Herpetofauna surveys at CFS ecological corridor (J-PL2: Panti Forest Reserve-Ulu Sedili Forest Reserve), Johor, Malaysia

Abstract

Herpetological surveys were conducted at Panti Forest Reserve and Ulu Sedili Forest Reserve of Johor in March and April 2019. These forest reserves are identified as one of the designated primary linkages under the Central Forest Spine (CFS) Masterplan, named as J-PL2 or previously known as CFSII PL3. The objective of the study is to document updated list of herpetofauna species recorded at the J-PL2. During this study, onehectare study plot was established at Panti Forest Reserve and Ulu Sedili Forest Reserve, respectively. Each study plot was equipped with 10 transect lines. A total of 25 pitfall traps were deployed at each study plot. These traps were set for five consecutive nights per session, with a total of two sampling sessions per site. In addition, active search was also conducted for a minimum of two hours at each site during every sampling session. As a result, a total of 30 individuals comprising of 13 species of herpetofauna were recorded at J-PL2. Panti Forest Reserve harbour highest number of herpetofauna with nine species (five families) followed by Ulu Sedili Forest Reserve with six species (five families). Amphibians was the most species captured in Panti Forest Reserve with six species, whilst the number of species recorded for both amphibians and reptiles at Ulu Sedili was similar with three species. Furthermore, five species of the herpetofauna representing by one amphibian and four reptiles are new additional recorded herpetofauna species when compared to a compilation of previously listed species at both forest reserves. Pelobatrachus nasutus, Draco haematopogon and Naja sumatrana are among the latest species recorded through this study. Referring to this information, hopefully the significance of J-PL2 as an important shelter for various herpetofauna species could be reflected and proper conservation actions must be undertaken to protect and sustain their population.