Diversity and Species Composition of Non-Volant Small Mammals in Chemerong Recreational Forest and Kenyir, Terengganu

Abstract

Malaysia comprises a large number of mammal species, most of which are small mammals. However, the diversity and species composition of non-volant small mammals remains understudied, especially on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This study aims to determine the diversity and species composition of non-volant small mammals in the Chemerong Recreational Forest and Kenyir. Ten sampling sessions, with a total of 3,000 sampling efforts, were conducted between November 2021 and October 2022 using 100 collapsible wire-mesh live traps. In Chemerong Recreational Forest, 50 individuals were identified from 11 species, which is dominated by Rattus rattus (n = 14), followed by Maxomys whiteheadi and Tupaia glis with nine individuals, respectively. In Kenyir, 62 individuals were captured from nine species, primarily comprising Sundamys muelleri (n = 15), Maxomys rajah (n = 14), and Rattus rattus (n = 13). Results reveal that the diversity and species composition varied between the two study areas. Chemerong Recreational Forest demonstrates a higher diversity of non-volant small mammals, while Kenyir exhibits higher species dominance. This study provides baseline data for further study and conservation efforts for non-volant small mammal species in the region.