Sains Malaysiana 47(8)(2018): 1635–1644
http://dx.doi.org/10.17576/jsm-2018-4708-02
Species
Richness and Distributional Pattern of Amphibians along an Elevational Gradient
at
Gunung Raya, Pulau Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
(Kekayaan
Spesies dan Corak Taburan Amfibia Sepanjang Kecerunan di Gunung Raya,
Pulau
Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia)
EHWAN, N1., NUR JOHANA, J1., SHUKOR, M.N1., YAAKOP, S1., GRISMER, L.L.2
& NORHAYATI, A.1*
1Pusat Pengajian Sains Sekitaran dan
Sumber Alam, Fakulti Sains dan Teknologi, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600
UKM Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
2Herpetology Laboratory, Department of
Biology, La Sierra University, 4500 Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside California,
92515, USA
Diserahkan: 15 September 2017/Diterima:
16 Mac 2018
ABSTRACT
A study on amphibian community at Gunung
Raya, Pulau Langkawi was conducted in order to identify amphibian
species richness and species distribution pattern along an elevation
gradient. Species richness and distribution pattern of amphibians
along an elevational gradient could explain factors that determine
ecological processes in a particular highland. Passive sampling
method by using two types of traps namely Drift- fenced pitfall
trap and PVC pipe trap were used from February
2014 until January 2015. 100 individual comprise of 10 species amphibian
were recorded. Leptobrachium smithii were the most abundant
(n=37) followed by Megophrys aceras (n=28).
Rank abundance curve for amphibian community show a Broken Stick
pattern (χ2=12.67,
p=0.12). Species accumulation curve does not level off to
an asymptote, indicating insufficient sample size despite intensive
sampling effort. Estimation analysis by using Chao 1 predictor produces
12 amphibian species based on 100 pooled individuals. A weak positive
exponential function fits the distribution pattern of amphibian
abundance (y=0.0028x+13.39), reflecting species domination towards
the peak. A negative exponential function fits distribution pattern
of amphibian species number across the elevation gradient (y=-0.0091x+7.247),
due to the lack of permanent water resource at the upper elevation.
These results indicated that by understanding the upland ecology
of amphibians, important decisions may be critical for designing
conservation efforts and planning land use.
Keywords: Altitude; diversity;
Herpetofauna
ABSTRAK
Suatu kajian telah dijalankan ke atas
komuniti amfibia di Gunung Raya, Pulau Langkawi bertujuan untuk
mengenal pasti kekayaan spesies dan corak taburan spesies amfibia
sepanjang kecerunan ketinggian. Kekayaan spesies dan corak taburan
Amfibia sepanjang kecerunan ketinggian dapat menjelaskan faktor-faktor
yang menentukan proses ekologi di dataran tinggi tertentu. Kaedah
persampelan pasif menggunakan dua jenis perangkap, iaitu perangkap
lubang berpagar dan perangkap paip PVC dari
Februari 2014 hingga Januari 2015. Sebanyak 100 individu amfibia
yang terdiri daripada 10 spesies telah direkodkan. Leptobrachium smithii adalah spesies
yang paling melimpah (n=37) diikuti Megophrys aceras
(n=28). Lengkuk kelimpahan berpangkat bagi komuniti amfibia
menunjukkan corak `broken stick' (χ2=12.67, p=0.12).
Lengkuk akumulasi spesies pula tidak mencapai asimptot, menunjukkan
bahawa saiz sampel tidak mencukupi, walaupun usaha persampelan adalah
intensif. Analisis penganggaran menggunakan Chao1 menghasilkan sebanyak
12 spesies amfibia berdasarkan 100 individu terkumpul. Fungsi eksponen
positif yang lemah dipadankan dengan pola taburan kelimpahan Amfibia
(y=0.0028x + 13.39), mencerminkan penguasaan beberapa spesies ke
arah puncak. Fungsi eksponen negatif pula dipadankan dengan corak
taburan bilangan spesies Amfibia di sepanjang kecerunan ketinggian
(y = -0.0091x + 7.247) disebabkan oleh kekurangan sumber air kekal
di paras atas. Keputusan kajian ini menunjukkan bahawa memahami
ekologi Amfibia di kawasan tanah tinggi adalah penting untuk mereka
bentuk usaha pemuliharaan dan merancang penggunaan tanah.
Kata
kunci: Altitud; Herpetofauna; kepelbagaian
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*Pengarang untuk
surat-menyurat; email: norhayatiahmad@ukm.edu.my
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