Notes on scorpion fauna in Kuala Lompat, Krau Wildlife Reserve, Pahang, Malaysia

M. Izzat Husna; Syed A. Rizal; Amirrudin B. A.

Notes on scorpion fauna in Kuala Lompat, Krau Wildlife Reserve, Pahang, Malaysia

2014

M. Izzat Husna | Syed A. Rizal | Amirrudin B. A.

Scorpions had been researched for centuries. However, ecological study on this arthropod was scarce in Peninsular Malaysia. The objective of this study was to provide a preliminary species checklist of scorpion fauna in Kuala Lompat, Krau Wildlife Reserve, Pahang. Samples were collected with the aids of ultra-violet torchlight and trapped with a loop thread at night from main trail at the study site in March and May 2013. Three scorpion species were recorded during the study periods. Twenty nine individuals from three families (Scorpionidae, Buthidae and Liochelidae) were identified. Asian forest scorpion, Heterometrus longimanus (Herbst, 1800) was the largest among the three and the most abundant species (23 individuals), followed by Isometrus zideki (Kovarik, 1994) (four individuals) and Liocheles australasiae (Fabricius 1775) (two individuals). Heterometrus longimanus is highly tolerant species and very adaptable to various habitats. Hence, the presence in large numbers is expected. The abundance of Heterometrus longimanus shows that the study area is rich in its resources and lack of predator may be the reason for the large population for this species found at Kuala Lompat. In this study, Isometrus zideki and Liocheles australasiae were less abundant perhaps their presence in the study area is hard to locate. High abundant of Heterometrus longimanus at the study area has to be monitored closely since this species is now a popular pet in Malaysia. This study revealed an important finding of local scorpion diversity. Proper management of its habitat is crucial and conservation effort must be planned to prevent the depletion of scorpion fauna in this area.

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