Herpetofauna of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu campus: sustaining biodiversity in campus green area
2019
Fatimah Nor Fatihah Mohammad | Amalina Shariffudin | Nurasikin Md. Daud | Khunirah Dzu | Noor Shahirah Ibrahim | Amirrudin Ahmad | Baizul Hafsyam Badli-Sham | Rosha Rosli | Hayatun Syamila Noh | Farha Asyireen Abdul Razak | Goh, Shu Xian | Farah Anis Shafie | Anis Azira Abdul Aziz | Nik Siti Aishah Abdul Shukor | Siti Najwa Sawawi | Mohamed Fahmi Kamaruzzaman | Suhaili Mohamad
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) campus at Mengabang Telipot, Kuala Nerus has a considerable patch of pristine coastal mangrove forest, comprising more than 13 tree species, and associated fauna, such as bats, birds, insects, and herpetofauna. Over the years, many of the green areas, including mangrove vegetation have been replaced with built-up areas. The objective of this study was to determine the diversity of herpetofauna in green areas around the UMT campus. Samplings of amphibians and reptiles were conducted by using the visual encounter survey technique. A total of 237 individuals representing 22 herpetofauna species was recorded, comprising five amphibians and 19 reptiles. All of the amphibians were regarded as habitat generalist species, while the reptiles were represented by 13 generalist species and 11 habitat specialist species. These species assemblages could be the reflection of the severe degradation of natural habitats, in which the remnant mangrove forests serve as a refuge. The remnant mangrove forests should be protected as these habitats are important to sustain the existence of many herpetofauna species on UMT campus.
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