Supplement Series No. 6 (30 June 1999)

The Biodiversity of Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia

Abstracts

An Introduction to Pulau Tioman

Jasmi Abdul
Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Peninsular Malaysia, Km 10, Jalan Cheras, 561000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Biodiversity Research on Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia: A Historical Perspective

Peter K. L. Ng
Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 119260, Republic of Singapore

H. S. Yong
Institute of Biological Sciences, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

N. S. Sodhi
Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 119260, Republic of Singapore

Abstract: The history of biodiversity research of Pulau Tioman is presented. Pulau Tioman is the third largest offshore island in Peninsular Malaysia, and has a
very high diversity of habitats as well as plant and animal life. Its flora and fauna have been investigated for over 100 years, and a considerable amount of literature has been and is still being published. The active research program will substantially contribute to ongoing efforts to conserve the island's remarkable biodiversity.

Key Words: Pulau Tioman. biodiversity research, history.

On the Vegetation and Flora of Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia

A. Latiff
Department of Botany, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.

I. Faridah Hanum
Faculty of Forestry, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

A. Zainudin Ibrahim
Department of Botany, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi. Selangor, Malaysia.

M.W.K. Goh, A.H.B. Loo and H.T.W. Tan
Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, Department of Biological Sciences, The National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore.

Abstract: Based on literature and herbaria surveys and recent collections of plants from Pulau Tioman, a provisional checklist of seed plants is presented. A total of 650 species of seed plants, comprising of 5 gymnosperms and 645 angiosperms, belonging to 434 genera and 128 families were enumerated. These are distributed in four main vegetation types; mangrove forest, beach vegetation, lowland dipterocarp forest and hill dipterocarp forest. The richness of seed plants on Pulau Tioman warrant the forests there to be conserved.

Key Words: Vegetation, flora, Pulau Tioman

A Preliminary Checklist of Mosses of Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia

Benito C. Tan
Department of Biological Sciences. Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119260

Haji Mohamed
Institute of Biology, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract: A checklist of mosses collected from Pulau Tioman and preserved at KLU and SINU herbaria is presented. A total of 49 genera and 89 species of mosses were enumerated. A brief discussion of the floristic composition of the island's moss flora is also attempted. Acroporium strepsiphyllum var. falcifolium (Fleisch.) B. C. Tan & H. Mohamed is a new combination.

Key Words: Mosses, moss flora, Malesia, Peninsular Malaysia, Pulau Tioman, Gunong Kajang, forest, endemic.

The Pteridophyte Flora of Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia

Razali Jaman and A. Latiff
Department of Botany, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract: A total of 154 species of ferns and fern-allies belonging to 73 genera and 26 families were recorded from Tioman Island. The largest genus is Asplenium with 14 species, followed by Selaginella with 8 species and Cyathea and Pteris each has 6 species. Species-wise the number of the pteridophytes of the island represents 23.5% of the total in Peninsular Malaysia.

Key Words: Pteridophytes, Pulau Tioman; checklist.

The Terrestrial Mammals of Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia, with A Catalogue of Specimens at the Raffles Museum, National University of Singapore

B. L. Lim
c/o Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Peninsular Malaysia), Km 10, Jalan Cheras, 561000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kelvin K. P. Lim
Raffles Museum of Bioversity Research, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 119260

H. S. Yong
Institute of Biological Sciences, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract: 45 species of land mammals have heen recorded from Pulau Tioman. Apart from feral cattle and unconfirmed records of Macaca nemestrina, Arctogalidia trivirgata, and Arctictis binturong, 41 species are of confirmed occurrence. 17 subspecies of mammals have been described from Tioman and are endemic to the island. Species which have remained common in the last ten decades include Pteropus hypomelanus, Cynopterus brachyotis, Callosciurus notatus, Tupaia glis, Rattus tiomanicus and Trugulus napu. However, the Tioman form of Nycticebus coucang and Rhinosciurus laticaudatus have not been reported since 1927 and could have become extinct. A catalogue of 319 specimens of 22 species of land mammals from Pulau Tioman housed at the Zoological Reference Collection, Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore, is presented.

Key words: checklist, land mammals, Pulau Tioman.

An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia

Navjot S. Sodhi
Department of Biological Science, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 119260, Republic of Singapore

Clive Briffett
School of Building and Real Estate, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 119260, Republic of Singapore

Benjamin P. Y-H. Lee
Department of Biological Science, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 119260, Republic of Singapore (present address: Department of Tropical Environment Studies and Geography, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia)

R. Subaraj
Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 119260, Republic of Singapore

Abstract: This study is based on bird surveys of the island of Pulau Tioman made between 1986 and 1998. The surveys were conducted hetween 7-10 April 1986, 2-4 April 1996, 24-30 June 1996, 24-27 June 1997, 20-22 August 1997, 23-27 February 1998, 7-11 September 1998 and 10-13 October 1998. Attempts were made to sample all habitat types of the island. We recorded 106 bird species of which 38 species are probably new records for the island. Based on our observations and previous three published checklists, a total of 138 bird species have been recorded on the island.

Key Words: Pulau Tioman, birds, inventory, endemic fauna.

The Terrrestrial Herpetofauna of Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia

Kelvin K. P. Lim and L. J. Lim
Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge Campus, Singapore 119260, Singapore

Abstract: At least 20 amphibian and 50 reptile species are recorded from Pulau Tioman. Of the terrestrial reptiles, 74 are lizards, 25 are snakes and one is a turtle. Four species (two amphibians and two reptiles), viz., Bufo melanostictus, Ichthyophis sp., Gekko smithii and Enhydris plumbea are new records for the island.

Key Words: checklist, terrestrial amphibians and reptiles, new records, Pulau Tioman.

Clarias Batu, A New Species of Catfish (Teleostei: Clariidae) from Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia

Kelvin K. P. Lim and H. H. Ng
Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 119260

Abstract: Clarias batu, new species, is described from freshwater streams on Pulau Tioman off the east coast of Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia. It is distinguished from its congeners by the following suite of characters: elongated body (body depth at anus 9.0-11.4 % standard length), caudal fin completely separate from the dorsal and anal fins, distance between occipital process and dorsal origin 9.9-11.8 % standard length, and body in life dark greyish-brown above with about 9-14 vertical rows of relatively sparse arrangement of small, well-spaced, cream-coloured spots above the lateral line.

Key Words: Clariidae, Clarias, Peninsular Malaysia, new species.

The Inland Fishes of Pulau tioman, Peninsular Malaysia

H. H. Ng, H. H. Tan and Kelvin K. P. Lim
Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 119260

Abstract: Forty-eight species of fishes are presently known from the inland drainages of Pulau Tioman, of which only six are primary freshwater species. Ten species are recorded for the first time, viz., Megalops cyprinoides (Megalopidae), Apogon hyalosoma (Apogonidae), Butis gymnopomus, Eleotris melanosoma, Giuris margaritacea, Lophogobius bleekeri, Exyrias puntang, Pseudogobius javanicus, Stiphodon atropurpureus (Gobiidae) and Parioglossus raoi (Microdesmidae). The presence of Monopterus albus (Synbranchidae) on the island is now confirmed after a hiatus of 70 years.

Key Words: Checklist, inland fishes, new records, Pulau Tioman

A New Species of Geosesarma (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Grapsidae) from Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia

Darren C. J. Yeo and Peter K. L. Ng
Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 119260, Republic of Singapore

Abstract: A new species of terrestrial grapsid crab of the genus Geosesarma is described from Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia. Geosesarma albomita, new species, is endemic to the island, and distinguishable from its congeners by a combination of G1, ambulatory leg and carapace characters.

Key Words:Geosesarma, Grapsidae, Pulau Tioman, new species

The Freshwater and Terrestrial Decapod Crustacea of Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia

Darren C. J. Yeo, Yixiong Cai and Peter K. L. Ng
Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 119260, Republic of Singapore

Abstract: The freshwater and terrestrial decapod fauna of Pulau Tioman, an island off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, is documented and discussed. A total of 12 crab (in four families: Gecarcinidae, Grapsidae, Parathelphusidae and Potamidae) and 13 prawn species (in two families: Atyidae and Palaemonidae) are covered. Two species of crabs, Cardisoma carnifex (Gecarcinidae), Pseudosesarma bocourti (Grapsidae), and seven species of prawns, Caridina celebensis, C. aff. brachydactyla (Atyidae), Macrobrachium idae, M. scabriculum, M. dolichodactylus and M. meridionalis (Palaemonidae), constitute new records for Pulau Tioman. Caridina celebensis, C. aff. brachydactyla, Macrobrachium scabriculum, M. dolichodactylus and M. meridionalis are also new records for Peninsular Malaysia.

Key Words: Freshwater, terrestrial, Crustacea, Decapoda, Grapsidae, Gecarcinidae, Parathelphusidae, Potamidae, Atyidae, Palaemonidae.

Leaf Beetles of the Subfamily Galerucinae from Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Mohamed S. Mohamedsaid
Centre for Insect Systematics, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Malaysia

Abstract: The leaf beetles of the subfamily Galerucinae from Tioman island are represented by 28 species, including two new species, and three new records for Peninsular Malaysia. The new species are: Monolepta tiomanensis, n.sp. and Trichobalya tiomanensis, n.sp. The new records are: Hyphaenia discoidalis Jacoby, Pseudocophora distincta Baly and Strobiderus pygidialis (Jacoby). The galerucne beetles on the island are much fewer than Langkawi, which is represented by 60 species. The poor representation in Tioman is probably due to the small size of the island and its distance being farther from the mainland than compared with Langkawi.

Key Words: Tioman Island, Malaysia, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, new species, Monolepta tiomanensis, Trichobalya tiomanensis.

A Contribution to the Knowledge of the Water Beetle Fauna of Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia

L. Hendrich
Berlin-Forschung, Freie Universität Berlin, Gaertnerstrasse 3, D-12207, Berlin, Germany E-mail: HENDRICH 1 @aol.com

C. M. Yang
Zoological Reference Collection, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 119260, Republic of Singapore

Abstract: A recent survey of the water beetle fauna of Pulau Tioman revealed 11 species of the families Noteridae, Dytiscidae, Hydrophilidae, Hydraenidae, Scirtidae and Limnichidae. All identified species (Canthydrus flammulatus, Lacconectus krikkeni, Lacconectus corayi, Sternolophus rufipes, Helochares fuliginosus, Oocyclus sumatrensis tiomanensis and Amphiops coomani) are widespread in the Indo-Malayan region. The small size of the island, presence of few lentic habitats, the steep and fast flowing streams are responsible for the lack of a rich aquatic beetle fauna. The distributional range and ecology are discussed for each species.

Key Words: Aquatic beetles, Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia, distribution, faunistics, ecology.

New Records of Stick Insects from Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia, Including Description of A New Species of Abrosoma (Phasmida: Pseudophasmitidae: Aschiphasmatinae)

F. Seow-Choen
Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608

Y.Y. Goh
Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 119260

Abstract: The phasmid fauna of Pulau Tionian is described. Fifteen species are recorded, including Abrosoma johorensis, new species.

Key Words: Phasmida, Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia, Abrosoma, new species.

New Records of Butterfly Species for Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia

K. C. Quek, Navjot S. Sodhi and L.H. Liow
Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 119260,
Republic of Singapore. Direct correspondence to Navjot S. Sodhi (email: dbsns@nus.edu.sg)

Abstract: This paper presents a preliminary checklist of butterfly species (Class Insecta: Order Lepidoptera) recorded from the island of Pulau Tioman (Malaysia) from 25 to 28 June 1996, and from 24 to 27 June 1997. Our survey yielded 78 species belonging to 57 genera and 5 families. Of these species, 25 are possibly new records for the island.

Key Words: Pulau Tioman, butterflies, endemic species, inventory.

A Checklist of Aquatic and Semi-aquatic Bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera) from Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia

C. M. Yang, Timothy C. M. Wong, H. K. Lua and L. M. Koh
Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 119260

Abstract: A list of aquatic and semi-aquatic Hemiptera from Pulau Tioman is given with notes on their habitats. A total of 8 families, 25 genera, and 33 species are recorded from the island. Rhagovelia sumatrensis, Perittopus breddini, Ptilomera tigrina and Metrocoris nigrofasciodes are the most dominant species found in the hill streams. Ventidius modulatus is common both in freshwater and brackish water habitats. Three species, Stenobates biroi, S. insularis and Hebrus nereis are new records for Peninsular Malaysia.

Key Words: Aquatic and semi-aquatic bugs, check-list, Tioman, Malaysia