The conservation value of peat swamp forest for the false gharial Tomistoma schlegelii with reference to the Merang River in Eastern Sumatra Indonesia

Bezuijin Mark R., . and J. W. Webb Grahame, . and Pandu Hartoyo, . and Samedi, . (2004) The conservation value of peat swamp forest for the false gharial Tomistoma schlegelii with reference to the Merang River in Eastern Sumatra Indonesia. [Proceedings Paper]

Tomistoma schlegelii is classified by the IUCN as an endangered crocodilian whose current range is restricted to Sumatra Kalimantan and Sarawak Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia. Peat swamp forest PSF and freshwater swamp forest are now known to be core nesting and foraging habitats for this species. Compared to waterways in other lowland forest PSF may provide specific habitat tributaries which contribute to nesting success such the provision of nest mounds made from peat that maintain acceptable temperatures for incubation. The high sidecreeks densities within peat swamps provide numerous potential nesting and foraging microhabitats. The loss or degradation of PSF nesting habitats probably the most significant conservation threat to T. schlegelii at a regional scale as indicated by a case study in the Merang River eastern Sumatra. The existence of as small breeding population here was confirmed in 1995 and 1996 but during this period egg predation by the introduced pig Sus scrofa mortality in fishing nets and noise and visual disturbance to nesting females were all on-going threats. The Merang River supports a suitable site for other rare or threatened fauna and its currently under a logging concession. Upon expiry of concession in 2000 there may be an opportunity to develop a management plant for the river to protect T. schlegelii and other fauna. Incorporation of the Merang River in a proposed regional conservation strategy Davie and Sumardja 1997 is recommended.

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Abstract

Tomistoma schlegelii is classified by the IUCN as an endangered crocodilian whose current range is restricted to Sumatra Kalimantan and Sarawak Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia. Peat swamp forest PSF and freshwater swamp forest are now known to be core nesting and foraging habitats for this species. Compared to waterways in other lowland forest PSF may provide specific habitat tributaries which contribute to nesting success such the provision of nest mounds made from peat that maintain acceptable temperatures for incubation. The high sidecreeks densities within peat swamps provide numerous potential nesting and foraging microhabitats. The loss or degradation of PSF nesting habitats probably the most significant conservation threat to T. schlegelii at a regional scale as indicated by a case study in the Merang River eastern Sumatra. The existence of as small breeding population here was confirmed in 1995 and 1996 but during this period egg predation by the introduced pig Sus scrofa mortality in fishing nets and noise and visual disturbance to nesting females were all on-going threats. The Merang River supports a suitable site for other rare or threatened fauna and its currently under a logging concession. Upon expiry of concession in 2000 there may be an opportunity to develop a management plant for the river to protect T. schlegelii and other fauna. Incorporation of the Merang River in a proposed regional conservation strategy Davie and Sumardja 1997 is recommended.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Perpustakaan Sultan Abdul Samad Universiti Putra Malaysia 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor Malaysia. QH87.3 I61 1999 Call Number
AGROVOC Term:	NATURE CONSERVATION
AGROVOC Term:	PEATLANDS
AGROVOC Term:	SWAMPS
AGROVOC Term:	FORESTS
AGROVOC Term:	NESTING
AGROVOC Term:	FORAGING
AGROVOC Term:	FOREST PROTECTION
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:27
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/16397

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