Notes on mammals and avifauna at FRIM Campus, Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) was established in 1985, and later in 2009, FRIM was awarded as Natural Heritage of Malaysia. Researchers of FRIM Zoology Branch conducted continuous monitoring of faunal diversity, especially on mammal and bird groups. The study’s objective is to illustrate the diversity of mammals and birds found within the FRIM Campus. There are 62 species of mammals from 18 families with highest species recorded (10spp) was from family Vespertilionidae, followed by family Sciuridae and Hipposideridae with nine and seven species, respectively. A total of 233 species of birds from 58 families were recorded up to date of which 173 are resident, and 28 are migratory. Pycnonotidae or Bulbuls are the family with highest number of species (18spp), followed by family Cuculidae (14spp) and Rallidae (13spp). Although FRIM used to be an agricultural and mining area, it is believed that the faunal composition is "returning" to this forest since it was reforested back in the early 1900s. Connected to Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve, this 544.3-ha campus is blessed as it provides a natural habitat and ensures the continuity of vast faunal diversity.