the islands population There are numerous stream systems that drain the southern two thirds of the island The existence of a wide range of habitats contributes to the overall diversity of the island-there are hill and lowland dipterocarp rainforests rapid flowing freshwater habitats freshwater pools mangrove forests and rocky shores This island however is more popularly known for the golden-sand beaches and coral reefs which provides the main attraction to the 190000 tourist arrivals each year

In 1972 12383 ha of P Tioman was gazetted as a wildlife reserve by the Pahang state government to protect its native flora and fauna This was later reduced to 8296ha in 1984 to accommodate agricultural and tourism related developments The seas for two miles off P Tioman have also been gazetted as a marine park and marine reserve under the Fisheries Act (1985) in order to protect the marine fauna and flora from human activities such as fishing

Not surprisingly the main focus of development on P Tioman is related to the tourism industry Numerous lUxury resorts hotels and chalets can be found on or near the beaches and bays In recent years the

27

field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Malaysian federal government put forth a decision to further advance the tourism industry on P Tioman through the construction of a cargo jetty and marina complex at Kampung Tekek and to build an airport to accommodate larger aeroplanes to land The villagers and local NGOs argued that the construction of these new facilities would severely impact the marine environment thus removing the incentive for the tourists to visit and rendering the new facilities moot While construction on the cargo jetty and marina complex has already begun work on the new airport is still on hold Pulau Tioman has had a long history of naturalists visiting the island to study the native organisms some of which are endemic It would take careful planning for future developments not to damage or destroy this precious resource while at the same time allowing progress and prosperity for the local people

An example of the classic tropical island views to be found on P Tioman

28

field Studjes in l3iod iversity 120 11

PULAU TIOMAN

Paya

2km-

N

l1 kPt1CIA

Pulau Tioman Paya is on the west coast The main mountains ranges are to the south Much of the interior is covered by primary rainforest and sandy beaches can be found all around the coast

-~--~

29

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Freshwater Habitat

The northern third of this island is narrow and dry mostly lacking in permanent freshwater sources while the central and southern thirds make up the main bulk of the island with several permanent drainages These rivers include Sungai Mentawak Sungai Keliling Sungai Nipah Sungai Paya Sungai Lalang and Sungai Ayer Besar These stream systems coming from the hilly-forested areas represent the main supply of fresh water to the island (Jasmi 1999 Ng et aI 1999)

Above Sungei Paya hill stream with rocky substratum Below the fan shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) in situ 30

Field Studies in BiodivcrsiJJ 20 11

Currently more than 50 species of fishesare-known from the freshwater drainages of Pulau Tioman of which only six are primary freshwater species (Ng et aI 1999) A total of 14 crab species in four families (Gecarcinidae Grapsidae Parathelphusidae and Potamidae) and 13 prawn species in two families (Atyidae and Palaemonidae) have been discovered Eight of the crab species are endemic to the island ie found nowhere else in the world (Yeo et aI 1999 Yeo 2001) and the 5 endemic potamid crabs represent two invasions (Yeo et al 2007) Eleven species of water beetle (Hendrich amp Yang 1999) and a total of 33 species from 25 genera and eight families of aquatic and semishyaquatic insects have been recorded from the island (Yang et al 1999)

Above the endemic torrent goby (Sliphodon aureoroslrum) in situ Below the endemic terrestrial crab (Johora grallator)

31

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 20 I I

Pulau Tioman Terrestrial Habitat

A large part of the island is covered by tropical rain forest with hilly topography and inland forest Pulau Tioman is underlaid by volcanic plutonic and contact metamorphic rocks The volcanic rocks occur mainly on the eastern northern and southern parts of the island (Jasmi 1999)

The rainforests of P Tioman are relatively unexplored compared to its marine life Latiff et aI (1999) reported a total of 650 species of seed plants comprising of 5 gymnosperms and 645 angiosperms belonging to 434 genera and 128 families These plants are distributed in four main vegetation types mangrove forest beach vegetation lowland dipterocarp forest and hill dipterocarp forest Rare species of Rafflesia producing among the largest flowers in the world are also found on this island There are 89 species from 49 genera of mosses (Tan amp Haji Mohamed 1999) a total of 154 species of ferns and fern-allies belonging to 73 genera and 26 Giant trees on P Tioman families (Jaman amp Latiff 1999)

The brown Kukri snake (OIiRodon purpurescens) 32

Field Snl(lics in Bi(x livcrsi)j 2011

So far 45 species of land mammals have been recorded from P Tioman (Lim et aI 1999) Apart from feral cattle there are also species such as the binturong (the largest civet cat species) long-tailed macaque slow loris black giant squirrel brush-tailed porcupine redshygiant flying squirrel common palm civet and greater mouse deer There are also 138 species of birds known from the island with the most common recorded being the hill myna (Sodhi et aI 1999) Two species of swiftlets the black-nest swiftlet and edible-nest swiftlet are the most important economic birds on the island as villagers collect nests of these birds from caves to sell Twenty-five species of snakes have been recorded including the reticulated python Oriental whip snake king cobra and variable reed snake (Lim amp Lim 1999)

Insects are also abundant with 15 species of stick insects such as the recently discovered species Abrosoma johorensis (Seow-Choen amp Goh 1999) Twenty-five of the 78 species of butterflies are possibly new records for the island (Quek et aI 1999) Leaf beetles of the subfamily Galerucinae are represented by 28 species including two newly discovered species and three new records for Peninsular Malaysia (Mohamed 1999)

The Smaller Wood Nymph (Jdeopsiv RGUra) in situ

33

Field Stud ies in Biodiversity J~III

Pulau Tioman Intertidal and Marine Habitat

Pulau Tioman is typically subjected to two high tides and two low tides a day The area inundated by water during high tide and exposed during low tide is known as the intertidal or littoral zone Animals and plants living along the shore are greatly affected by the rise and ebb of the tide although many have adapted ways to cope with the challenges their environment presents With the ebb of the tide animals are exposed to high temperature and can potentially dry up The pH and salinity of pools of water during low tide increases as water evaporates On the other hand if it rains salinity drops These situations may bring about a host of osmoregulatory problems Intertidal animals also have to be aware of both aquatic and terrestrial predators

The tidal flat at Paya Bay is made up of a coral community and rocky parts The upper intertidal zone is dominated by patches of algae During extreme low tide part of the adjacent coral reef is exposed

Algae are abundant in the tidal flat of Paya Bay Some of these algae such as the mermaids fan are seasonally abundant embedded in the coral substrate Many organisms here are well camouflaged try and find the rocky shore sea slug Other animals you will encounter are star barnacles topshells purple climbing crabs and hermit crabs To properly spot and observe these organisms often requires a lot of patience and a keen eye

You will find some corals growing along the littoral zone area at low tide but the majority of corals thrive within the subtidal area which is never exposed to the air The subtidal area within Paya Bay slopes gently from the shore to the seafloor to depths of between 8m to 15m and is typified by sandy substrate with scattered coral patches Coral reef development is poor within the bay but is well developed and

Giant clams (Tridacna crocea) can be found

34

Field Srudies in Biodicrsi1l 2U11

extensive along the rocky shoreline of much of P Tioman and its surrounding islands

As you swim or snorkel away from the beach the sandy seafloor will start to give way to large coral boulders and scattered patches of branching and plate corals These coral communities form an elaborate three-dimensional environment which in turn provide habitats for numerous other coral reef inhabitants such as crustaceans (crabs prawns and relatives) mollusks (shellfish snails and squids) echinoderms (sea stars sea cucumbers and relatives) and fish Although the diversity of the coral community is lower within the bay compared to other fringing coral reefs in P Tioman it is considerably higher than even the most pristine reefs in some parts of the world including the Red Sea Hawaii and the Caribbean

35

field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Mangrove Habitat

Mangrove forests around Paya Bay are dominated by Brugueira sp This is an intertidal community and therefore organisms have to cope with daily fluctuations in salinity and temperature as the sea level rises and falls Bacteria living in the mud carry out anaerobic (without oxygen) respiration and produce hydrogen sulphide gas giving mangrove habitats the characteristic pungent smell The mud is not only smelly but also soft and unstable and organisms living here have also adapted to cope with these conditions

Knee roots of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza

Perhaps one of the most obvious organisms in the mangrove forest is the fiddler crab Males have one enlarged claw that they use in courtship displays and well as to fend off male rivals The other claw is much smaller and used for feeding Both pincers of females are small They emerge to feed and display during low tide but are sealed in their burrows during high tide - surviving by maintaining a bubble of air Fiddler crab (Uca vocans) only the males di splay an enlarged underground claw females have two small even-sized claws

Another prominent and fascinating animal you will see here is the mudskipper These fishes are able to live out of water for extended periods by holding water in their mouths for gaseous exchange They can also breathe through their moist skin Pectoral fins are modified to enable the fish to crawl over soft mUd Reptiles such as the water monitor lizard are scavengers that feed on anything from crabs to carrion They taste the air by sticking out and retracting their blueshy

36

Field Srudies in Biodiversill 2011

forked tongue placing it on the roof of the mouth where the information is processed via the Jacobsons organ - a chemosensory apparatus that is quite different to a nose Another reptile common in the mangrove forest is the rear-fanged dog-faced water snake Unlike most eaa-Iwing snakes this species bears live young

The dog- faced water snake (Cerberus ryllchops) can be found in the mangrove freshwater and coastal habitats

~ ~__r------_~_- ~--------~~

Silverstripe Mudskipper (Periophlhalmodoll argenlilinealus) and its trail

37

Tiomans Tides

Semldlumal

r amp 1 ~ c ~ 1=shy

Low Tldes-

Tides are the rise and fall of the sea level due to the interactions between the Earth Moon and Sun The moons gravitational force on Earth is the main cause of tidal forces (the sun s pull is only 46 of the Moons) Some places in the world just have one high and one low tide per day (a diurnal pattern) but Tioman has semidiurnal tides ie two high and two low tides per day The tides follow a lunar day of 24 hrs 58 mins which is why the high and low tide times change each cycle

Tioman tide table for 1 ih to 1 ih July 2011

12th July 2011 0751 hrs - 27m 1423hrs - 17m 1744hrs - 19m

14th July 2011 0145hrs - 03m 0948hrs - 30m 1621hrs-16m 1956hrs -19m

16th July 2011 0327hrs - 03m 1112hrs - 30m 1729hrs - 15m 2148hrs - 20m

ridd Studies in Oiodiversitv I 20 11

TIm (hours)

A semi-diurnal tidal pattern

Please see below for the tidal heights prediction for P Tioman during the dates of your stay

13th July 2011 0048hrs - O4m 0854hrs - 29m 1534hrs - 17m 1853hrs - 19m

15th July 2011 0238hrs - 03m 1033hrs - 30m 1656hrs - 15m 2054hrs - 19m

17th July 2011 0412hrs - 03m 1147hrs - 30m 1801 hrs - 14m 2240hrs - 20m

38

f ield Studjes in Biodiversitll 2() II

General Health and Safety Guidelines

In case of emergency

bull Notify a member of staff or find someone to do so

bull Keep your teaching assistant informed should you feel uncomfortable or experience any pain develop rashes or any other feelings of discomfort

bull Notify your teaching assistant immediately if you have been stung or bitten

Things to be aware of

bull Be aware of weather changes If you notice lightning or hear thunder immediately leave the exposed areas and seek shelter

bull Rocks along the shore in the forest or in streams are often slippery or sharp or both Avoid clambering over them without help or supervision

bull Do not touch or harass any animals Many animals have venomous bites spines or stinging cells

bull Note that there are strong currents within the bay when the tide changes Ensure that you are with a buddy should you wish to swim in the sea - inform someone where you are going If you want to snorkel within the bay during your free time please inform your teaching assistant

bull Always inform a buddy AND the teaching assistant if you have to leave the group for any reason Please do not wander into the forests or streams alone

bull Please drink plenty of water throughout the day and some before you sleep to prevent dehydration Take all meals and get a good nights rest as you need the energy to carry out fieldwork

bull Do not litter or vandalize

bull Keep your valuables with you at all times

25

Field Srudie in Biodiversity I 2U 11

What to bring when out in the field

bull At least 1 litre of drinking water per person to prevent dehydration

bull Raincoat or poncho for wet weather

bull Ziplock bags to waterproof electronic items if it rains

bull Hat and sunscreen to protect from the sun

bull Insect repellent

bull Working torchlight with a spare set of batteries if going out at night

The Black Giant Squirrel (Ralllfa bicolor liomanensis) is a large arboreal squirrel that can be found at all elevations on Tioman This subspecies is endemic to Tioman

26

field Studies in Biod iversitv 12011

Introduction to Pulau Tioman

Pulau Tioman is a rugged pear-shaped island located -45 km east off the state of Pahang in Malaysia It is the third largest island at 1336 sq km off Peninsular Malaysia with a length of -19 km and a maximum width of -11 km The topography is mostly steep hilly slopes covered in tropical rainforest with numerous peaks running along the central spine of the island The islands low-lying areas are limited to coastal regions fronted by sandy or rocky beaches It is along the coast that the majority of the villages are built and where the native population of -3000 live The largest population centre on P Tioman is Kampung (=village in Malay) Tekek on the western coast where most facilities and amenities are available A small airstrip was built here in the late 1980s that allows small aeroplanes to land The majority of visitors however arrive via ferries from Tanjung (=headland in Malay) Gemok Kuala (= estuary in Malay) Rompin Pahang or from Mersing Johore to the various villages on the island

The hilly interior and rocky slopes of the island harbour good tropical rainforest that has remained relatively undisturbed by the islands population There are numerous stream systems that drain the southern two thirds of the island The existence of a wide range of habitats contributes to the overall diversity of the island-there are hill and lowland dipterocarp rainforests rapid flowing freshwater habitats freshwater pools mangrove forests and rocky shores This island however is more popularly known for the golden-sand beaches and coral reefs which provides the main attraction to the 190000 tourist arrivals each year

In 1972 12383 ha of P Tioman was gazetted as a wildlife reserve by the Pahang state government to protect its native flora and fauna This was later reduced to 8296ha in 1984 to accommodate agricultural and tourism related developments The seas for two miles off P Tioman have also been gazetted as a marine park and marine reserve under the Fisheries Act (1985) in order to protect the marine fauna and flora from human activities such as fishing

Not surprisingly the main focus of development on P Tioman is related to the tourism industry Numerous lUxury resorts hotels and chalets can be found on or near the beaches and bays In recent years the

27

field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Malaysian federal government put forth a decision to further advance the tourism industry on P Tioman through the construction of a cargo jetty and marina complex at Kampung Tekek and to build an airport to accommodate larger aeroplanes to land The villagers and local NGOs argued that the construction of these new facilities would severely impact the marine environment thus removing the incentive for the tourists to visit and rendering the new facilities moot While construction on the cargo jetty and marina complex has already begun work on the new airport is still on hold Pulau Tioman has had a long history of naturalists visiting the island to study the native organisms some of which are endemic It would take careful planning for future developments not to damage or destroy this precious resource while at the same time allowing progress and prosperity for the local people

An example of the classic tropical island views to be found on P Tioman

28

field Studjes in l3iod iversity 120 11

PULAU TIOMAN

Paya

2km-

N

l1 kPt1CIA

Pulau Tioman Paya is on the west coast The main mountains ranges are to the south Much of the interior is covered by primary rainforest and sandy beaches can be found all around the coast

-~--~

29

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Freshwater Habitat

The northern third of this island is narrow and dry mostly lacking in permanent freshwater sources while the central and southern thirds make up the main bulk of the island with several permanent drainages These rivers include Sungai Mentawak Sungai Keliling Sungai Nipah Sungai Paya Sungai Lalang and Sungai Ayer Besar These stream systems coming from the hilly-forested areas represent the main supply of fresh water to the island (Jasmi 1999 Ng et aI 1999)

Above Sungei Paya hill stream with rocky substratum Below the fan shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) in situ 30

Field Studies in BiodivcrsiJJ 20 11

Currently more than 50 species of fishesare-known from the freshwater drainages of Pulau Tioman of which only six are primary freshwater species (Ng et aI 1999) A total of 14 crab species in four families (Gecarcinidae Grapsidae Parathelphusidae and Potamidae) and 13 prawn species in two families (Atyidae and Palaemonidae) have been discovered Eight of the crab species are endemic to the island ie found nowhere else in the world (Yeo et aI 1999 Yeo 2001) and the 5 endemic potamid crabs represent two invasions (Yeo et al 2007) Eleven species of water beetle (Hendrich amp Yang 1999) and a total of 33 species from 25 genera and eight families of aquatic and semishyaquatic insects have been recorded from the island (Yang et al 1999)

Above the endemic torrent goby (Sliphodon aureoroslrum) in situ Below the endemic terrestrial crab (Johora grallator)

31

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 20 I I

Pulau Tioman Terrestrial Habitat

A large part of the island is covered by tropical rain forest with hilly topography and inland forest Pulau Tioman is underlaid by volcanic plutonic and contact metamorphic rocks The volcanic rocks occur mainly on the eastern northern and southern parts of the island (Jasmi 1999)

The rainforests of P Tioman are relatively unexplored compared to its marine life Latiff et aI (1999) reported a total of 650 species of seed plants comprising of 5 gymnosperms and 645 angiosperms belonging to 434 genera and 128 families These plants are distributed in four main vegetation types mangrove forest beach vegetation lowland dipterocarp forest and hill dipterocarp forest Rare species of Rafflesia producing among the largest flowers in the world are also found on this island There are 89 species from 49 genera of mosses (Tan amp Haji Mohamed 1999) a total of 154 species of ferns and fern-allies belonging to 73 genera and 26 Giant trees on P Tioman families (Jaman amp Latiff 1999)

The brown Kukri snake (OIiRodon purpurescens) 32

Field Snl(lics in Bi(x livcrsi)j 2011

So far 45 species of land mammals have been recorded from P Tioman (Lim et aI 1999) Apart from feral cattle there are also species such as the binturong (the largest civet cat species) long-tailed macaque slow loris black giant squirrel brush-tailed porcupine redshygiant flying squirrel common palm civet and greater mouse deer There are also 138 species of birds known from the island with the most common recorded being the hill myna (Sodhi et aI 1999) Two species of swiftlets the black-nest swiftlet and edible-nest swiftlet are the most important economic birds on the island as villagers collect nests of these birds from caves to sell Twenty-five species of snakes have been recorded including the reticulated python Oriental whip snake king cobra and variable reed snake (Lim amp Lim 1999)

Insects are also abundant with 15 species of stick insects such as the recently discovered species Abrosoma johorensis (Seow-Choen amp Goh 1999) Twenty-five of the 78 species of butterflies are possibly new records for the island (Quek et aI 1999) Leaf beetles of the subfamily Galerucinae are represented by 28 species including two newly discovered species and three new records for Peninsular Malaysia (Mohamed 1999)

The Smaller Wood Nymph (Jdeopsiv RGUra) in situ

33

Field Stud ies in Biodiversity J~III

Pulau Tioman Intertidal and Marine Habitat

Pulau Tioman is typically subjected to two high tides and two low tides a day The area inundated by water during high tide and exposed during low tide is known as the intertidal or littoral zone Animals and plants living along the shore are greatly affected by the rise and ebb of the tide although many have adapted ways to cope with the challenges their environment presents With the ebb of the tide animals are exposed to high temperature and can potentially dry up The pH and salinity of pools of water during low tide increases as water evaporates On the other hand if it rains salinity drops These situations may bring about a host of osmoregulatory problems Intertidal animals also have to be aware of both aquatic and terrestrial predators

The tidal flat at Paya Bay is made up of a coral community and rocky parts The upper intertidal zone is dominated by patches of algae During extreme low tide part of the adjacent coral reef is exposed

Algae are abundant in the tidal flat of Paya Bay Some of these algae such as the mermaids fan are seasonally abundant embedded in the coral substrate Many organisms here are well camouflaged try and find the rocky shore sea slug Other animals you will encounter are star barnacles topshells purple climbing crabs and hermit crabs To properly spot and observe these organisms often requires a lot of patience and a keen eye

You will find some corals growing along the littoral zone area at low tide but the majority of corals thrive within the subtidal area which is never exposed to the air The subtidal area within Paya Bay slopes gently from the shore to the seafloor to depths of between 8m to 15m and is typified by sandy substrate with scattered coral patches Coral reef development is poor within the bay but is well developed and

Giant clams (Tridacna crocea) can be found

34

Field Srudies in Biodicrsi1l 2U11

extensive along the rocky shoreline of much of P Tioman and its surrounding islands

As you swim or snorkel away from the beach the sandy seafloor will start to give way to large coral boulders and scattered patches of branching and plate corals These coral communities form an elaborate three-dimensional environment which in turn provide habitats for numerous other coral reef inhabitants such as crustaceans (crabs prawns and relatives) mollusks (shellfish snails and squids) echinoderms (sea stars sea cucumbers and relatives) and fish Although the diversity of the coral community is lower within the bay compared to other fringing coral reefs in P Tioman it is considerably higher than even the most pristine reefs in some parts of the world including the Red Sea Hawaii and the Caribbean

35

field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Mangrove Habitat

Mangrove forests around Paya Bay are dominated by Brugueira sp This is an intertidal community and therefore organisms have to cope with daily fluctuations in salinity and temperature as the sea level rises and falls Bacteria living in the mud carry out anaerobic (without oxygen) respiration and produce hydrogen sulphide gas giving mangrove habitats the characteristic pungent smell The mud is not only smelly but also soft and unstable and organisms living here have also adapted to cope with these conditions

Knee roots of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza

Perhaps one of the most obvious organisms in the mangrove forest is the fiddler crab Males have one enlarged claw that they use in courtship displays and well as to fend off male rivals The other claw is much smaller and used for feeding Both pincers of females are small They emerge to feed and display during low tide but are sealed in their burrows during high tide - surviving by maintaining a bubble of air Fiddler crab (Uca vocans) only the males di splay an enlarged underground claw females have two small even-sized claws

Another prominent and fascinating animal you will see here is the mudskipper These fishes are able to live out of water for extended periods by holding water in their mouths for gaseous exchange They can also breathe through their moist skin Pectoral fins are modified to enable the fish to crawl over soft mUd Reptiles such as the water monitor lizard are scavengers that feed on anything from crabs to carrion They taste the air by sticking out and retracting their blueshy

36

Field Srudies in Biodiversill 2011

forked tongue placing it on the roof of the mouth where the information is processed via the Jacobsons organ - a chemosensory apparatus that is quite different to a nose Another reptile common in the mangrove forest is the rear-fanged dog-faced water snake Unlike most eaa-Iwing snakes this species bears live young

The dog- faced water snake (Cerberus ryllchops) can be found in the mangrove freshwater and coastal habitats

~ ~__r------_~_- ~--------~~

Silverstripe Mudskipper (Periophlhalmodoll argenlilinealus) and its trail

37

Tiomans Tides

Semldlumal

r amp 1 ~ c ~ 1=shy

Low Tldes-

Tides are the rise and fall of the sea level due to the interactions between the Earth Moon and Sun The moons gravitational force on Earth is the main cause of tidal forces (the sun s pull is only 46 of the Moons) Some places in the world just have one high and one low tide per day (a diurnal pattern) but Tioman has semidiurnal tides ie two high and two low tides per day The tides follow a lunar day of 24 hrs 58 mins which is why the high and low tide times change each cycle

Tioman tide table for 1 ih to 1 ih July 2011

12th July 2011 0751 hrs - 27m 1423hrs - 17m 1744hrs - 19m

14th July 2011 0145hrs - 03m 0948hrs - 30m 1621hrs-16m 1956hrs -19m

16th July 2011 0327hrs - 03m 1112hrs - 30m 1729hrs - 15m 2148hrs - 20m

ridd Studies in Oiodiversitv I 20 11

TIm (hours)

A semi-diurnal tidal pattern

Please see below for the tidal heights prediction for P Tioman during the dates of your stay

13th July 2011 0048hrs - O4m 0854hrs - 29m 1534hrs - 17m 1853hrs - 19m

15th July 2011 0238hrs - 03m 1033hrs - 30m 1656hrs - 15m 2054hrs - 19m

17th July 2011 0412hrs - 03m 1147hrs - 30m 1801 hrs - 14m 2240hrs - 20m

38

Field Srudie in Biodiversity I 2U 11

What to bring when out in the field

bull At least 1 litre of drinking water per person to prevent dehydration

bull Raincoat or poncho for wet weather

bull Ziplock bags to waterproof electronic items if it rains

bull Hat and sunscreen to protect from the sun

bull Insect repellent

bull Working torchlight with a spare set of batteries if going out at night

The Black Giant Squirrel (Ralllfa bicolor liomanensis) is a large arboreal squirrel that can be found at all elevations on Tioman This subspecies is endemic to Tioman

26

field Studies in Biod iversitv 12011

Introduction to Pulau Tioman

Pulau Tioman is a rugged pear-shaped island located -45 km east off the state of Pahang in Malaysia It is the third largest island at 1336 sq km off Peninsular Malaysia with a length of -19 km and a maximum width of -11 km The topography is mostly steep hilly slopes covered in tropical rainforest with numerous peaks running along the central spine of the island The islands low-lying areas are limited to coastal regions fronted by sandy or rocky beaches It is along the coast that the majority of the villages are built and where the native population of -3000 live The largest population centre on P Tioman is Kampung (=village in Malay) Tekek on the western coast where most facilities and amenities are available A small airstrip was built here in the late 1980s that allows small aeroplanes to land The majority of visitors however arrive via ferries from Tanjung (=headland in Malay) Gemok Kuala (= estuary in Malay) Rompin Pahang or from Mersing Johore to the various villages on the island

The hilly interior and rocky slopes of the island harbour good tropical rainforest that has remained relatively undisturbed by the islands population There are numerous stream systems that drain the southern two thirds of the island The existence of a wide range of habitats contributes to the overall diversity of the island-there are hill and lowland dipterocarp rainforests rapid flowing freshwater habitats freshwater pools mangrove forests and rocky shores This island however is more popularly known for the golden-sand beaches and coral reefs which provides the main attraction to the 190000 tourist arrivals each year

In 1972 12383 ha of P Tioman was gazetted as a wildlife reserve by the Pahang state government to protect its native flora and fauna This was later reduced to 8296ha in 1984 to accommodate agricultural and tourism related developments The seas for two miles off P Tioman have also been gazetted as a marine park and marine reserve under the Fisheries Act (1985) in order to protect the marine fauna and flora from human activities such as fishing

Not surprisingly the main focus of development on P Tioman is related to the tourism industry Numerous lUxury resorts hotels and chalets can be found on or near the beaches and bays In recent years the

27

field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Malaysian federal government put forth a decision to further advance the tourism industry on P Tioman through the construction of a cargo jetty and marina complex at Kampung Tekek and to build an airport to accommodate larger aeroplanes to land The villagers and local NGOs argued that the construction of these new facilities would severely impact the marine environment thus removing the incentive for the tourists to visit and rendering the new facilities moot While construction on the cargo jetty and marina complex has already begun work on the new airport is still on hold Pulau Tioman has had a long history of naturalists visiting the island to study the native organisms some of which are endemic It would take careful planning for future developments not to damage or destroy this precious resource while at the same time allowing progress and prosperity for the local people

An example of the classic tropical island views to be found on P Tioman

28

field Studjes in l3iod iversity 120 11

PULAU TIOMAN

Paya

2km-

N

l1 kPt1CIA

Pulau Tioman Paya is on the west coast The main mountains ranges are to the south Much of the interior is covered by primary rainforest and sandy beaches can be found all around the coast

-~--~

29

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Freshwater Habitat

The northern third of this island is narrow and dry mostly lacking in permanent freshwater sources while the central and southern thirds make up the main bulk of the island with several permanent drainages These rivers include Sungai Mentawak Sungai Keliling Sungai Nipah Sungai Paya Sungai Lalang and Sungai Ayer Besar These stream systems coming from the hilly-forested areas represent the main supply of fresh water to the island (Jasmi 1999 Ng et aI 1999)

Above Sungei Paya hill stream with rocky substratum Below the fan shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) in situ 30

Field Studies in BiodivcrsiJJ 20 11

Currently more than 50 species of fishesare-known from the freshwater drainages of Pulau Tioman of which only six are primary freshwater species (Ng et aI 1999) A total of 14 crab species in four families (Gecarcinidae Grapsidae Parathelphusidae and Potamidae) and 13 prawn species in two families (Atyidae and Palaemonidae) have been discovered Eight of the crab species are endemic to the island ie found nowhere else in the world (Yeo et aI 1999 Yeo 2001) and the 5 endemic potamid crabs represent two invasions (Yeo et al 2007) Eleven species of water beetle (Hendrich amp Yang 1999) and a total of 33 species from 25 genera and eight families of aquatic and semishyaquatic insects have been recorded from the island (Yang et al 1999)

Above the endemic torrent goby (Sliphodon aureoroslrum) in situ Below the endemic terrestrial crab (Johora grallator)

31

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 20 I I

Pulau Tioman Terrestrial Habitat

A large part of the island is covered by tropical rain forest with hilly topography and inland forest Pulau Tioman is underlaid by volcanic plutonic and contact metamorphic rocks The volcanic rocks occur mainly on the eastern northern and southern parts of the island (Jasmi 1999)

The rainforests of P Tioman are relatively unexplored compared to its marine life Latiff et aI (1999) reported a total of 650 species of seed plants comprising of 5 gymnosperms and 645 angiosperms belonging to 434 genera and 128 families These plants are distributed in four main vegetation types mangrove forest beach vegetation lowland dipterocarp forest and hill dipterocarp forest Rare species of Rafflesia producing among the largest flowers in the world are also found on this island There are 89 species from 49 genera of mosses (Tan amp Haji Mohamed 1999) a total of 154 species of ferns and fern-allies belonging to 73 genera and 26 Giant trees on P Tioman families (Jaman amp Latiff 1999)

The brown Kukri snake (OIiRodon purpurescens) 32

Field Snl(lics in Bi(x livcrsi)j 2011

So far 45 species of land mammals have been recorded from P Tioman (Lim et aI 1999) Apart from feral cattle there are also species such as the binturong (the largest civet cat species) long-tailed macaque slow loris black giant squirrel brush-tailed porcupine redshygiant flying squirrel common palm civet and greater mouse deer There are also 138 species of birds known from the island with the most common recorded being the hill myna (Sodhi et aI 1999) Two species of swiftlets the black-nest swiftlet and edible-nest swiftlet are the most important economic birds on the island as villagers collect nests of these birds from caves to sell Twenty-five species of snakes have been recorded including the reticulated python Oriental whip snake king cobra and variable reed snake (Lim amp Lim 1999)

Insects are also abundant with 15 species of stick insects such as the recently discovered species Abrosoma johorensis (Seow-Choen amp Goh 1999) Twenty-five of the 78 species of butterflies are possibly new records for the island (Quek et aI 1999) Leaf beetles of the subfamily Galerucinae are represented by 28 species including two newly discovered species and three new records for Peninsular Malaysia (Mohamed 1999)

The Smaller Wood Nymph (Jdeopsiv RGUra) in situ

33

Field Stud ies in Biodiversity J~III

Pulau Tioman Intertidal and Marine Habitat

Pulau Tioman is typically subjected to two high tides and two low tides a day The area inundated by water during high tide and exposed during low tide is known as the intertidal or littoral zone Animals and plants living along the shore are greatly affected by the rise and ebb of the tide although many have adapted ways to cope with the challenges their environment presents With the ebb of the tide animals are exposed to high temperature and can potentially dry up The pH and salinity of pools of water during low tide increases as water evaporates On the other hand if it rains salinity drops These situations may bring about a host of osmoregulatory problems Intertidal animals also have to be aware of both aquatic and terrestrial predators

The tidal flat at Paya Bay is made up of a coral community and rocky parts The upper intertidal zone is dominated by patches of algae During extreme low tide part of the adjacent coral reef is exposed

Algae are abundant in the tidal flat of Paya Bay Some of these algae such as the mermaids fan are seasonally abundant embedded in the coral substrate Many organisms here are well camouflaged try and find the rocky shore sea slug Other animals you will encounter are star barnacles topshells purple climbing crabs and hermit crabs To properly spot and observe these organisms often requires a lot of patience and a keen eye

You will find some corals growing along the littoral zone area at low tide but the majority of corals thrive within the subtidal area which is never exposed to the air The subtidal area within Paya Bay slopes gently from the shore to the seafloor to depths of between 8m to 15m and is typified by sandy substrate with scattered coral patches Coral reef development is poor within the bay but is well developed and

Giant clams (Tridacna crocea) can be found

34

Field Srudies in Biodicrsi1l 2U11

extensive along the rocky shoreline of much of P Tioman and its surrounding islands

As you swim or snorkel away from the beach the sandy seafloor will start to give way to large coral boulders and scattered patches of branching and plate corals These coral communities form an elaborate three-dimensional environment which in turn provide habitats for numerous other coral reef inhabitants such as crustaceans (crabs prawns and relatives) mollusks (shellfish snails and squids) echinoderms (sea stars sea cucumbers and relatives) and fish Although the diversity of the coral community is lower within the bay compared to other fringing coral reefs in P Tioman it is considerably higher than even the most pristine reefs in some parts of the world including the Red Sea Hawaii and the Caribbean

35

field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Mangrove Habitat

Mangrove forests around Paya Bay are dominated by Brugueira sp This is an intertidal community and therefore organisms have to cope with daily fluctuations in salinity and temperature as the sea level rises and falls Bacteria living in the mud carry out anaerobic (without oxygen) respiration and produce hydrogen sulphide gas giving mangrove habitats the characteristic pungent smell The mud is not only smelly but also soft and unstable and organisms living here have also adapted to cope with these conditions

Knee roots of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza

Perhaps one of the most obvious organisms in the mangrove forest is the fiddler crab Males have one enlarged claw that they use in courtship displays and well as to fend off male rivals The other claw is much smaller and used for feeding Both pincers of females are small They emerge to feed and display during low tide but are sealed in their burrows during high tide - surviving by maintaining a bubble of air Fiddler crab (Uca vocans) only the males di splay an enlarged underground claw females have two small even-sized claws

Another prominent and fascinating animal you will see here is the mudskipper These fishes are able to live out of water for extended periods by holding water in their mouths for gaseous exchange They can also breathe through their moist skin Pectoral fins are modified to enable the fish to crawl over soft mUd Reptiles such as the water monitor lizard are scavengers that feed on anything from crabs to carrion They taste the air by sticking out and retracting their blueshy

36

Field Srudies in Biodiversill 2011

forked tongue placing it on the roof of the mouth where the information is processed via the Jacobsons organ - a chemosensory apparatus that is quite different to a nose Another reptile common in the mangrove forest is the rear-fanged dog-faced water snake Unlike most eaa-Iwing snakes this species bears live young

The dog- faced water snake (Cerberus ryllchops) can be found in the mangrove freshwater and coastal habitats

~ ~__r------_~_- ~--------~~

Silverstripe Mudskipper (Periophlhalmodoll argenlilinealus) and its trail

37

Tiomans Tides

Semldlumal

r amp 1 ~ c ~ 1=shy

Low Tldes-

Tides are the rise and fall of the sea level due to the interactions between the Earth Moon and Sun The moons gravitational force on Earth is the main cause of tidal forces (the sun s pull is only 46 of the Moons) Some places in the world just have one high and one low tide per day (a diurnal pattern) but Tioman has semidiurnal tides ie two high and two low tides per day The tides follow a lunar day of 24 hrs 58 mins which is why the high and low tide times change each cycle

Tioman tide table for 1 ih to 1 ih July 2011

12th July 2011 0751 hrs - 27m 1423hrs - 17m 1744hrs - 19m

14th July 2011 0145hrs - 03m 0948hrs - 30m 1621hrs-16m 1956hrs -19m

16th July 2011 0327hrs - 03m 1112hrs - 30m 1729hrs - 15m 2148hrs - 20m

ridd Studies in Oiodiversitv I 20 11

TIm (hours)

A semi-diurnal tidal pattern

Please see below for the tidal heights prediction for P Tioman during the dates of your stay

13th July 2011 0048hrs - O4m 0854hrs - 29m 1534hrs - 17m 1853hrs - 19m

15th July 2011 0238hrs - 03m 1033hrs - 30m 1656hrs - 15m 2054hrs - 19m

17th July 2011 0412hrs - 03m 1147hrs - 30m 1801 hrs - 14m 2240hrs - 20m

38

field Studies in Biod iversitv 12011

Introduction to Pulau Tioman

Pulau Tioman is a rugged pear-shaped island located -45 km east off the state of Pahang in Malaysia It is the third largest island at 1336 sq km off Peninsular Malaysia with a length of -19 km and a maximum width of -11 km The topography is mostly steep hilly slopes covered in tropical rainforest with numerous peaks running along the central spine of the island The islands low-lying areas are limited to coastal regions fronted by sandy or rocky beaches It is along the coast that the majority of the villages are built and where the native population of -3000 live The largest population centre on P Tioman is Kampung (=village in Malay) Tekek on the western coast where most facilities and amenities are available A small airstrip was built here in the late 1980s that allows small aeroplanes to land The majority of visitors however arrive via ferries from Tanjung (=headland in Malay) Gemok Kuala (= estuary in Malay) Rompin Pahang or from Mersing Johore to the various villages on the island

The hilly interior and rocky slopes of the island harbour good tropical rainforest that has remained relatively undisturbed by the islands population There are numerous stream systems that drain the southern two thirds of the island The existence of a wide range of habitats contributes to the overall diversity of the island-there are hill and lowland dipterocarp rainforests rapid flowing freshwater habitats freshwater pools mangrove forests and rocky shores This island however is more popularly known for the golden-sand beaches and coral reefs which provides the main attraction to the 190000 tourist arrivals each year

In 1972 12383 ha of P Tioman was gazetted as a wildlife reserve by the Pahang state government to protect its native flora and fauna This was later reduced to 8296ha in 1984 to accommodate agricultural and tourism related developments The seas for two miles off P Tioman have also been gazetted as a marine park and marine reserve under the Fisheries Act (1985) in order to protect the marine fauna and flora from human activities such as fishing

Not surprisingly the main focus of development on P Tioman is related to the tourism industry Numerous lUxury resorts hotels and chalets can be found on or near the beaches and bays In recent years the

27

field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Malaysian federal government put forth a decision to further advance the tourism industry on P Tioman through the construction of a cargo jetty and marina complex at Kampung Tekek and to build an airport to accommodate larger aeroplanes to land The villagers and local NGOs argued that the construction of these new facilities would severely impact the marine environment thus removing the incentive for the tourists to visit and rendering the new facilities moot While construction on the cargo jetty and marina complex has already begun work on the new airport is still on hold Pulau Tioman has had a long history of naturalists visiting the island to study the native organisms some of which are endemic It would take careful planning for future developments not to damage or destroy this precious resource while at the same time allowing progress and prosperity for the local people

An example of the classic tropical island views to be found on P Tioman

28

field Studjes in l3iod iversity 120 11

PULAU TIOMAN

Paya

2km-

N

l1 kPt1CIA

Pulau Tioman Paya is on the west coast The main mountains ranges are to the south Much of the interior is covered by primary rainforest and sandy beaches can be found all around the coast

-~--~

29

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Freshwater Habitat

The northern third of this island is narrow and dry mostly lacking in permanent freshwater sources while the central and southern thirds make up the main bulk of the island with several permanent drainages These rivers include Sungai Mentawak Sungai Keliling Sungai Nipah Sungai Paya Sungai Lalang and Sungai Ayer Besar These stream systems coming from the hilly-forested areas represent the main supply of fresh water to the island (Jasmi 1999 Ng et aI 1999)

Above Sungei Paya hill stream with rocky substratum Below the fan shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) in situ 30

Field Studies in BiodivcrsiJJ 20 11

Currently more than 50 species of fishesare-known from the freshwater drainages of Pulau Tioman of which only six are primary freshwater species (Ng et aI 1999) A total of 14 crab species in four families (Gecarcinidae Grapsidae Parathelphusidae and Potamidae) and 13 prawn species in two families (Atyidae and Palaemonidae) have been discovered Eight of the crab species are endemic to the island ie found nowhere else in the world (Yeo et aI 1999 Yeo 2001) and the 5 endemic potamid crabs represent two invasions (Yeo et al 2007) Eleven species of water beetle (Hendrich amp Yang 1999) and a total of 33 species from 25 genera and eight families of aquatic and semishyaquatic insects have been recorded from the island (Yang et al 1999)

Above the endemic torrent goby (Sliphodon aureoroslrum) in situ Below the endemic terrestrial crab (Johora grallator)

31

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 20 I I

Pulau Tioman Terrestrial Habitat

A large part of the island is covered by tropical rain forest with hilly topography and inland forest Pulau Tioman is underlaid by volcanic plutonic and contact metamorphic rocks The volcanic rocks occur mainly on the eastern northern and southern parts of the island (Jasmi 1999)

The rainforests of P Tioman are relatively unexplored compared to its marine life Latiff et aI (1999) reported a total of 650 species of seed plants comprising of 5 gymnosperms and 645 angiosperms belonging to 434 genera and 128 families These plants are distributed in four main vegetation types mangrove forest beach vegetation lowland dipterocarp forest and hill dipterocarp forest Rare species of Rafflesia producing among the largest flowers in the world are also found on this island There are 89 species from 49 genera of mosses (Tan amp Haji Mohamed 1999) a total of 154 species of ferns and fern-allies belonging to 73 genera and 26 Giant trees on P Tioman families (Jaman amp Latiff 1999)

The brown Kukri snake (OIiRodon purpurescens) 32

Field Snl(lics in Bi(x livcrsi)j 2011

So far 45 species of land mammals have been recorded from P Tioman (Lim et aI 1999) Apart from feral cattle there are also species such as the binturong (the largest civet cat species) long-tailed macaque slow loris black giant squirrel brush-tailed porcupine redshygiant flying squirrel common palm civet and greater mouse deer There are also 138 species of birds known from the island with the most common recorded being the hill myna (Sodhi et aI 1999) Two species of swiftlets the black-nest swiftlet and edible-nest swiftlet are the most important economic birds on the island as villagers collect nests of these birds from caves to sell Twenty-five species of snakes have been recorded including the reticulated python Oriental whip snake king cobra and variable reed snake (Lim amp Lim 1999)

Insects are also abundant with 15 species of stick insects such as the recently discovered species Abrosoma johorensis (Seow-Choen amp Goh 1999) Twenty-five of the 78 species of butterflies are possibly new records for the island (Quek et aI 1999) Leaf beetles of the subfamily Galerucinae are represented by 28 species including two newly discovered species and three new records for Peninsular Malaysia (Mohamed 1999)

The Smaller Wood Nymph (Jdeopsiv RGUra) in situ

33

Field Stud ies in Biodiversity J~III

Pulau Tioman Intertidal and Marine Habitat

Pulau Tioman is typically subjected to two high tides and two low tides a day The area inundated by water during high tide and exposed during low tide is known as the intertidal or littoral zone Animals and plants living along the shore are greatly affected by the rise and ebb of the tide although many have adapted ways to cope with the challenges their environment presents With the ebb of the tide animals are exposed to high temperature and can potentially dry up The pH and salinity of pools of water during low tide increases as water evaporates On the other hand if it rains salinity drops These situations may bring about a host of osmoregulatory problems Intertidal animals also have to be aware of both aquatic and terrestrial predators

The tidal flat at Paya Bay is made up of a coral community and rocky parts The upper intertidal zone is dominated by patches of algae During extreme low tide part of the adjacent coral reef is exposed

Algae are abundant in the tidal flat of Paya Bay Some of these algae such as the mermaids fan are seasonally abundant embedded in the coral substrate Many organisms here are well camouflaged try and find the rocky shore sea slug Other animals you will encounter are star barnacles topshells purple climbing crabs and hermit crabs To properly spot and observe these organisms often requires a lot of patience and a keen eye

You will find some corals growing along the littoral zone area at low tide but the majority of corals thrive within the subtidal area which is never exposed to the air The subtidal area within Paya Bay slopes gently from the shore to the seafloor to depths of between 8m to 15m and is typified by sandy substrate with scattered coral patches Coral reef development is poor within the bay but is well developed and

Giant clams (Tridacna crocea) can be found

34

Field Srudies in Biodicrsi1l 2U11

extensive along the rocky shoreline of much of P Tioman and its surrounding islands

As you swim or snorkel away from the beach the sandy seafloor will start to give way to large coral boulders and scattered patches of branching and plate corals These coral communities form an elaborate three-dimensional environment which in turn provide habitats for numerous other coral reef inhabitants such as crustaceans (crabs prawns and relatives) mollusks (shellfish snails and squids) echinoderms (sea stars sea cucumbers and relatives) and fish Although the diversity of the coral community is lower within the bay compared to other fringing coral reefs in P Tioman it is considerably higher than even the most pristine reefs in some parts of the world including the Red Sea Hawaii and the Caribbean

35

field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Mangrove Habitat

Mangrove forests around Paya Bay are dominated by Brugueira sp This is an intertidal community and therefore organisms have to cope with daily fluctuations in salinity and temperature as the sea level rises and falls Bacteria living in the mud carry out anaerobic (without oxygen) respiration and produce hydrogen sulphide gas giving mangrove habitats the characteristic pungent smell The mud is not only smelly but also soft and unstable and organisms living here have also adapted to cope with these conditions

Knee roots of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza

Perhaps one of the most obvious organisms in the mangrove forest is the fiddler crab Males have one enlarged claw that they use in courtship displays and well as to fend off male rivals The other claw is much smaller and used for feeding Both pincers of females are small They emerge to feed and display during low tide but are sealed in their burrows during high tide - surviving by maintaining a bubble of air Fiddler crab (Uca vocans) only the males di splay an enlarged underground claw females have two small even-sized claws

Another prominent and fascinating animal you will see here is the mudskipper These fishes are able to live out of water for extended periods by holding water in their mouths for gaseous exchange They can also breathe through their moist skin Pectoral fins are modified to enable the fish to crawl over soft mUd Reptiles such as the water monitor lizard are scavengers that feed on anything from crabs to carrion They taste the air by sticking out and retracting their blueshy

36

Field Srudies in Biodiversill 2011

forked tongue placing it on the roof of the mouth where the information is processed via the Jacobsons organ - a chemosensory apparatus that is quite different to a nose Another reptile common in the mangrove forest is the rear-fanged dog-faced water snake Unlike most eaa-Iwing snakes this species bears live young

The dog- faced water snake (Cerberus ryllchops) can be found in the mangrove freshwater and coastal habitats

~ ~__r------_~_- ~--------~~

Silverstripe Mudskipper (Periophlhalmodoll argenlilinealus) and its trail

37

Tiomans Tides

Semldlumal

r amp 1 ~ c ~ 1=shy

Low Tldes-

Tides are the rise and fall of the sea level due to the interactions between the Earth Moon and Sun The moons gravitational force on Earth is the main cause of tidal forces (the sun s pull is only 46 of the Moons) Some places in the world just have one high and one low tide per day (a diurnal pattern) but Tioman has semidiurnal tides ie two high and two low tides per day The tides follow a lunar day of 24 hrs 58 mins which is why the high and low tide times change each cycle

Tioman tide table for 1 ih to 1 ih July 2011

12th July 2011 0751 hrs - 27m 1423hrs - 17m 1744hrs - 19m

14th July 2011 0145hrs - 03m 0948hrs - 30m 1621hrs-16m 1956hrs -19m

16th July 2011 0327hrs - 03m 1112hrs - 30m 1729hrs - 15m 2148hrs - 20m

ridd Studies in Oiodiversitv I 20 11

TIm (hours)

A semi-diurnal tidal pattern

Please see below for the tidal heights prediction for P Tioman during the dates of your stay

13th July 2011 0048hrs - O4m 0854hrs - 29m 1534hrs - 17m 1853hrs - 19m

15th July 2011 0238hrs - 03m 1033hrs - 30m 1656hrs - 15m 2054hrs - 19m

17th July 2011 0412hrs - 03m 1147hrs - 30m 1801 hrs - 14m 2240hrs - 20m

38

field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Malaysian federal government put forth a decision to further advance the tourism industry on P Tioman through the construction of a cargo jetty and marina complex at Kampung Tekek and to build an airport to accommodate larger aeroplanes to land The villagers and local NGOs argued that the construction of these new facilities would severely impact the marine environment thus removing the incentive for the tourists to visit and rendering the new facilities moot While construction on the cargo jetty and marina complex has already begun work on the new airport is still on hold Pulau Tioman has had a long history of naturalists visiting the island to study the native organisms some of which are endemic It would take careful planning for future developments not to damage or destroy this precious resource while at the same time allowing progress and prosperity for the local people

An example of the classic tropical island views to be found on P Tioman

28

field Studjes in l3iod iversity 120 11

PULAU TIOMAN

Paya

2km-

N

l1 kPt1CIA

Pulau Tioman Paya is on the west coast The main mountains ranges are to the south Much of the interior is covered by primary rainforest and sandy beaches can be found all around the coast

-~--~

29

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Freshwater Habitat

The northern third of this island is narrow and dry mostly lacking in permanent freshwater sources while the central and southern thirds make up the main bulk of the island with several permanent drainages These rivers include Sungai Mentawak Sungai Keliling Sungai Nipah Sungai Paya Sungai Lalang and Sungai Ayer Besar These stream systems coming from the hilly-forested areas represent the main supply of fresh water to the island (Jasmi 1999 Ng et aI 1999)

Above Sungei Paya hill stream with rocky substratum Below the fan shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) in situ 30

Field Studies in BiodivcrsiJJ 20 11

Currently more than 50 species of fishesare-known from the freshwater drainages of Pulau Tioman of which only six are primary freshwater species (Ng et aI 1999) A total of 14 crab species in four families (Gecarcinidae Grapsidae Parathelphusidae and Potamidae) and 13 prawn species in two families (Atyidae and Palaemonidae) have been discovered Eight of the crab species are endemic to the island ie found nowhere else in the world (Yeo et aI 1999 Yeo 2001) and the 5 endemic potamid crabs represent two invasions (Yeo et al 2007) Eleven species of water beetle (Hendrich amp Yang 1999) and a total of 33 species from 25 genera and eight families of aquatic and semishyaquatic insects have been recorded from the island (Yang et al 1999)

Above the endemic torrent goby (Sliphodon aureoroslrum) in situ Below the endemic terrestrial crab (Johora grallator)

31

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 20 I I

Pulau Tioman Terrestrial Habitat

A large part of the island is covered by tropical rain forest with hilly topography and inland forest Pulau Tioman is underlaid by volcanic plutonic and contact metamorphic rocks The volcanic rocks occur mainly on the eastern northern and southern parts of the island (Jasmi 1999)

The rainforests of P Tioman are relatively unexplored compared to its marine life Latiff et aI (1999) reported a total of 650 species of seed plants comprising of 5 gymnosperms and 645 angiosperms belonging to 434 genera and 128 families These plants are distributed in four main vegetation types mangrove forest beach vegetation lowland dipterocarp forest and hill dipterocarp forest Rare species of Rafflesia producing among the largest flowers in the world are also found on this island There are 89 species from 49 genera of mosses (Tan amp Haji Mohamed 1999) a total of 154 species of ferns and fern-allies belonging to 73 genera and 26 Giant trees on P Tioman families (Jaman amp Latiff 1999)

The brown Kukri snake (OIiRodon purpurescens) 32

Field Snl(lics in Bi(x livcrsi)j 2011

So far 45 species of land mammals have been recorded from P Tioman (Lim et aI 1999) Apart from feral cattle there are also species such as the binturong (the largest civet cat species) long-tailed macaque slow loris black giant squirrel brush-tailed porcupine redshygiant flying squirrel common palm civet and greater mouse deer There are also 138 species of birds known from the island with the most common recorded being the hill myna (Sodhi et aI 1999) Two species of swiftlets the black-nest swiftlet and edible-nest swiftlet are the most important economic birds on the island as villagers collect nests of these birds from caves to sell Twenty-five species of snakes have been recorded including the reticulated python Oriental whip snake king cobra and variable reed snake (Lim amp Lim 1999)

Insects are also abundant with 15 species of stick insects such as the recently discovered species Abrosoma johorensis (Seow-Choen amp Goh 1999) Twenty-five of the 78 species of butterflies are possibly new records for the island (Quek et aI 1999) Leaf beetles of the subfamily Galerucinae are represented by 28 species including two newly discovered species and three new records for Peninsular Malaysia (Mohamed 1999)

The Smaller Wood Nymph (Jdeopsiv RGUra) in situ

33

Field Stud ies in Biodiversity J~III

Pulau Tioman Intertidal and Marine Habitat

Pulau Tioman is typically subjected to two high tides and two low tides a day The area inundated by water during high tide and exposed during low tide is known as the intertidal or littoral zone Animals and plants living along the shore are greatly affected by the rise and ebb of the tide although many have adapted ways to cope with the challenges their environment presents With the ebb of the tide animals are exposed to high temperature and can potentially dry up The pH and salinity of pools of water during low tide increases as water evaporates On the other hand if it rains salinity drops These situations may bring about a host of osmoregulatory problems Intertidal animals also have to be aware of both aquatic and terrestrial predators

The tidal flat at Paya Bay is made up of a coral community and rocky parts The upper intertidal zone is dominated by patches of algae During extreme low tide part of the adjacent coral reef is exposed

Algae are abundant in the tidal flat of Paya Bay Some of these algae such as the mermaids fan are seasonally abundant embedded in the coral substrate Many organisms here are well camouflaged try and find the rocky shore sea slug Other animals you will encounter are star barnacles topshells purple climbing crabs and hermit crabs To properly spot and observe these organisms often requires a lot of patience and a keen eye

You will find some corals growing along the littoral zone area at low tide but the majority of corals thrive within the subtidal area which is never exposed to the air The subtidal area within Paya Bay slopes gently from the shore to the seafloor to depths of between 8m to 15m and is typified by sandy substrate with scattered coral patches Coral reef development is poor within the bay but is well developed and

Giant clams (Tridacna crocea) can be found

34

Field Srudies in Biodicrsi1l 2U11

extensive along the rocky shoreline of much of P Tioman and its surrounding islands

As you swim or snorkel away from the beach the sandy seafloor will start to give way to large coral boulders and scattered patches of branching and plate corals These coral communities form an elaborate three-dimensional environment which in turn provide habitats for numerous other coral reef inhabitants such as crustaceans (crabs prawns and relatives) mollusks (shellfish snails and squids) echinoderms (sea stars sea cucumbers and relatives) and fish Although the diversity of the coral community is lower within the bay compared to other fringing coral reefs in P Tioman it is considerably higher than even the most pristine reefs in some parts of the world including the Red Sea Hawaii and the Caribbean

35

field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Mangrove Habitat

Mangrove forests around Paya Bay are dominated by Brugueira sp This is an intertidal community and therefore organisms have to cope with daily fluctuations in salinity and temperature as the sea level rises and falls Bacteria living in the mud carry out anaerobic (without oxygen) respiration and produce hydrogen sulphide gas giving mangrove habitats the characteristic pungent smell The mud is not only smelly but also soft and unstable and organisms living here have also adapted to cope with these conditions

Knee roots of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza

Perhaps one of the most obvious organisms in the mangrove forest is the fiddler crab Males have one enlarged claw that they use in courtship displays and well as to fend off male rivals The other claw is much smaller and used for feeding Both pincers of females are small They emerge to feed and display during low tide but are sealed in their burrows during high tide - surviving by maintaining a bubble of air Fiddler crab (Uca vocans) only the males di splay an enlarged underground claw females have two small even-sized claws

Another prominent and fascinating animal you will see here is the mudskipper These fishes are able to live out of water for extended periods by holding water in their mouths for gaseous exchange They can also breathe through their moist skin Pectoral fins are modified to enable the fish to crawl over soft mUd Reptiles such as the water monitor lizard are scavengers that feed on anything from crabs to carrion They taste the air by sticking out and retracting their blueshy

36

Field Srudies in Biodiversill 2011

forked tongue placing it on the roof of the mouth where the information is processed via the Jacobsons organ - a chemosensory apparatus that is quite different to a nose Another reptile common in the mangrove forest is the rear-fanged dog-faced water snake Unlike most eaa-Iwing snakes this species bears live young

The dog- faced water snake (Cerberus ryllchops) can be found in the mangrove freshwater and coastal habitats

~ ~__r------_~_- ~--------~~

Silverstripe Mudskipper (Periophlhalmodoll argenlilinealus) and its trail

37

Tiomans Tides

Semldlumal

r amp 1 ~ c ~ 1=shy

Low Tldes-

Tides are the rise and fall of the sea level due to the interactions between the Earth Moon and Sun The moons gravitational force on Earth is the main cause of tidal forces (the sun s pull is only 46 of the Moons) Some places in the world just have one high and one low tide per day (a diurnal pattern) but Tioman has semidiurnal tides ie two high and two low tides per day The tides follow a lunar day of 24 hrs 58 mins which is why the high and low tide times change each cycle

Tioman tide table for 1 ih to 1 ih July 2011

12th July 2011 0751 hrs - 27m 1423hrs - 17m 1744hrs - 19m

14th July 2011 0145hrs - 03m 0948hrs - 30m 1621hrs-16m 1956hrs -19m

16th July 2011 0327hrs - 03m 1112hrs - 30m 1729hrs - 15m 2148hrs - 20m

ridd Studies in Oiodiversitv I 20 11

TIm (hours)

A semi-diurnal tidal pattern

Please see below for the tidal heights prediction for P Tioman during the dates of your stay

13th July 2011 0048hrs - O4m 0854hrs - 29m 1534hrs - 17m 1853hrs - 19m

15th July 2011 0238hrs - 03m 1033hrs - 30m 1656hrs - 15m 2054hrs - 19m

17th July 2011 0412hrs - 03m 1147hrs - 30m 1801 hrs - 14m 2240hrs - 20m

38

field Studjes in l3iod iversity 120 11

PULAU TIOMAN

Paya

2km-

N

l1 kPt1CIA

Pulau Tioman Paya is on the west coast The main mountains ranges are to the south Much of the interior is covered by primary rainforest and sandy beaches can be found all around the coast

-~--~

29

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Freshwater Habitat

The northern third of this island is narrow and dry mostly lacking in permanent freshwater sources while the central and southern thirds make up the main bulk of the island with several permanent drainages These rivers include Sungai Mentawak Sungai Keliling Sungai Nipah Sungai Paya Sungai Lalang and Sungai Ayer Besar These stream systems coming from the hilly-forested areas represent the main supply of fresh water to the island (Jasmi 1999 Ng et aI 1999)

Above Sungei Paya hill stream with rocky substratum Below the fan shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) in situ 30

Field Studies in BiodivcrsiJJ 20 11

Currently more than 50 species of fishesare-known from the freshwater drainages of Pulau Tioman of which only six are primary freshwater species (Ng et aI 1999) A total of 14 crab species in four families (Gecarcinidae Grapsidae Parathelphusidae and Potamidae) and 13 prawn species in two families (Atyidae and Palaemonidae) have been discovered Eight of the crab species are endemic to the island ie found nowhere else in the world (Yeo et aI 1999 Yeo 2001) and the 5 endemic potamid crabs represent two invasions (Yeo et al 2007) Eleven species of water beetle (Hendrich amp Yang 1999) and a total of 33 species from 25 genera and eight families of aquatic and semishyaquatic insects have been recorded from the island (Yang et al 1999)

Above the endemic torrent goby (Sliphodon aureoroslrum) in situ Below the endemic terrestrial crab (Johora grallator)

31

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 20 I I

Pulau Tioman Terrestrial Habitat

A large part of the island is covered by tropical rain forest with hilly topography and inland forest Pulau Tioman is underlaid by volcanic plutonic and contact metamorphic rocks The volcanic rocks occur mainly on the eastern northern and southern parts of the island (Jasmi 1999)

The rainforests of P Tioman are relatively unexplored compared to its marine life Latiff et aI (1999) reported a total of 650 species of seed plants comprising of 5 gymnosperms and 645 angiosperms belonging to 434 genera and 128 families These plants are distributed in four main vegetation types mangrove forest beach vegetation lowland dipterocarp forest and hill dipterocarp forest Rare species of Rafflesia producing among the largest flowers in the world are also found on this island There are 89 species from 49 genera of mosses (Tan amp Haji Mohamed 1999) a total of 154 species of ferns and fern-allies belonging to 73 genera and 26 Giant trees on P Tioman families (Jaman amp Latiff 1999)

The brown Kukri snake (OIiRodon purpurescens) 32

Field Snl(lics in Bi(x livcrsi)j 2011

So far 45 species of land mammals have been recorded from P Tioman (Lim et aI 1999) Apart from feral cattle there are also species such as the binturong (the largest civet cat species) long-tailed macaque slow loris black giant squirrel brush-tailed porcupine redshygiant flying squirrel common palm civet and greater mouse deer There are also 138 species of birds known from the island with the most common recorded being the hill myna (Sodhi et aI 1999) Two species of swiftlets the black-nest swiftlet and edible-nest swiftlet are the most important economic birds on the island as villagers collect nests of these birds from caves to sell Twenty-five species of snakes have been recorded including the reticulated python Oriental whip snake king cobra and variable reed snake (Lim amp Lim 1999)

Insects are also abundant with 15 species of stick insects such as the recently discovered species Abrosoma johorensis (Seow-Choen amp Goh 1999) Twenty-five of the 78 species of butterflies are possibly new records for the island (Quek et aI 1999) Leaf beetles of the subfamily Galerucinae are represented by 28 species including two newly discovered species and three new records for Peninsular Malaysia (Mohamed 1999)

The Smaller Wood Nymph (Jdeopsiv RGUra) in situ

33

Field Stud ies in Biodiversity J~III

Pulau Tioman Intertidal and Marine Habitat

Pulau Tioman is typically subjected to two high tides and two low tides a day The area inundated by water during high tide and exposed during low tide is known as the intertidal or littoral zone Animals and plants living along the shore are greatly affected by the rise and ebb of the tide although many have adapted ways to cope with the challenges their environment presents With the ebb of the tide animals are exposed to high temperature and can potentially dry up The pH and salinity of pools of water during low tide increases as water evaporates On the other hand if it rains salinity drops These situations may bring about a host of osmoregulatory problems Intertidal animals also have to be aware of both aquatic and terrestrial predators

The tidal flat at Paya Bay is made up of a coral community and rocky parts The upper intertidal zone is dominated by patches of algae During extreme low tide part of the adjacent coral reef is exposed

Algae are abundant in the tidal flat of Paya Bay Some of these algae such as the mermaids fan are seasonally abundant embedded in the coral substrate Many organisms here are well camouflaged try and find the rocky shore sea slug Other animals you will encounter are star barnacles topshells purple climbing crabs and hermit crabs To properly spot and observe these organisms often requires a lot of patience and a keen eye

You will find some corals growing along the littoral zone area at low tide but the majority of corals thrive within the subtidal area which is never exposed to the air The subtidal area within Paya Bay slopes gently from the shore to the seafloor to depths of between 8m to 15m and is typified by sandy substrate with scattered coral patches Coral reef development is poor within the bay but is well developed and

Giant clams (Tridacna crocea) can be found

34

Field Srudies in Biodicrsi1l 2U11

extensive along the rocky shoreline of much of P Tioman and its surrounding islands

As you swim or snorkel away from the beach the sandy seafloor will start to give way to large coral boulders and scattered patches of branching and plate corals These coral communities form an elaborate three-dimensional environment which in turn provide habitats for numerous other coral reef inhabitants such as crustaceans (crabs prawns and relatives) mollusks (shellfish snails and squids) echinoderms (sea stars sea cucumbers and relatives) and fish Although the diversity of the coral community is lower within the bay compared to other fringing coral reefs in P Tioman it is considerably higher than even the most pristine reefs in some parts of the world including the Red Sea Hawaii and the Caribbean

35

field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Mangrove Habitat

Mangrove forests around Paya Bay are dominated by Brugueira sp This is an intertidal community and therefore organisms have to cope with daily fluctuations in salinity and temperature as the sea level rises and falls Bacteria living in the mud carry out anaerobic (without oxygen) respiration and produce hydrogen sulphide gas giving mangrove habitats the characteristic pungent smell The mud is not only smelly but also soft and unstable and organisms living here have also adapted to cope with these conditions

Knee roots of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza

Perhaps one of the most obvious organisms in the mangrove forest is the fiddler crab Males have one enlarged claw that they use in courtship displays and well as to fend off male rivals The other claw is much smaller and used for feeding Both pincers of females are small They emerge to feed and display during low tide but are sealed in their burrows during high tide - surviving by maintaining a bubble of air Fiddler crab (Uca vocans) only the males di splay an enlarged underground claw females have two small even-sized claws

Another prominent and fascinating animal you will see here is the mudskipper These fishes are able to live out of water for extended periods by holding water in their mouths for gaseous exchange They can also breathe through their moist skin Pectoral fins are modified to enable the fish to crawl over soft mUd Reptiles such as the water monitor lizard are scavengers that feed on anything from crabs to carrion They taste the air by sticking out and retracting their blueshy

36

Field Srudies in Biodiversill 2011

forked tongue placing it on the roof of the mouth where the information is processed via the Jacobsons organ - a chemosensory apparatus that is quite different to a nose Another reptile common in the mangrove forest is the rear-fanged dog-faced water snake Unlike most eaa-Iwing snakes this species bears live young

The dog- faced water snake (Cerberus ryllchops) can be found in the mangrove freshwater and coastal habitats

~ ~__r------_~_- ~--------~~

Silverstripe Mudskipper (Periophlhalmodoll argenlilinealus) and its trail

37

Tiomans Tides

Semldlumal

r amp 1 ~ c ~ 1=shy

Low Tldes-

Tides are the rise and fall of the sea level due to the interactions between the Earth Moon and Sun The moons gravitational force on Earth is the main cause of tidal forces (the sun s pull is only 46 of the Moons) Some places in the world just have one high and one low tide per day (a diurnal pattern) but Tioman has semidiurnal tides ie two high and two low tides per day The tides follow a lunar day of 24 hrs 58 mins which is why the high and low tide times change each cycle

Tioman tide table for 1 ih to 1 ih July 2011

12th July 2011 0751 hrs - 27m 1423hrs - 17m 1744hrs - 19m

14th July 2011 0145hrs - 03m 0948hrs - 30m 1621hrs-16m 1956hrs -19m

16th July 2011 0327hrs - 03m 1112hrs - 30m 1729hrs - 15m 2148hrs - 20m

ridd Studies in Oiodiversitv I 20 11

TIm (hours)

A semi-diurnal tidal pattern

Please see below for the tidal heights prediction for P Tioman during the dates of your stay

13th July 2011 0048hrs - O4m 0854hrs - 29m 1534hrs - 17m 1853hrs - 19m

15th July 2011 0238hrs - 03m 1033hrs - 30m 1656hrs - 15m 2054hrs - 19m

17th July 2011 0412hrs - 03m 1147hrs - 30m 1801 hrs - 14m 2240hrs - 20m

38

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Freshwater Habitat

The northern third of this island is narrow and dry mostly lacking in permanent freshwater sources while the central and southern thirds make up the main bulk of the island with several permanent drainages These rivers include Sungai Mentawak Sungai Keliling Sungai Nipah Sungai Paya Sungai Lalang and Sungai Ayer Besar These stream systems coming from the hilly-forested areas represent the main supply of fresh water to the island (Jasmi 1999 Ng et aI 1999)

Above Sungei Paya hill stream with rocky substratum Below the fan shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) in situ 30

Field Studies in BiodivcrsiJJ 20 11

Currently more than 50 species of fishesare-known from the freshwater drainages of Pulau Tioman of which only six are primary freshwater species (Ng et aI 1999) A total of 14 crab species in four families (Gecarcinidae Grapsidae Parathelphusidae and Potamidae) and 13 prawn species in two families (Atyidae and Palaemonidae) have been discovered Eight of the crab species are endemic to the island ie found nowhere else in the world (Yeo et aI 1999 Yeo 2001) and the 5 endemic potamid crabs represent two invasions (Yeo et al 2007) Eleven species of water beetle (Hendrich amp Yang 1999) and a total of 33 species from 25 genera and eight families of aquatic and semishyaquatic insects have been recorded from the island (Yang et al 1999)

Above the endemic torrent goby (Sliphodon aureoroslrum) in situ Below the endemic terrestrial crab (Johora grallator)

31

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 20 I I

Pulau Tioman Terrestrial Habitat

A large part of the island is covered by tropical rain forest with hilly topography and inland forest Pulau Tioman is underlaid by volcanic plutonic and contact metamorphic rocks The volcanic rocks occur mainly on the eastern northern and southern parts of the island (Jasmi 1999)

The rainforests of P Tioman are relatively unexplored compared to its marine life Latiff et aI (1999) reported a total of 650 species of seed plants comprising of 5 gymnosperms and 645 angiosperms belonging to 434 genera and 128 families These plants are distributed in four main vegetation types mangrove forest beach vegetation lowland dipterocarp forest and hill dipterocarp forest Rare species of Rafflesia producing among the largest flowers in the world are also found on this island There are 89 species from 49 genera of mosses (Tan amp Haji Mohamed 1999) a total of 154 species of ferns and fern-allies belonging to 73 genera and 26 Giant trees on P Tioman families (Jaman amp Latiff 1999)

The brown Kukri snake (OIiRodon purpurescens) 32

Field Snl(lics in Bi(x livcrsi)j 2011

So far 45 species of land mammals have been recorded from P Tioman (Lim et aI 1999) Apart from feral cattle there are also species such as the binturong (the largest civet cat species) long-tailed macaque slow loris black giant squirrel brush-tailed porcupine redshygiant flying squirrel common palm civet and greater mouse deer There are also 138 species of birds known from the island with the most common recorded being the hill myna (Sodhi et aI 1999) Two species of swiftlets the black-nest swiftlet and edible-nest swiftlet are the most important economic birds on the island as villagers collect nests of these birds from caves to sell Twenty-five species of snakes have been recorded including the reticulated python Oriental whip snake king cobra and variable reed snake (Lim amp Lim 1999)

Insects are also abundant with 15 species of stick insects such as the recently discovered species Abrosoma johorensis (Seow-Choen amp Goh 1999) Twenty-five of the 78 species of butterflies are possibly new records for the island (Quek et aI 1999) Leaf beetles of the subfamily Galerucinae are represented by 28 species including two newly discovered species and three new records for Peninsular Malaysia (Mohamed 1999)

The Smaller Wood Nymph (Jdeopsiv RGUra) in situ

33

Field Stud ies in Biodiversity J~III

Pulau Tioman Intertidal and Marine Habitat

Pulau Tioman is typically subjected to two high tides and two low tides a day The area inundated by water during high tide and exposed during low tide is known as the intertidal or littoral zone Animals and plants living along the shore are greatly affected by the rise and ebb of the tide although many have adapted ways to cope with the challenges their environment presents With the ebb of the tide animals are exposed to high temperature and can potentially dry up The pH and salinity of pools of water during low tide increases as water evaporates On the other hand if it rains salinity drops These situations may bring about a host of osmoregulatory problems Intertidal animals also have to be aware of both aquatic and terrestrial predators

The tidal flat at Paya Bay is made up of a coral community and rocky parts The upper intertidal zone is dominated by patches of algae During extreme low tide part of the adjacent coral reef is exposed

Algae are abundant in the tidal flat of Paya Bay Some of these algae such as the mermaids fan are seasonally abundant embedded in the coral substrate Many organisms here are well camouflaged try and find the rocky shore sea slug Other animals you will encounter are star barnacles topshells purple climbing crabs and hermit crabs To properly spot and observe these organisms often requires a lot of patience and a keen eye

You will find some corals growing along the littoral zone area at low tide but the majority of corals thrive within the subtidal area which is never exposed to the air The subtidal area within Paya Bay slopes gently from the shore to the seafloor to depths of between 8m to 15m and is typified by sandy substrate with scattered coral patches Coral reef development is poor within the bay but is well developed and

Giant clams (Tridacna crocea) can be found

34

Field Srudies in Biodicrsi1l 2U11

extensive along the rocky shoreline of much of P Tioman and its surrounding islands

As you swim or snorkel away from the beach the sandy seafloor will start to give way to large coral boulders and scattered patches of branching and plate corals These coral communities form an elaborate three-dimensional environment which in turn provide habitats for numerous other coral reef inhabitants such as crustaceans (crabs prawns and relatives) mollusks (shellfish snails and squids) echinoderms (sea stars sea cucumbers and relatives) and fish Although the diversity of the coral community is lower within the bay compared to other fringing coral reefs in P Tioman it is considerably higher than even the most pristine reefs in some parts of the world including the Red Sea Hawaii and the Caribbean

35

field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Mangrove Habitat

Mangrove forests around Paya Bay are dominated by Brugueira sp This is an intertidal community and therefore organisms have to cope with daily fluctuations in salinity and temperature as the sea level rises and falls Bacteria living in the mud carry out anaerobic (without oxygen) respiration and produce hydrogen sulphide gas giving mangrove habitats the characteristic pungent smell The mud is not only smelly but also soft and unstable and organisms living here have also adapted to cope with these conditions

Knee roots of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza

Perhaps one of the most obvious organisms in the mangrove forest is the fiddler crab Males have one enlarged claw that they use in courtship displays and well as to fend off male rivals The other claw is much smaller and used for feeding Both pincers of females are small They emerge to feed and display during low tide but are sealed in their burrows during high tide - surviving by maintaining a bubble of air Fiddler crab (Uca vocans) only the males di splay an enlarged underground claw females have two small even-sized claws

Another prominent and fascinating animal you will see here is the mudskipper These fishes are able to live out of water for extended periods by holding water in their mouths for gaseous exchange They can also breathe through their moist skin Pectoral fins are modified to enable the fish to crawl over soft mUd Reptiles such as the water monitor lizard are scavengers that feed on anything from crabs to carrion They taste the air by sticking out and retracting their blueshy

36

Field Srudies in Biodiversill 2011

forked tongue placing it on the roof of the mouth where the information is processed via the Jacobsons organ - a chemosensory apparatus that is quite different to a nose Another reptile common in the mangrove forest is the rear-fanged dog-faced water snake Unlike most eaa-Iwing snakes this species bears live young

The dog- faced water snake (Cerberus ryllchops) can be found in the mangrove freshwater and coastal habitats

~ ~__r------_~_- ~--------~~

Silverstripe Mudskipper (Periophlhalmodoll argenlilinealus) and its trail

37

Tiomans Tides

Semldlumal

r amp 1 ~ c ~ 1=shy

Low Tldes-

Tides are the rise and fall of the sea level due to the interactions between the Earth Moon and Sun The moons gravitational force on Earth is the main cause of tidal forces (the sun s pull is only 46 of the Moons) Some places in the world just have one high and one low tide per day (a diurnal pattern) but Tioman has semidiurnal tides ie two high and two low tides per day The tides follow a lunar day of 24 hrs 58 mins which is why the high and low tide times change each cycle

Tioman tide table for 1 ih to 1 ih July 2011

12th July 2011 0751 hrs - 27m 1423hrs - 17m 1744hrs - 19m

14th July 2011 0145hrs - 03m 0948hrs - 30m 1621hrs-16m 1956hrs -19m

16th July 2011 0327hrs - 03m 1112hrs - 30m 1729hrs - 15m 2148hrs - 20m

ridd Studies in Oiodiversitv I 20 11

TIm (hours)

A semi-diurnal tidal pattern

Please see below for the tidal heights prediction for P Tioman during the dates of your stay

13th July 2011 0048hrs - O4m 0854hrs - 29m 1534hrs - 17m 1853hrs - 19m

15th July 2011 0238hrs - 03m 1033hrs - 30m 1656hrs - 15m 2054hrs - 19m

17th July 2011 0412hrs - 03m 1147hrs - 30m 1801 hrs - 14m 2240hrs - 20m

38

Field Studies in BiodivcrsiJJ 20 11

Currently more than 50 species of fishesare-known from the freshwater drainages of Pulau Tioman of which only six are primary freshwater species (Ng et aI 1999) A total of 14 crab species in four families (Gecarcinidae Grapsidae Parathelphusidae and Potamidae) and 13 prawn species in two families (Atyidae and Palaemonidae) have been discovered Eight of the crab species are endemic to the island ie found nowhere else in the world (Yeo et aI 1999 Yeo 2001) and the 5 endemic potamid crabs represent two invasions (Yeo et al 2007) Eleven species of water beetle (Hendrich amp Yang 1999) and a total of 33 species from 25 genera and eight families of aquatic and semishyaquatic insects have been recorded from the island (Yang et al 1999)

Above the endemic torrent goby (Sliphodon aureoroslrum) in situ Below the endemic terrestrial crab (Johora grallator)

31

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 20 I I

Pulau Tioman Terrestrial Habitat

A large part of the island is covered by tropical rain forest with hilly topography and inland forest Pulau Tioman is underlaid by volcanic plutonic and contact metamorphic rocks The volcanic rocks occur mainly on the eastern northern and southern parts of the island (Jasmi 1999)

The rainforests of P Tioman are relatively unexplored compared to its marine life Latiff et aI (1999) reported a total of 650 species of seed plants comprising of 5 gymnosperms and 645 angiosperms belonging to 434 genera and 128 families These plants are distributed in four main vegetation types mangrove forest beach vegetation lowland dipterocarp forest and hill dipterocarp forest Rare species of Rafflesia producing among the largest flowers in the world are also found on this island There are 89 species from 49 genera of mosses (Tan amp Haji Mohamed 1999) a total of 154 species of ferns and fern-allies belonging to 73 genera and 26 Giant trees on P Tioman families (Jaman amp Latiff 1999)

The brown Kukri snake (OIiRodon purpurescens) 32

Field Snl(lics in Bi(x livcrsi)j 2011

So far 45 species of land mammals have been recorded from P Tioman (Lim et aI 1999) Apart from feral cattle there are also species such as the binturong (the largest civet cat species) long-tailed macaque slow loris black giant squirrel brush-tailed porcupine redshygiant flying squirrel common palm civet and greater mouse deer There are also 138 species of birds known from the island with the most common recorded being the hill myna (Sodhi et aI 1999) Two species of swiftlets the black-nest swiftlet and edible-nest swiftlet are the most important economic birds on the island as villagers collect nests of these birds from caves to sell Twenty-five species of snakes have been recorded including the reticulated python Oriental whip snake king cobra and variable reed snake (Lim amp Lim 1999)

Insects are also abundant with 15 species of stick insects such as the recently discovered species Abrosoma johorensis (Seow-Choen amp Goh 1999) Twenty-five of the 78 species of butterflies are possibly new records for the island (Quek et aI 1999) Leaf beetles of the subfamily Galerucinae are represented by 28 species including two newly discovered species and three new records for Peninsular Malaysia (Mohamed 1999)

The Smaller Wood Nymph (Jdeopsiv RGUra) in situ

33

Field Stud ies in Biodiversity J~III

Pulau Tioman Intertidal and Marine Habitat

Pulau Tioman is typically subjected to two high tides and two low tides a day The area inundated by water during high tide and exposed during low tide is known as the intertidal or littoral zone Animals and plants living along the shore are greatly affected by the rise and ebb of the tide although many have adapted ways to cope with the challenges their environment presents With the ebb of the tide animals are exposed to high temperature and can potentially dry up The pH and salinity of pools of water during low tide increases as water evaporates On the other hand if it rains salinity drops These situations may bring about a host of osmoregulatory problems Intertidal animals also have to be aware of both aquatic and terrestrial predators

The tidal flat at Paya Bay is made up of a coral community and rocky parts The upper intertidal zone is dominated by patches of algae During extreme low tide part of the adjacent coral reef is exposed

Algae are abundant in the tidal flat of Paya Bay Some of these algae such as the mermaids fan are seasonally abundant embedded in the coral substrate Many organisms here are well camouflaged try and find the rocky shore sea slug Other animals you will encounter are star barnacles topshells purple climbing crabs and hermit crabs To properly spot and observe these organisms often requires a lot of patience and a keen eye

You will find some corals growing along the littoral zone area at low tide but the majority of corals thrive within the subtidal area which is never exposed to the air The subtidal area within Paya Bay slopes gently from the shore to the seafloor to depths of between 8m to 15m and is typified by sandy substrate with scattered coral patches Coral reef development is poor within the bay but is well developed and

Giant clams (Tridacna crocea) can be found

34

Field Srudies in Biodicrsi1l 2U11

extensive along the rocky shoreline of much of P Tioman and its surrounding islands

As you swim or snorkel away from the beach the sandy seafloor will start to give way to large coral boulders and scattered patches of branching and plate corals These coral communities form an elaborate three-dimensional environment which in turn provide habitats for numerous other coral reef inhabitants such as crustaceans (crabs prawns and relatives) mollusks (shellfish snails and squids) echinoderms (sea stars sea cucumbers and relatives) and fish Although the diversity of the coral community is lower within the bay compared to other fringing coral reefs in P Tioman it is considerably higher than even the most pristine reefs in some parts of the world including the Red Sea Hawaii and the Caribbean

35

field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Mangrove Habitat

Mangrove forests around Paya Bay are dominated by Brugueira sp This is an intertidal community and therefore organisms have to cope with daily fluctuations in salinity and temperature as the sea level rises and falls Bacteria living in the mud carry out anaerobic (without oxygen) respiration and produce hydrogen sulphide gas giving mangrove habitats the characteristic pungent smell The mud is not only smelly but also soft and unstable and organisms living here have also adapted to cope with these conditions

Knee roots of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza

Perhaps one of the most obvious organisms in the mangrove forest is the fiddler crab Males have one enlarged claw that they use in courtship displays and well as to fend off male rivals The other claw is much smaller and used for feeding Both pincers of females are small They emerge to feed and display during low tide but are sealed in their burrows during high tide - surviving by maintaining a bubble of air Fiddler crab (Uca vocans) only the males di splay an enlarged underground claw females have two small even-sized claws

Another prominent and fascinating animal you will see here is the mudskipper These fishes are able to live out of water for extended periods by holding water in their mouths for gaseous exchange They can also breathe through their moist skin Pectoral fins are modified to enable the fish to crawl over soft mUd Reptiles such as the water monitor lizard are scavengers that feed on anything from crabs to carrion They taste the air by sticking out and retracting their blueshy

36

Field Srudies in Biodiversill 2011

forked tongue placing it on the roof of the mouth where the information is processed via the Jacobsons organ - a chemosensory apparatus that is quite different to a nose Another reptile common in the mangrove forest is the rear-fanged dog-faced water snake Unlike most eaa-Iwing snakes this species bears live young

The dog- faced water snake (Cerberus ryllchops) can be found in the mangrove freshwater and coastal habitats

~ ~__r------_~_- ~--------~~

Silverstripe Mudskipper (Periophlhalmodoll argenlilinealus) and its trail

37

Tiomans Tides

Semldlumal

r amp 1 ~ c ~ 1=shy

Low Tldes-

Tides are the rise and fall of the sea level due to the interactions between the Earth Moon and Sun The moons gravitational force on Earth is the main cause of tidal forces (the sun s pull is only 46 of the Moons) Some places in the world just have one high and one low tide per day (a diurnal pattern) but Tioman has semidiurnal tides ie two high and two low tides per day The tides follow a lunar day of 24 hrs 58 mins which is why the high and low tide times change each cycle

Tioman tide table for 1 ih to 1 ih July 2011

12th July 2011 0751 hrs - 27m 1423hrs - 17m 1744hrs - 19m

14th July 2011 0145hrs - 03m 0948hrs - 30m 1621hrs-16m 1956hrs -19m

16th July 2011 0327hrs - 03m 1112hrs - 30m 1729hrs - 15m 2148hrs - 20m

ridd Studies in Oiodiversitv I 20 11

TIm (hours)

A semi-diurnal tidal pattern

Please see below for the tidal heights prediction for P Tioman during the dates of your stay

13th July 2011 0048hrs - O4m 0854hrs - 29m 1534hrs - 17m 1853hrs - 19m

15th July 2011 0238hrs - 03m 1033hrs - 30m 1656hrs - 15m 2054hrs - 19m

17th July 2011 0412hrs - 03m 1147hrs - 30m 1801 hrs - 14m 2240hrs - 20m

38

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 20 I I

Pulau Tioman Terrestrial Habitat

A large part of the island is covered by tropical rain forest with hilly topography and inland forest Pulau Tioman is underlaid by volcanic plutonic and contact metamorphic rocks The volcanic rocks occur mainly on the eastern northern and southern parts of the island (Jasmi 1999)

The rainforests of P Tioman are relatively unexplored compared to its marine life Latiff et aI (1999) reported a total of 650 species of seed plants comprising of 5 gymnosperms and 645 angiosperms belonging to 434 genera and 128 families These plants are distributed in four main vegetation types mangrove forest beach vegetation lowland dipterocarp forest and hill dipterocarp forest Rare species of Rafflesia producing among the largest flowers in the world are also found on this island There are 89 species from 49 genera of mosses (Tan amp Haji Mohamed 1999) a total of 154 species of ferns and fern-allies belonging to 73 genera and 26 Giant trees on P Tioman families (Jaman amp Latiff 1999)

The brown Kukri snake (OIiRodon purpurescens) 32

Field Snl(lics in Bi(x livcrsi)j 2011

So far 45 species of land mammals have been recorded from P Tioman (Lim et aI 1999) Apart from feral cattle there are also species such as the binturong (the largest civet cat species) long-tailed macaque slow loris black giant squirrel brush-tailed porcupine redshygiant flying squirrel common palm civet and greater mouse deer There are also 138 species of birds known from the island with the most common recorded being the hill myna (Sodhi et aI 1999) Two species of swiftlets the black-nest swiftlet and edible-nest swiftlet are the most important economic birds on the island as villagers collect nests of these birds from caves to sell Twenty-five species of snakes have been recorded including the reticulated python Oriental whip snake king cobra and variable reed snake (Lim amp Lim 1999)

Insects are also abundant with 15 species of stick insects such as the recently discovered species Abrosoma johorensis (Seow-Choen amp Goh 1999) Twenty-five of the 78 species of butterflies are possibly new records for the island (Quek et aI 1999) Leaf beetles of the subfamily Galerucinae are represented by 28 species including two newly discovered species and three new records for Peninsular Malaysia (Mohamed 1999)

The Smaller Wood Nymph (Jdeopsiv RGUra) in situ

33

Field Stud ies in Biodiversity J~III

Pulau Tioman Intertidal and Marine Habitat

Pulau Tioman is typically subjected to two high tides and two low tides a day The area inundated by water during high tide and exposed during low tide is known as the intertidal or littoral zone Animals and plants living along the shore are greatly affected by the rise and ebb of the tide although many have adapted ways to cope with the challenges their environment presents With the ebb of the tide animals are exposed to high temperature and can potentially dry up The pH and salinity of pools of water during low tide increases as water evaporates On the other hand if it rains salinity drops These situations may bring about a host of osmoregulatory problems Intertidal animals also have to be aware of both aquatic and terrestrial predators

The tidal flat at Paya Bay is made up of a coral community and rocky parts The upper intertidal zone is dominated by patches of algae During extreme low tide part of the adjacent coral reef is exposed

Algae are abundant in the tidal flat of Paya Bay Some of these algae such as the mermaids fan are seasonally abundant embedded in the coral substrate Many organisms here are well camouflaged try and find the rocky shore sea slug Other animals you will encounter are star barnacles topshells purple climbing crabs and hermit crabs To properly spot and observe these organisms often requires a lot of patience and a keen eye

You will find some corals growing along the littoral zone area at low tide but the majority of corals thrive within the subtidal area which is never exposed to the air The subtidal area within Paya Bay slopes gently from the shore to the seafloor to depths of between 8m to 15m and is typified by sandy substrate with scattered coral patches Coral reef development is poor within the bay but is well developed and

Giant clams (Tridacna crocea) can be found

34

Field Srudies in Biodicrsi1l 2U11

extensive along the rocky shoreline of much of P Tioman and its surrounding islands

As you swim or snorkel away from the beach the sandy seafloor will start to give way to large coral boulders and scattered patches of branching and plate corals These coral communities form an elaborate three-dimensional environment which in turn provide habitats for numerous other coral reef inhabitants such as crustaceans (crabs prawns and relatives) mollusks (shellfish snails and squids) echinoderms (sea stars sea cucumbers and relatives) and fish Although the diversity of the coral community is lower within the bay compared to other fringing coral reefs in P Tioman it is considerably higher than even the most pristine reefs in some parts of the world including the Red Sea Hawaii and the Caribbean

35

field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Mangrove Habitat

Mangrove forests around Paya Bay are dominated by Brugueira sp This is an intertidal community and therefore organisms have to cope with daily fluctuations in salinity and temperature as the sea level rises and falls Bacteria living in the mud carry out anaerobic (without oxygen) respiration and produce hydrogen sulphide gas giving mangrove habitats the characteristic pungent smell The mud is not only smelly but also soft and unstable and organisms living here have also adapted to cope with these conditions

Knee roots of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza

Perhaps one of the most obvious organisms in the mangrove forest is the fiddler crab Males have one enlarged claw that they use in courtship displays and well as to fend off male rivals The other claw is much smaller and used for feeding Both pincers of females are small They emerge to feed and display during low tide but are sealed in their burrows during high tide - surviving by maintaining a bubble of air Fiddler crab (Uca vocans) only the males di splay an enlarged underground claw females have two small even-sized claws

Another prominent and fascinating animal you will see here is the mudskipper These fishes are able to live out of water for extended periods by holding water in their mouths for gaseous exchange They can also breathe through their moist skin Pectoral fins are modified to enable the fish to crawl over soft mUd Reptiles such as the water monitor lizard are scavengers that feed on anything from crabs to carrion They taste the air by sticking out and retracting their blueshy

36

Field Srudies in Biodiversill 2011

forked tongue placing it on the roof of the mouth where the information is processed via the Jacobsons organ - a chemosensory apparatus that is quite different to a nose Another reptile common in the mangrove forest is the rear-fanged dog-faced water snake Unlike most eaa-Iwing snakes this species bears live young

The dog- faced water snake (Cerberus ryllchops) can be found in the mangrove freshwater and coastal habitats

~ ~__r------_~_- ~--------~~

Silverstripe Mudskipper (Periophlhalmodoll argenlilinealus) and its trail

37

Tiomans Tides

Semldlumal

r amp 1 ~ c ~ 1=shy

Low Tldes-

Tides are the rise and fall of the sea level due to the interactions between the Earth Moon and Sun The moons gravitational force on Earth is the main cause of tidal forces (the sun s pull is only 46 of the Moons) Some places in the world just have one high and one low tide per day (a diurnal pattern) but Tioman has semidiurnal tides ie two high and two low tides per day The tides follow a lunar day of 24 hrs 58 mins which is why the high and low tide times change each cycle

Tioman tide table for 1 ih to 1 ih July 2011

12th July 2011 0751 hrs - 27m 1423hrs - 17m 1744hrs - 19m

14th July 2011 0145hrs - 03m 0948hrs - 30m 1621hrs-16m 1956hrs -19m

16th July 2011 0327hrs - 03m 1112hrs - 30m 1729hrs - 15m 2148hrs - 20m

ridd Studies in Oiodiversitv I 20 11

TIm (hours)

A semi-diurnal tidal pattern

Please see below for the tidal heights prediction for P Tioman during the dates of your stay

13th July 2011 0048hrs - O4m 0854hrs - 29m 1534hrs - 17m 1853hrs - 19m

15th July 2011 0238hrs - 03m 1033hrs - 30m 1656hrs - 15m 2054hrs - 19m

17th July 2011 0412hrs - 03m 1147hrs - 30m 1801 hrs - 14m 2240hrs - 20m

38

Field Snl(lics in Bi(x livcrsi)j 2011

So far 45 species of land mammals have been recorded from P Tioman (Lim et aI 1999) Apart from feral cattle there are also species such as the binturong (the largest civet cat species) long-tailed macaque slow loris black giant squirrel brush-tailed porcupine redshygiant flying squirrel common palm civet and greater mouse deer There are also 138 species of birds known from the island with the most common recorded being the hill myna (Sodhi et aI 1999) Two species of swiftlets the black-nest swiftlet and edible-nest swiftlet are the most important economic birds on the island as villagers collect nests of these birds from caves to sell Twenty-five species of snakes have been recorded including the reticulated python Oriental whip snake king cobra and variable reed snake (Lim amp Lim 1999)

Insects are also abundant with 15 species of stick insects such as the recently discovered species Abrosoma johorensis (Seow-Choen amp Goh 1999) Twenty-five of the 78 species of butterflies are possibly new records for the island (Quek et aI 1999) Leaf beetles of the subfamily Galerucinae are represented by 28 species including two newly discovered species and three new records for Peninsular Malaysia (Mohamed 1999)

The Smaller Wood Nymph (Jdeopsiv RGUra) in situ

33

Field Stud ies in Biodiversity J~III

Pulau Tioman Intertidal and Marine Habitat

Pulau Tioman is typically subjected to two high tides and two low tides a day The area inundated by water during high tide and exposed during low tide is known as the intertidal or littoral zone Animals and plants living along the shore are greatly affected by the rise and ebb of the tide although many have adapted ways to cope with the challenges their environment presents With the ebb of the tide animals are exposed to high temperature and can potentially dry up The pH and salinity of pools of water during low tide increases as water evaporates On the other hand if it rains salinity drops These situations may bring about a host of osmoregulatory problems Intertidal animals also have to be aware of both aquatic and terrestrial predators

The tidal flat at Paya Bay is made up of a coral community and rocky parts The upper intertidal zone is dominated by patches of algae During extreme low tide part of the adjacent coral reef is exposed

Algae are abundant in the tidal flat of Paya Bay Some of these algae such as the mermaids fan are seasonally abundant embedded in the coral substrate Many organisms here are well camouflaged try and find the rocky shore sea slug Other animals you will encounter are star barnacles topshells purple climbing crabs and hermit crabs To properly spot and observe these organisms often requires a lot of patience and a keen eye

You will find some corals growing along the littoral zone area at low tide but the majority of corals thrive within the subtidal area which is never exposed to the air The subtidal area within Paya Bay slopes gently from the shore to the seafloor to depths of between 8m to 15m and is typified by sandy substrate with scattered coral patches Coral reef development is poor within the bay but is well developed and

Giant clams (Tridacna crocea) can be found

34

Field Srudies in Biodicrsi1l 2U11

extensive along the rocky shoreline of much of P Tioman and its surrounding islands

As you swim or snorkel away from the beach the sandy seafloor will start to give way to large coral boulders and scattered patches of branching and plate corals These coral communities form an elaborate three-dimensional environment which in turn provide habitats for numerous other coral reef inhabitants such as crustaceans (crabs prawns and relatives) mollusks (shellfish snails and squids) echinoderms (sea stars sea cucumbers and relatives) and fish Although the diversity of the coral community is lower within the bay compared to other fringing coral reefs in P Tioman it is considerably higher than even the most pristine reefs in some parts of the world including the Red Sea Hawaii and the Caribbean

35

field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Mangrove Habitat

Mangrove forests around Paya Bay are dominated by Brugueira sp This is an intertidal community and therefore organisms have to cope with daily fluctuations in salinity and temperature as the sea level rises and falls Bacteria living in the mud carry out anaerobic (without oxygen) respiration and produce hydrogen sulphide gas giving mangrove habitats the characteristic pungent smell The mud is not only smelly but also soft and unstable and organisms living here have also adapted to cope with these conditions

Knee roots of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza

Perhaps one of the most obvious organisms in the mangrove forest is the fiddler crab Males have one enlarged claw that they use in courtship displays and well as to fend off male rivals The other claw is much smaller and used for feeding Both pincers of females are small They emerge to feed and display during low tide but are sealed in their burrows during high tide - surviving by maintaining a bubble of air Fiddler crab (Uca vocans) only the males di splay an enlarged underground claw females have two small even-sized claws

Another prominent and fascinating animal you will see here is the mudskipper These fishes are able to live out of water for extended periods by holding water in their mouths for gaseous exchange They can also breathe through their moist skin Pectoral fins are modified to enable the fish to crawl over soft mUd Reptiles such as the water monitor lizard are scavengers that feed on anything from crabs to carrion They taste the air by sticking out and retracting their blueshy

36

Field Srudies in Biodiversill 2011

forked tongue placing it on the roof of the mouth where the information is processed via the Jacobsons organ - a chemosensory apparatus that is quite different to a nose Another reptile common in the mangrove forest is the rear-fanged dog-faced water snake Unlike most eaa-Iwing snakes this species bears live young

The dog- faced water snake (Cerberus ryllchops) can be found in the mangrove freshwater and coastal habitats

~ ~__r------_~_- ~--------~~

Silverstripe Mudskipper (Periophlhalmodoll argenlilinealus) and its trail

37

Tiomans Tides

Semldlumal

r amp 1 ~ c ~ 1=shy

Low Tldes-

Tides are the rise and fall of the sea level due to the interactions between the Earth Moon and Sun The moons gravitational force on Earth is the main cause of tidal forces (the sun s pull is only 46 of the Moons) Some places in the world just have one high and one low tide per day (a diurnal pattern) but Tioman has semidiurnal tides ie two high and two low tides per day The tides follow a lunar day of 24 hrs 58 mins which is why the high and low tide times change each cycle

Tioman tide table for 1 ih to 1 ih July 2011

12th July 2011 0751 hrs - 27m 1423hrs - 17m 1744hrs - 19m

14th July 2011 0145hrs - 03m 0948hrs - 30m 1621hrs-16m 1956hrs -19m

16th July 2011 0327hrs - 03m 1112hrs - 30m 1729hrs - 15m 2148hrs - 20m

ridd Studies in Oiodiversitv I 20 11

TIm (hours)

A semi-diurnal tidal pattern

Please see below for the tidal heights prediction for P Tioman during the dates of your stay

13th July 2011 0048hrs - O4m 0854hrs - 29m 1534hrs - 17m 1853hrs - 19m

15th July 2011 0238hrs - 03m 1033hrs - 30m 1656hrs - 15m 2054hrs - 19m

17th July 2011 0412hrs - 03m 1147hrs - 30m 1801 hrs - 14m 2240hrs - 20m

38

Field Stud ies in Biodiversity J~III

Pulau Tioman Intertidal and Marine Habitat

Pulau Tioman is typically subjected to two high tides and two low tides a day The area inundated by water during high tide and exposed during low tide is known as the intertidal or littoral zone Animals and plants living along the shore are greatly affected by the rise and ebb of the tide although many have adapted ways to cope with the challenges their environment presents With the ebb of the tide animals are exposed to high temperature and can potentially dry up The pH and salinity of pools of water during low tide increases as water evaporates On the other hand if it rains salinity drops These situations may bring about a host of osmoregulatory problems Intertidal animals also have to be aware of both aquatic and terrestrial predators

The tidal flat at Paya Bay is made up of a coral community and rocky parts The upper intertidal zone is dominated by patches of algae During extreme low tide part of the adjacent coral reef is exposed

Algae are abundant in the tidal flat of Paya Bay Some of these algae such as the mermaids fan are seasonally abundant embedded in the coral substrate Many organisms here are well camouflaged try and find the rocky shore sea slug Other animals you will encounter are star barnacles topshells purple climbing crabs and hermit crabs To properly spot and observe these organisms often requires a lot of patience and a keen eye

You will find some corals growing along the littoral zone area at low tide but the majority of corals thrive within the subtidal area which is never exposed to the air The subtidal area within Paya Bay slopes gently from the shore to the seafloor to depths of between 8m to 15m and is typified by sandy substrate with scattered coral patches Coral reef development is poor within the bay but is well developed and

Giant clams (Tridacna crocea) can be found

34

Field Srudies in Biodicrsi1l 2U11

extensive along the rocky shoreline of much of P Tioman and its surrounding islands

As you swim or snorkel away from the beach the sandy seafloor will start to give way to large coral boulders and scattered patches of branching and plate corals These coral communities form an elaborate three-dimensional environment which in turn provide habitats for numerous other coral reef inhabitants such as crustaceans (crabs prawns and relatives) mollusks (shellfish snails and squids) echinoderms (sea stars sea cucumbers and relatives) and fish Although the diversity of the coral community is lower within the bay compared to other fringing coral reefs in P Tioman it is considerably higher than even the most pristine reefs in some parts of the world including the Red Sea Hawaii and the Caribbean

35

field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Mangrove Habitat

Mangrove forests around Paya Bay are dominated by Brugueira sp This is an intertidal community and therefore organisms have to cope with daily fluctuations in salinity and temperature as the sea level rises and falls Bacteria living in the mud carry out anaerobic (without oxygen) respiration and produce hydrogen sulphide gas giving mangrove habitats the characteristic pungent smell The mud is not only smelly but also soft and unstable and organisms living here have also adapted to cope with these conditions

Knee roots of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza

Perhaps one of the most obvious organisms in the mangrove forest is the fiddler crab Males have one enlarged claw that they use in courtship displays and well as to fend off male rivals The other claw is much smaller and used for feeding Both pincers of females are small They emerge to feed and display during low tide but are sealed in their burrows during high tide - surviving by maintaining a bubble of air Fiddler crab (Uca vocans) only the males di splay an enlarged underground claw females have two small even-sized claws

Another prominent and fascinating animal you will see here is the mudskipper These fishes are able to live out of water for extended periods by holding water in their mouths for gaseous exchange They can also breathe through their moist skin Pectoral fins are modified to enable the fish to crawl over soft mUd Reptiles such as the water monitor lizard are scavengers that feed on anything from crabs to carrion They taste the air by sticking out and retracting their blueshy

36

Field Srudies in Biodiversill 2011

forked tongue placing it on the roof of the mouth where the information is processed via the Jacobsons organ - a chemosensory apparatus that is quite different to a nose Another reptile common in the mangrove forest is the rear-fanged dog-faced water snake Unlike most eaa-Iwing snakes this species bears live young

The dog- faced water snake (Cerberus ryllchops) can be found in the mangrove freshwater and coastal habitats

~ ~__r------_~_- ~--------~~

Silverstripe Mudskipper (Periophlhalmodoll argenlilinealus) and its trail

37

Tiomans Tides

Semldlumal

r amp 1 ~ c ~ 1=shy

Low Tldes-

Tides are the rise and fall of the sea level due to the interactions between the Earth Moon and Sun The moons gravitational force on Earth is the main cause of tidal forces (the sun s pull is only 46 of the Moons) Some places in the world just have one high and one low tide per day (a diurnal pattern) but Tioman has semidiurnal tides ie two high and two low tides per day The tides follow a lunar day of 24 hrs 58 mins which is why the high and low tide times change each cycle

Tioman tide table for 1 ih to 1 ih July 2011

12th July 2011 0751 hrs - 27m 1423hrs - 17m 1744hrs - 19m

14th July 2011 0145hrs - 03m 0948hrs - 30m 1621hrs-16m 1956hrs -19m

16th July 2011 0327hrs - 03m 1112hrs - 30m 1729hrs - 15m 2148hrs - 20m

ridd Studies in Oiodiversitv I 20 11

TIm (hours)

A semi-diurnal tidal pattern

Please see below for the tidal heights prediction for P Tioman during the dates of your stay

13th July 2011 0048hrs - O4m 0854hrs - 29m 1534hrs - 17m 1853hrs - 19m

15th July 2011 0238hrs - 03m 1033hrs - 30m 1656hrs - 15m 2054hrs - 19m

17th July 2011 0412hrs - 03m 1147hrs - 30m 1801 hrs - 14m 2240hrs - 20m

38

Field Srudies in Biodicrsi1l 2U11

extensive along the rocky shoreline of much of P Tioman and its surrounding islands

As you swim or snorkel away from the beach the sandy seafloor will start to give way to large coral boulders and scattered patches of branching and plate corals These coral communities form an elaborate three-dimensional environment which in turn provide habitats for numerous other coral reef inhabitants such as crustaceans (crabs prawns and relatives) mollusks (shellfish snails and squids) echinoderms (sea stars sea cucumbers and relatives) and fish Although the diversity of the coral community is lower within the bay compared to other fringing coral reefs in P Tioman it is considerably higher than even the most pristine reefs in some parts of the world including the Red Sea Hawaii and the Caribbean

35

field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Mangrove Habitat

Mangrove forests around Paya Bay are dominated by Brugueira sp This is an intertidal community and therefore organisms have to cope with daily fluctuations in salinity and temperature as the sea level rises and falls Bacteria living in the mud carry out anaerobic (without oxygen) respiration and produce hydrogen sulphide gas giving mangrove habitats the characteristic pungent smell The mud is not only smelly but also soft and unstable and organisms living here have also adapted to cope with these conditions

Knee roots of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza

Perhaps one of the most obvious organisms in the mangrove forest is the fiddler crab Males have one enlarged claw that they use in courtship displays and well as to fend off male rivals The other claw is much smaller and used for feeding Both pincers of females are small They emerge to feed and display during low tide but are sealed in their burrows during high tide - surviving by maintaining a bubble of air Fiddler crab (Uca vocans) only the males di splay an enlarged underground claw females have two small even-sized claws

Another prominent and fascinating animal you will see here is the mudskipper These fishes are able to live out of water for extended periods by holding water in their mouths for gaseous exchange They can also breathe through their moist skin Pectoral fins are modified to enable the fish to crawl over soft mUd Reptiles such as the water monitor lizard are scavengers that feed on anything from crabs to carrion They taste the air by sticking out and retracting their blueshy

36

Field Srudies in Biodiversill 2011

forked tongue placing it on the roof of the mouth where the information is processed via the Jacobsons organ - a chemosensory apparatus that is quite different to a nose Another reptile common in the mangrove forest is the rear-fanged dog-faced water snake Unlike most eaa-Iwing snakes this species bears live young

The dog- faced water snake (Cerberus ryllchops) can be found in the mangrove freshwater and coastal habitats

~ ~__r------_~_- ~--------~~

Silverstripe Mudskipper (Periophlhalmodoll argenlilinealus) and its trail

37

Tiomans Tides

Semldlumal

r amp 1 ~ c ~ 1=shy

Low Tldes-

Tides are the rise and fall of the sea level due to the interactions between the Earth Moon and Sun The moons gravitational force on Earth is the main cause of tidal forces (the sun s pull is only 46 of the Moons) Some places in the world just have one high and one low tide per day (a diurnal pattern) but Tioman has semidiurnal tides ie two high and two low tides per day The tides follow a lunar day of 24 hrs 58 mins which is why the high and low tide times change each cycle

Tioman tide table for 1 ih to 1 ih July 2011

12th July 2011 0751 hrs - 27m 1423hrs - 17m 1744hrs - 19m

14th July 2011 0145hrs - 03m 0948hrs - 30m 1621hrs-16m 1956hrs -19m

16th July 2011 0327hrs - 03m 1112hrs - 30m 1729hrs - 15m 2148hrs - 20m

ridd Studies in Oiodiversitv I 20 11

TIm (hours)

A semi-diurnal tidal pattern

Please see below for the tidal heights prediction for P Tioman during the dates of your stay

13th July 2011 0048hrs - O4m 0854hrs - 29m 1534hrs - 17m 1853hrs - 19m

15th July 2011 0238hrs - 03m 1033hrs - 30m 1656hrs - 15m 2054hrs - 19m

17th July 2011 0412hrs - 03m 1147hrs - 30m 1801 hrs - 14m 2240hrs - 20m

38

field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Mangrove Habitat

Mangrove forests around Paya Bay are dominated by Brugueira sp This is an intertidal community and therefore organisms have to cope with daily fluctuations in salinity and temperature as the sea level rises and falls Bacteria living in the mud carry out anaerobic (without oxygen) respiration and produce hydrogen sulphide gas giving mangrove habitats the characteristic pungent smell The mud is not only smelly but also soft and unstable and organisms living here have also adapted to cope with these conditions

Knee roots of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza

Perhaps one of the most obvious organisms in the mangrove forest is the fiddler crab Males have one enlarged claw that they use in courtship displays and well as to fend off male rivals The other claw is much smaller and used for feeding Both pincers of females are small They emerge to feed and display during low tide but are sealed in their burrows during high tide - surviving by maintaining a bubble of air Fiddler crab (Uca vocans) only the males di splay an enlarged underground claw females have two small even-sized claws

Another prominent and fascinating animal you will see here is the mudskipper These fishes are able to live out of water for extended periods by holding water in their mouths for gaseous exchange They can also breathe through their moist skin Pectoral fins are modified to enable the fish to crawl over soft mUd Reptiles such as the water monitor lizard are scavengers that feed on anything from crabs to carrion They taste the air by sticking out and retracting their blueshy

36

Field Srudies in Biodiversill 2011

forked tongue placing it on the roof of the mouth where the information is processed via the Jacobsons organ - a chemosensory apparatus that is quite different to a nose Another reptile common in the mangrove forest is the rear-fanged dog-faced water snake Unlike most eaa-Iwing snakes this species bears live young

The dog- faced water snake (Cerberus ryllchops) can be found in the mangrove freshwater and coastal habitats

~ ~__r------_~_- ~--------~~

Silverstripe Mudskipper (Periophlhalmodoll argenlilinealus) and its trail

37

Tiomans Tides

Semldlumal

r amp 1 ~ c ~ 1=shy

Low Tldes-

Tides are the rise and fall of the sea level due to the interactions between the Earth Moon and Sun The moons gravitational force on Earth is the main cause of tidal forces (the sun s pull is only 46 of the Moons) Some places in the world just have one high and one low tide per day (a diurnal pattern) but Tioman has semidiurnal tides ie two high and two low tides per day The tides follow a lunar day of 24 hrs 58 mins which is why the high and low tide times change each cycle

Tioman tide table for 1 ih to 1 ih July 2011

12th July 2011 0751 hrs - 27m 1423hrs - 17m 1744hrs - 19m

14th July 2011 0145hrs - 03m 0948hrs - 30m 1621hrs-16m 1956hrs -19m

16th July 2011 0327hrs - 03m 1112hrs - 30m 1729hrs - 15m 2148hrs - 20m

ridd Studies in Oiodiversitv I 20 11

TIm (hours)

A semi-diurnal tidal pattern

Please see below for the tidal heights prediction for P Tioman during the dates of your stay

13th July 2011 0048hrs - O4m 0854hrs - 29m 1534hrs - 17m 1853hrs - 19m

15th July 2011 0238hrs - 03m 1033hrs - 30m 1656hrs - 15m 2054hrs - 19m

17th July 2011 0412hrs - 03m 1147hrs - 30m 1801 hrs - 14m 2240hrs - 20m

38

Field Srudies in Biodiversill 2011

forked tongue placing it on the roof of the mouth where the information is processed via the Jacobsons organ - a chemosensory apparatus that is quite different to a nose Another reptile common in the mangrove forest is the rear-fanged dog-faced water snake Unlike most eaa-Iwing snakes this species bears live young

The dog- faced water snake (Cerberus ryllchops) can be found in the mangrove freshwater and coastal habitats

~ ~__r------_~_- ~--------~~

Silverstripe Mudskipper (Periophlhalmodoll argenlilinealus) and its trail

37

Tiomans Tides

Semldlumal

r amp 1 ~ c ~ 1=shy

Low Tldes-

Tides are the rise and fall of the sea level due to the interactions between the Earth Moon and Sun The moons gravitational force on Earth is the main cause of tidal forces (the sun s pull is only 46 of the Moons) Some places in the world just have one high and one low tide per day (a diurnal pattern) but Tioman has semidiurnal tides ie two high and two low tides per day The tides follow a lunar day of 24 hrs 58 mins which is why the high and low tide times change each cycle

Tioman tide table for 1 ih to 1 ih July 2011

12th July 2011 0751 hrs - 27m 1423hrs - 17m 1744hrs - 19m

14th July 2011 0145hrs - 03m 0948hrs - 30m 1621hrs-16m 1956hrs -19m

16th July 2011 0327hrs - 03m 1112hrs - 30m 1729hrs - 15m 2148hrs - 20m

ridd Studies in Oiodiversitv I 20 11

TIm (hours)

A semi-diurnal tidal pattern

Please see below for the tidal heights prediction for P Tioman during the dates of your stay

13th July 2011 0048hrs - O4m 0854hrs - 29m 1534hrs - 17m 1853hrs - 19m

15th July 2011 0238hrs - 03m 1033hrs - 30m 1656hrs - 15m 2054hrs - 19m

17th July 2011 0412hrs - 03m 1147hrs - 30m 1801 hrs - 14m 2240hrs - 20m

38

Tiomans Tides

Semldlumal

r amp 1 ~ c ~ 1=shy

Low Tldes-

Tides are the rise and fall of the sea level due to the interactions between the Earth Moon and Sun The moons gravitational force on Earth is the main cause of tidal forces (the sun s pull is only 46 of the Moons) Some places in the world just have one high and one low tide per day (a diurnal pattern) but Tioman has semidiurnal tides ie two high and two low tides per day The tides follow a lunar day of 24 hrs 58 mins which is why the high and low tide times change each cycle

Tioman tide table for 1 ih to 1 ih July 2011

12th July 2011 0751 hrs - 27m 1423hrs - 17m 1744hrs - 19m

14th July 2011 0145hrs - 03m 0948hrs - 30m 1621hrs-16m 1956hrs -19m

16th July 2011 0327hrs - 03m 1112hrs - 30m 1729hrs - 15m 2148hrs - 20m

ridd Studies in Oiodiversitv I 20 11

TIm (hours)

A semi-diurnal tidal pattern

Please see below for the tidal heights prediction for P Tioman during the dates of your stay

13th July 2011 0048hrs - O4m 0854hrs - 29m 1534hrs - 17m 1853hrs - 19m

15th July 2011 0238hrs - 03m 1033hrs - 30m 1656hrs - 15m 2054hrs - 19m

17th July 2011 0412hrs - 03m 1147hrs - 30m 1801 hrs - 14m 2240hrs - 20m

38

Field Studies in Biociiversitt1 2011

Literature Cited

Hendrich L amp C M Yang 1999 A contribution to the knowledge of the water beetle fauna of Pulau Tioman Peninsular Malaysia (Coleoptera Noteridae Dytiscidae Hydrophilidae Hydraenidae Scirtidae Limnichidae) The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement NO 6 253shy262

Jasmi A 1999 An Introduction to Pulau Tioman The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement No6 3-4

Latiff A I Faridah Hanum A Zainudin Ibrahim M W K Goh A H B Loo amp H T W Tan 1999 On the vegetation and flora of Pulau Tioman Peninsular Malaysia The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement No 6 11-72

Lim BL Lim KKP Yong HS 1999 The terrestrial mammals of PUlau Tioman Peninsular Malaysia with a catalogue of specimens at the Raffles Museum National University of Singapore The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement NO6 101-123

Lim K K P amp L J Lim 1999 The terrestrial herpetofauna of Pulau Tioman Peninsular Malaysia The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement NO6 131-155

Mohamed S Mohamedsaid 1999 Leaf beetles of the subfamily Galerucinae from Pulau Tioman Peninsular Malaysia (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae) The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement NO 6 245-251

Ng H H H H Tan amp K K P Lim 1999 The inland fishes of Pulau Tioman Pen1insular Malaysia The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement NO 6 169-187

Quek K C N S Sodhi amp L H Liow 1999 New records of butterfly species for Pulau Tioman Peninsular Malaysia The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement NO6 Pp 271-276

Razali J amp A Latiff 1999 The pteridophyte flora of Pulau Tioman Peninsular Malaysia The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement No 6 77-100

39

Field Studies in Biodi versity I 201 1

Seow-Choen F amp Y Y Goh 1999 New records of stick insects from Pulau Tioman Peninsular Malaysia including description of a new species of Abrosoma (Phasmida Pseudophasmitidae Aschiphasmatinae) The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement No 6Pp 263-269

Sodhi N S Briffett Lee BPY-H amp R Subaraj 1999 An annotated checklist of the birds of Pulau Tioman Pahang Peninsular Malaysia The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement No6 125-130

Tan B C amp Haji Mohamed 1999 A preliminary checklist of mosses of Pulau Tioman Peninsular Malaysia The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement No6 73-76

Yang C M T C M Wong H K Lua amp L M Koh 1999 A checklist of the aquatic and semi-aquatic bugs (Insecta Hemiptera Heteroptera) from Pulau Tioman Peninsular Malaysia The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement No6 277-288

Yeo D C J 2001 A new cavernicolous species of freshwater crab (Crustacea Brachyura Potamidae) from Pulau Tioman peninsular Malaysia Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 114(3) 618-623

Yeo D C J Y Cai amp P K L Ng 1999 The freshwater and terrestrial decapod crustacea of Pulau Tioman Peninsular Malaysia The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement No 6 197-244

Yeo D C J H Shih R Meier amp P K L Ng 2007 Phylogeny and biogeography of the freshwater crab genus Johora (Crustacea Brachyura Potamidae) from the Malay Peninsula and origins of its insular fauna Zoologica Scripta 36 255-269

Sunset at Paya Bay

40

Field Studies in I3iodivcrsill 2011

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to previous contributors (Peter Todd Zeehan Jaafar Karenne Tun Ng Ngan Kee Jeremy Woon Tommy Tan Darren Yeo Erica Sena Ang Wee Foong) Many photographs were contributed by Tan Heok Hui The fifth edition was updated by Tan Heok Hui

Contents ampor pictures copyrighted copy Tan Heok HuiLSM4263 - 2011

Island Flying Fox (Pteropus hypomeanus) perched on Sea Almond

41

12

3

4 5

II

7 8

8 10

11 1

2 1

31

41

61

6

17 1111~ 2

0 2

12

22

3 2

4 21

5211

1272

8 28

80

31

82

1 8

0 9

2

52

5

8 2

7

1 3

47

7

4 3

3 3

6 2

0 1

89

7

2 1

3 4

2

3 5

6 3

2 1

9 8

8 2

1 1

90

4

5 2

8 1

8 2

1 5

1 2

62

1

1 0

95

S

1 3

30

II

38

1

37

6

3 9

8 8

3 8

7 a

8 8

81

5

1 5

38

a

5 4

3

4 3

a CI

5 0

01

8

22

4 a

6 4

3 2

4 7

9 8

8 0

9 5

5 2

83

1

62

0

5 7

8 5

0 5

9 2

II II

68

8

73

1

1 2

1 9

2 4

6 4

5 3

63

0

5 5

8 9

8 4

4 9

0 5

1

7 9

7 2

7 6

16

3

II 9

0 1

4 8

7 8

9 9

80

9

8 7

7 7

8 6

46

9

1 0

4 9

31

8

76

3

7 2

78

6

9 3

7 S

24

4

58

81

II

8 e

2 6

6 8

95

1

2 1

5 9

7 5

3 9

22

8

6 8

5 8

2 9

4 4

2 II

9 9

9

II

8 5

4 8

20

7

5 5

4 0

61

2

96

11

9

42

5

1 1

70

11

)

1 3

8 10

6

49

8

7 5

1 9

o 4

7 4

78

1

a 6

8 a

2 II)

6

8 3

II 8

7 2

4 0

9 0

11

6 7

22

9

II 8

9 9

38

1

7 II

7 5

48

11

3

1 3

1

9 15

7 9

8 8

3 4

12

II

7

8 6

93

2

IS 1

1 6

27

2

1 0

03

3

9 3

0 3

9 7

1 3

4 0

1 2

13

5

8

1

1 4

1 7

1

1 9

7 4

8 4

8 1

8 5

7 3

6 8

12

1

8 6

0 3

9

14

7 4

4

92

0

0 8

8

0 5

8 8

2 4

38

8

3 9

0 4

9 1

9 9

9 3

3 6

11

1 8

2 7

9 3

01

9

e

7 2

S 7

43

8

9 7

9 II)

0

2 1

8 9

9 0

4

8 8

c

Q

)18

0

18

1

7 8

1 7

1 0

24

2

3 8

7 2

8 9

1 8

8 7

7 1

58

5

2

II 2

17

7

3 a

8 II)

7

5 9

7 5

5 8

IS 6

2 4

99

7

7 2

00

11

5

5 9

8 9

7 4

0

l 18

7

II 3

0 4

71

4

38

9

5 1

80

4

40

4

4 1

03

C

2

1 9

2 5

7

19

9 II

8 7

4 2

1 8

8 IS

2 8

4 5

35

8

8

0 5

27

0

II 8

05

o

7 II

8 0

20

12

8

1 2

5 1

8 8

5 II

9 2

31

0

39

3

9 8

7 0

3 9

8 4

1 o

3 5

3 (i

3

E21

3

9 4

7 4

9 3

7 7

83

2 6

4 3

o 2

3 9

2 0

5 5

7 1

95

u

7

6 6

Z

12

22

II

15 0

8 1

03

1

2 II

0 2

3 0

4 1

1 a

8 II

7 e

8 9

1

4 4

5 2

6 e

23

1

3 4

4 9

9

7 2

8 8

3 8

9 7

8 0

25

1

4 2

Q

1 2

0 3

8 6

IS II

2 C

24

8 9

7 8

5 8

2 ~

84

8

7 o

6

0 a

1 0

8 9

1 (j

e

21

1

7 7

e 0

1 5

25

7 7

1 0

9 9

3

9 7

II 8

2 7

3 9

71

97

0

0 1

56

0

2 8

II 9

3 ~

ashy~

26

6 9

II 8

6 0

0 8

a 4

4 2

2 2

a 2

1 II

2 4

25

1

7 15

8 1

II o

0 a

1 CD

lt

~

27

79

4

1 2

31

2

2

8 1

e 7

0 2

9 II

8 4

34

6

II S

0 8

6

7 8

2 28

2

2 a

4 0

89

8

9 1

0 7

II fj

4

2 7

3 1

9 3

78

2

1 0

68

II

II

7 4

29

9

5 9

4 7

41

9 S

I

80

6 1

1 8

3 II

9 1

9

II 9

9 1

14

3

~

Igtshy

N

30

48

1

8 8

54

9

6 3

61

1

3 2

0 e

6 1

0 9

II 6

8 0

1 1

6 a

6 1

3 3

a-Is

- CD

Field Studies in I3iodivcrsill 2011

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to previous contributors (Peter Todd Zeehan Jaafar Karenne Tun Ng Ngan Kee Jeremy Woon Tommy Tan Darren Yeo Erica Sena Ang Wee Foong) Many photographs were contributed by Tan Heok Hui The fifth edition was updated by Tan Heok Hui

Contents ampor pictures copyrighted copy Tan Heok HuiLSM4263 - 2011

Island Flying Fox (Pteropus hypomeanus) perched on Sea Almond

41

12

3

4 5

II

7 8

8 10

11 1

2 1

31

41

61

6

17 1111~ 2

0 2

12

22

3 2

4 21

5211

1272

8 28

80

31

82

1 8

0 9

2

52

5

8 2

7

1 3

47

7

4 3

3 3

6 2

0 1

89

7

2 1

3 4

2

3 5

6 3

2 1

9 8

8 2

1 1

90

4

5 2

8 1

8 2

1 5

1 2

62

1

1 0

95

S

1 3

30

II

38

1

37

6

3 9

8 8

3 8

7 a

8 8

81

5

1 5

38

a

5 4

3

4 3

a CI

5 0

01

8

22

4 a

6 4

3 2

4 7

9 8

8 0

9 5

5 2

83

1

62

0

5 7

8 5

0 5

9 2

II II

68

8

73

1

1 2

1 9

2 4

6 4

5 3

63

0

5 5

8 9

8 4

4 9

0 5

1

7 9

7 2

7 6

16

3

II 9

0 1

4 8

7 8

9 9

80

9

8 7

7 7

8 6

46

9

1 0

4 9

31

8

76

3

7 2

78

6

9 3

7 S

24

4

58

81

II

8 e

2 6

6 8

95

1

2 1

5 9

7 5

3 9

22

8

6 8

5 8

2 9

4 4

2 II

9 9

9

II

8 5

4 8

20

7

5 5

4 0

61

2

96

11

9

42

5

1 1

70

11

)

1 3

8 10

6

49

8

7 5

1 9

o 4

7 4

78

1

a 6

8 a

2 II)

6

8 3

II 8

7 2

4 0

9 0

11

6 7

22

9

II 8

9 9

38

1

7 II

7 5

48

11

3

1 3

1

9 15

7 9

8 8

3 4

12

II

7

8 6

93

2

IS 1

1 6

27

2

1 0

03

3

9 3

0 3

9 7

1 3

4 0

1 2

13

5

8

1

1 4

1 7

1

1 9

7 4

8 4

8 1

8 5

7 3

6 8

12

1

8 6

0 3

9

14

7 4

4

92

0

0 8

8

0 5

8 8

2 4

38

8

3 9

0 4

9 1

9 9

9 3

3 6

11

1 8

2 7

9 3

01

9

e

7 2

S 7

43

8

9 7

9 II)

0

2 1

8 9

9 0

4

8 8

c

Q

)18

0

18

1

7 8

1 7

1 0

24

2

3 8

7 2

8 9

1 8

8 7

7 1

58

5

2

II 2

17

7

3 a

8 II)

7

5 9

7 5

5 8

IS 6

2 4

99

7

7 2

00

11

5

5 9

8 9

7 4

0

l 18

7

II 3

0 4

71

4

38

9

5 1

80

4

40

4

4 1

03

C

2

1 9

2 5

7

19

9 II

8 7

4 2

1 8

8 IS

2 8

4 5

35

8

8

0 5

27

0

II 8

05

o

7 II

8 0

20

12

8

1 2

5 1

8 8

5 II

9 2

31

0

39

3

9 8

7 0

3 9

8 4

1 o

3 5

3 (i

3

E21

3

9 4

7 4

9 3

7 7

83

2 6

4 3

o 2

3 9

2 0

5 5

7 1

95

u

7

6 6

Z

12

22

II

15 0

8 1

03

1

2 II

0 2

3 0

4 1

1 a

8 II

7 e

8 9

1

4 4

5 2

6 e

23

1

3 4

4 9

9

7 2

8 8

3 8

9 7

8 0

25

1

4 2

Q

1 2

0 3

8 6

IS II

2 C

24

8 9

7 8

5 8

2 ~

84

8

7 o

6

0 a

1 0

8 9

1 (j

e

21

1

7 7

e 0

1 5

25

7 7

1 0

9 9

3

9 7

II 8

2 7

3 9

71

97

0

0 1

56

0

2 8

II 9

3 ~

ashy~

26

6 9

II 8

6 0

0 8

a 4

4 2

2 2

a 2

1 II

2 4

25

1

7 15

8 1

II o

0 a

1 CD

lt

~

27

79

4

1 2

31

2

2

8 1

e 7

0 2

9 II

8 4

34

6

II S

0 8

6

7 8

2 28

2

2 a

4 0

89

8

9 1

0 7

II fj

4

2 7

3 1

9 3

78

2

1 0

68

II

II

7 4

29

9

5 9

4 7

41

9 S

I

80

6 1

1 8

3 II

9 1

9

II 9

9 1

14

3

~

Igtshy

N

30

48

1

8 8

54

9

6 3

61

1

3 2

0 e

6 1

0 9

II 6

8 0

1 1

6 a

6 1

3 3

a-Is

- CD

12

3

4 5

II

7 8

8 10

11 1

2 1

31

41

61

6

17 1111~ 2

0 2

12

22

3 2

4 21

5211

1272

8 28

80

31

82

1 8

0 9

2

52

5

8 2

7

1 3

47

7

4 3

3 3

6 2

0 1

89

7

2 1

3 4

2

3 5

6 3

2 1

9 8

8 2

1 1

90

4

5 2

8 1

8 2

1 5

1 2

62

1

1 0

95

S

1 3

30

II

38

1

37

6

3 9

8 8

3 8

7 a

8 8

81

5

1 5

38

a

5 4

3

4 3

a CI

5 0

01

8

22

4 a

6 4

3 2

4 7

9 8

8 0

9 5

5 2

83

1

62

0

5 7

8 5

0 5

9 2

II II

68

8

73

1

1 2

1 9

2 4

6 4

5 3

63

0

5 5

8 9

8 4

4 9

0 5

1

7 9

7 2

7 6

16

3

II 9

0 1

4 8

7 8

9 9

80

9

8 7

7 7

8 6

46

9

1 0

4 9

31

8

76

3

7 2

78

6

9 3

7 S

24

4

58

81

II

8 e

2 6

6 8

95

1

2 1

5 9

7 5

3 9

22

8

6 8

5 8

2 9

4 4

2 II

9 9

9

II

8 5

4 8

20

7

5 5

4 0

61

2

96

11

9

42

5

1 1

70

11

)

1 3

8 10

6

49

8

7 5

1 9

o 4

7 4

78

1

a 6

8 a

2 II)

6

8 3

II 8

7 2

4 0

9 0

11

6 7

22

9

II 8

9 9

38

1

7 II

7 5

48

11

3

1 3

1

9 15

7 9

8 8

3 4

12

II

7

8 6

93

2

IS 1

1 6

27

2

1 0

03

3

9 3

0 3

9 7

1 3

4 0

1 2

13

5

8

1

1 4

1 7

1

1 9

7 4

8 4

8 1

8 5

7 3

6 8

12

1

8 6

0 3

9

14

7 4

4

92

0

0 8

8

0 5

8 8

2 4

38

8

3 9

0 4

9 1

9 9

9 3

3 6

11

1 8

2 7

9 3

01

9

e

7 2

S 7

43

8

9 7

9 II)

0

2 1

8 9

9 0

4

8 8

c

Q

)18

0

18

1

7 8

1 7

1 0

24

2

3 8

7 2

8 9

1 8

8 7

7 1

58

5

2

II 2

17

7

3 a

8 II)

7

5 9

7 5

5 8

IS 6

2 4

99

7

7 2

00

11

5

5 9

8 9

7 4

0

l 18

7

II 3

0 4

71

4

38

9

5 1

80

4

40

4

4 1

03

C

2

1 9

2 5

7

19

9 II

8 7

4 2

1 8

8 IS

2 8

4 5

35

8

8

0 5

27

0

II 8

05

o

7 II

8 0

20

12

8

1 2

5 1

8 8

5 II

9 2

31

0

39

3

9 8

7 0

3 9

8 4

1 o

3 5

3 (i

3

E21

3

9 4

7 4

9 3

7 7

83

2 6

4 3

o 2

3 9

2 0

5 5

7 1

95

u

7

6 6

Z

12

22

II

15 0

8 1

03

1

2 II

0 2

3 0

4 1

1 a

8 II

7 e

8 9

1

4 4

5 2

6 e

23

1

3 4

4 9

9

7 2

8 8

3 8

9 7

8 0

25

1

4 2

Q

1 2

0 3

8 6

IS II

2 C

24

8 9

7 8

5 8

2 ~

84

8

7 o

6

0 a

1 0

8 9

1 (j

e

21

1

7 7

e 0

1 5

25

7 7

1 0

9 9

3

9 7

II 8

2 7

3 9

71

97

0

0 1

56

0

2 8

II 9

3 ~

ashy~

26

6 9

II 8

6 0

0 8

a 4

4 2

2 2

a 2

1 II

2 4

25

1

7 15

8 1

II o

0 a

1 CD

lt

~

27

79

4

1 2

31

2

2

8 1

e 7

0 2

9 II

8 4

34

6

II S

0 8

6

7 8

2 28

2

2 a

4 0

89

8

9 1

0 7

II fj

4

2 7

3 1

9 3

78

2

1 0

68

II

II

7 4

29

9

5 9

4 7

41

9 S

I

80

6 1

1 8

3 II

9 1

9

II 9

9 1

14

3

~

Igtshy

N

30

48

1

8 8

54

9

6 3

61

1

3 2

0 e

6 1

0 9

II 6

8 0

1 1

6 a

6 1

3 3

a-Is

- CD