Herpetofaunal diversity of the disturbed and isolated Bukit Maras in Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia
We present the first checklist of herpetofauna in Bukit Maras (Malaysia) based on surveys conducted from 2019 to 2023. Visual Encounter Surveys (VES) and drift-fenced pitfall traps were employed as collection methods. Our study documented a total of 55 herpetofauna species, comprising 23 amphibians and 32 reptiles. Among these, the critically endangered species, Manouria emys (according to the IUCN Red List) is a species of high conservation concern. The individual-based rarefaction and extrapolation sampling curves were approaching completeness, which indicates that only a few additional species could be discovered if further sampling is conducted. A species-habitat network analysis revealed variations in species composition across different habitat types. Notably, secondary forest exhibited higher herpetofaunal diversity compared to agricultural areas. Overall, the herpetofaunal diversity in Bukit Maras is relatively diverse but the observed disparity in herpetofaunal diversity between the secondary forest and agricultural areas highlights the vulnerability of forest-dependent species to habitat conversion. This suggests a significant decline in overall species richness and potential biotic homogenisation if Bukit Maras is entirely converted to agriculture.
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