Ficld Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Modes of Assessment
For exchange students:
TAs' assessment
= 20%
Quiz
= 20%
=60%
Project presentation
For NUS students:
Local fieldtrip guiding
=10%
Quiz
=10%
TAs' assessment
=10%
Project presentation
=30%
Project written report
=40%
Oral presentation format:
15 minutes presentation
10 minutes Question & Answer session
Presentations will be marked based on the following criteria:
Timing: Did the talk stick to the allotted time?
Introduction: Clear introduction to the topic and the study?
Materials and Methods: How the work was conducted and why
it was done that way?
Results: Appropriate analysis conducted correctly?
Discussion: Good interpretation of results as well as

comparison to other studies?

Q and A: How well were the questions answered?

Overall: How effective was the presentation?
Format of written report
Each report should be submitted as a hardcopy, printed 1.5-spaced
and single-sided on A4 paper, and organized into the following
sections:
Abstract

0
Introduction

0
Material and methods

0
Results

0
Discussion

0
Reference list

0
Word limits and deadline : maximum 2000 words (excluding references).
All written reports should be submitted to Miss Xu Weiting at Block S2,
level 4, room 01 (students' room) by 5pm on Wed 27 July 2011. Late
submissions will be penalized (10% deduction per day past deadline).
6

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

June to July 2005. For the latter, the long dry spell from 20 Jan to 31
Mar 2005, may have had an effect on inducing flowering.

GROWTH CYCLE OF THE FOREST

It is impossible to understand the structure of the rain forest

without understanding the forest growth cycle. Trees are not immortal
and when a giant tree dies it creates a gap in the canopy. How large a
gap depends on whether it decays standing upright or falls full length,
and whether it knocks or pulls down neighbouring trees in the process.
Tree-fall gaps are filled mainly by those seedlings and saplings which
survive. Eventually, one or more trees restore the canopy. The whole
forest can be seen as a mosaic of patches at different stages in this
growth cycle.
The canopy is in a continuous state of flux because trees die.
When a large tree dies, its crown slowly dies back then the limbs and
trunk slowly disintegrate and eventually fall. If there are climbers
growing on that tree, the tree fall can create a large gap in the canopy
as in falling the climbers pull down the neighbouring trees upon which
they are also climbing. Trees may also die suddenly by lightning strike
or be blown down by strong winds. Seedlings in the gap start growing
because the light levels increase and pioneers invade. Later, climax
species establish themselves below the pioneers which cannot
reestablish themselves as their seedlings require high light intensities.
Ultimatel,y when the climax species reach full size, the canopy has
reached its mature phase. Thus there are four phases of the canopy:
1.
Gap - Caused by tree fal'ls; large or small area; no canopy top
so high light intensities, lower relative humidity, hotter and with
drier soil; climax tree seedlings and pioneer species (the latter in
bigger gaps) . Large gaps will have characteristics of secondary
forest on undegraded soil.
2.
Building - Regrowth has started and is in mid-phase; canopy
top has formed so lower light intensity below, more humid, cooler
and with moister soil; young climax tree species and mature
pioneer tree species.
3.
Mature - Trees reach their full sizes; canopy top is very well
developed so very low light ,intensity below, most humid, coolest
and with moistest soil; climax species only, i.e., emergent and
main canopy top species dominate with pioneer species absent.
4.
Degenerate - Trees have begun to die with disintegration of
limbs and trunk; canopy top is less well developed than mature
12

Fi eld Studies in Biodiyersity 1 20 I I

phase so slightly more light, less humid, slightly warmer and with
slightly drier soil; dying emergent and main canopy top species.

Plants to Note

1.

Agrostistachys
longifolia

Euphorbiaceae

Common
Name
jenjulong

2.

Alstonia
angusliloba

Apocynaceae

pulai

tree

dicotyledon

3.

Campnosperma
auriculatum

Anacardiaceae

terentang

tree

dicotyledon

4.

Caryota mitis

Arecaceae
(Formerly
Palmaceae)

fish tail
palm

tree

monocotyledon

5.

Clidemia hirta

Melastomataceae

hairy
clidemia

herb

dicotyledon

6.

Shorea curtisii

Dipterocarpaceae

seraya

tree

dicotyledon

7.

Streb/us
e/ongatus

Moraceae

tempinis

tree

dicotyledon

8.

Tacca
integrifolia

Taccaceae

bat lily

herb

monocotyledon

9.

Tectaria
singaporeana

Dryopteridaceae

paku
todak

herb

fern

SINo.

Species

Family

Synusia
treelet

Taxonomic
Group
dicotyledon

Habitat
primary
forest
understorey
secondary
forest main
canopy or
emergent
secondary
and primary
forest main
canopy or
emergent
secondary
forest
subcanopy
tree or
open areas
exotic weed
of primary I
and
seoondary
forest trails
and gaps
primary
forest
emergent
secondary
forest or
open areas
primary
forest
understorey
primary
forest
understorey

13

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 20 11

TALL SECONDARY FOREST

Secondary forest is forest which replaces cleared primary forest

In Singapore, secondary forest
by a process called succession.
consists of those which grow in sites with undegraded soil (trema
belukar) and those with degraded soil (adinandra belukar). The word
belukar is Malay for secondary forest. With time, both forest types tend
to grow into tall secondary forest and are similar at least in structure
although diversity for that formed from the latter tends to be lower
unless the adinandra belukar site is close enough to seed sources of
primary forest species. Tall secondary forest, whether developing in
trema or adinandra belukar sites, if close enough to seed sources for
prj mary forest species, will ultimately develop into forest that is
indistinguishable from primary forest, so completing the succession.
Tall secondary forest in the earlier stages tends to look very
uniform, in terms of the trunk diameters. This is to be expected as all
the original trees were cut and the trees replacing them all started
growing at about the same time. The species also tend to be rather
characteristic so the physiognomy and species composition can give us
valuable clues as to the forest type.
Most tall secondary forest in Singapore is found in the Central
Catchment Nature Reserve surrounding the Seletar, Peirce and
MacRitchie Reservoirs with some in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. The
original pioneer species which invaded the bare ground as a result of
clear fell ing of the forest will be shaded out after 40 to 70 years. This
can be seen from the few individuals remaining of Adinandra dumosai
(tiup tiup) , and other species. In tall secondary forest, Rhodamnia
cinerea (silver back) tends to dominate initially, being a species which is
also found in adinandra belukar. It can do this because its seedlings
are more shade tolerant than the others in adinandra belU'kar. Other
prominent species include Calophyllum species (bintangor), Garcinia
parvifolia (wild kandis), Cyathocalyx and Xylopia species (custard apple
family; Annonaceae), Lindera lucida and Litsea species (laurel family;
Lauraceae) and Porterandia anisophyllea and Timonius wallichianus
(coffee family; Rubiaceae). Locally abundant will be species of
Elaeocarpus (oil fruit), Archidendron clyperia (grasshopper tree) and
Macaranga species (mahang) .
With further development, the area becomes more enriched
with species, particularly if it is surrounded by primary forest which
provides many seed sources to disperse to the area via dispersers such
14

r ield Studies in Biodi versit\'

1 2011

as birds, bats and wind.

More species of the Annonaceae,
Burseraceae, Euphorbiaceae (rubber family), Lauraceae and
Myristicaceae (nutmeg family) make their appearance.
Syzygium
species (kelat) also become more common . As an emergent species,
Campnosperma auricula tum (terentang) is common.
Species of
Alstonia (pula/), Ixonanthes icosandra (twenty men tree) and Ixonanthes
retiulata (ten men tree) are locally common in the main canopy or as
emergents . Palm species include Caryota mitis (fish tail palm) from the
earlier stages, some rattans (Calamus species) and the clustering palm
bayas (Oncosperma horridum).
In the undergrowth is the treelet
Anisophyllea distich a (Ieechwood) and woody climbers like Rourea
species. This is the most advanced stage of tall secondary forest found
in Singapore, and cannot be classified as many primary forest species
are absent, the most notable being the members of the
Dipterocarpaceae possibly because the soils are too poor and/or the
microclimates too dry and hot for the more sensitive primary forest
species .

Tall Secondary Forest Plants Vou Should Be Able to Recognize

SINo.

1.

2.
3.
4.

5.

Species

Family

Rosaceae

Common
Name
bearded
smilax
silver
back
bat laurel

Smilax
bracteata
Rhodamnia
cinerea
Pnmus
polystachyus
Calophy/lum
species
Syzygium
species

Smilacaceae

Guttiferae

bintangor

tree

dicotyledon

Myrtaceae

kelat

tree

dicotyledon

Myrtaceae

Synusia
climber

Taxonomic
Group
monocotyledon

tree

dicotyledon

tree

dicotyledon

Habitat
I

secondary
,
forest
secondary
forest
secondary
forest
secondary !
forest
'

~:r:~dary

REFERENCES
Chin, S.C., R.T. Corlett, V.C. Wee and S.V. Geh (editors). 1995. Rain.
forest in the city: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Singapore. The
Gardens' Bulletin, Singapore, Supplement NO.3. 168 pp.
nd
Richards, P.W. 1996. The tropical rain forest, 2 edition. Cambridge
University Press, Cambridge. 575 pp.
Wee, V.C. and R.T. Corlett. 1986. The city and the forest: plant life in
urban Singapore. Singapore University Press, Singapore. 186 pp.
nd
Whitmore, T.C. 1998. An introduction to tropical rain forests, 2
edition . Oxford University Press, Oxford. 282 pp.
15

Field Studies in Biodi versity I 2011

Field Trip to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve:

The Mangrove Ecosystem
8 July 2011

OBJECTIVES:
o Learn character,istics of a mangrove ecosystem.
o Observe the diversity of its constituent flora and fauna .
HABITAT:
- Inter-tidal tropical forest community, with interacting populations of
terrestrial, aquatic and amphibious plants and animals.
- Protected/sheltered coastlines and river estuaries; low energy
environment.
- Periodic immersion by seawater leading to great fluctuation in salinity
- Soft, muddy and waterlogged , anoxic soil. Hydrogen sulphide (rotten
egg smell) from deep, black anoxic mud, a by-product of anaerobic
respiration by sulphur-reducing bacteria .
- Low plant species diversity due to harsh environmental conditions
(50-60 spp. of mangrove plants in the world).
- Zonation based on topography: divided into 4 areas: sand bar; main
forest; mud lobster mound and pool system, and back-mangrove .

Bridge across Sungei Buloh Besa r at SBWR.

16

Field Studio, in Biodiversitv 1 20 II

MANGROVE ORGANISMS:
Listed below are some common mangrove organisms that you are likely
to encounter during your trip to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Mangrove Fungi
SINo.

1.

Species

Family

I Lentinus spp.

Common
Name

Description

Polyporaceae

2. I Ganoderma

Gregarious, leathery fungi that have the

'typical' mushroom fruiting bodies
consisting of a stalk and a cap.
Bracket fungi with many pores
underneath fruiting bodies through
which spores are discharged and
dispersed via the wind .

I fungus
Bracket

Polyporaceae

spp.

Mangrove Algae
SINo.

Species

Family

Common
Name

Description

1.

Ghaetomorpha
gracilis

Cladophoraceae

2.

Gatenel/a sp.

Rhabdoniaceae

Common green algae, filamentous,

forms loose balls that gets caught
between roots of mangrove plants.
Red algae with branching thallus
constricted into segments.

Mangrove Plants
Ferns
SINo.

Species

Family

1.

Acrostichum
aureum

Pteridaceae

Common
Name
piai raya

2.

Acrostichum
speciosum

Pteridaceae

piai lasu

Description
True mangrove fern ; pinnate leaves, leaves .
red when young, fertile leaflets at the tip
covered with red-brown sporangia; more
common on landward side of mangroves.
Another true mangrove fern ; as above but
leaves brownish-green when young; more
common on seaward side of mangroves.

Flowering Plants
SINo.
1.

Species

Family

Acanthus
spp.

Acanthaceae

--

Common
Name
sea holly,
jeruju
-

Description
Herbaceous shrubs; distinct leaf shape
(like Holly), deeply lobed with sharp spines
at each lobe tip; flowers in spikes at branch
tips.

17

Field Srudi"s in Biodiversitv I 20 11

2.

Avicennia
spp.

Verbenaceae

apiapi

3.

Bruguiera
spp.

Rhizophoraceae

bakau

4.

Derris
trifoliata

Fabaceae

Common
derris

5.

Excoecaria
agal/ocha

Euphorbiaceae

buta buta

6.

Ta/ipariti
tiliaceum

Malvaceae

Sea
hibiscus

7.

Nypa
fruticans

Arecaceae

nipah

8.

Rhizophora
spp.

Rhizophoraceae

bakau

9.

Sonneratia
spp.
Xylocarpus
spp.

Lylhraceae

perepat
(S. alba)
nyireh

10.

Meliaceae

Buttress rool and pencillike stilt

pneumatophore; leaves opposite, egg
shaped , hairy under surface; fruit flattened,
elongated and ellipsoid.
Buttress root and kneed pneumatophore;
leaves opposite, leathery; bark with
numerous orange lenticels, seedling
hypocotyls pencil or cigarlike .
Climber with pinnate leaves of 3, 5 or 7
leaflets; inflorescence is small with pealike
flowers.
Abundant corrosive latex; often multi
stemmed and associated with mud lobster
mounds; spreading surface roots; leaves
alternate.
Small tree; leaves spirally arranged, leaves
are heartshaped with a pointed tip; flowers
are bright yellow fading to dull orange, with
a maroon centre; more common towards
landward side.
Only true mangrove palm. Common and
are found in areas of low salinities and
calm water, long featherlike fronds up to
9m forming a rosette at each branch ti~
Branched, prop or stilt pneumatophore;
leaves opposite, elliptical, under surface
with black dots; seedling hypocotyls with
warty, pointed tip.
Conicalshape still pneumatophore; leaves
opposite, fruit pearshaped.
Buttress roots; leaves opposite, fruit
grapefruit to pomelosize, woody capsule.

Mangrove Animals
SINo.

Species

Family

Common
Name
cotton
stainer bug

1.

Oysdercus
decussates

pyrrhocoridae

2.

Aucha velans

Noctuidae

tide
watching
mangrove
moth

3.

llyogynis
microcheirum

Cam ptandriidae

silt crab

Description
Often gregarious under a leaf,
feeds only on the seeds of
Talipariti tifiaceum.
Found on Avicennia spp, common
name derived from apparent
favourable perching stance looking downwards on a tree trunk
as if watching the tide!
Small, inconspicuous crabs often
found on the mud surface or under
debris.

18

FieJd Studies in l3iodiversi!l:.1 20 11

Introduction to Paya Bay

and Accommodation
Paya Bay is a small bay on the western side of P. Tioman . There are a
few resorts along the shore and a small village. We will be staying at
Paya Beach Resort (http://www.payabeach.com/index.html). All rooms
are air-conditioned with attached toilet and shower. Two to three
students wHI be allocated to each room . Three main meals (breakfast,
lunch and dinner) will be provided .
Breakfast - 7am to 9.30am
Lunch - 11.30am to 1.30pm
Dinner - 7pm to 8.30pm
Note: there will be daily aher-dinner meetings/activities at B.30pm
Fresh drinking water is available throughout the day from a dispenser
placed in the dining area. Tap water is not potable so please ensure
that you drink bottled water or obtain drinking water from the dispenser.
Soft drinks and snacks at own cost (SGD 1 - RM 2.4). Towels will be
provided by the resort, however bring your own toiletries. There are
shops that sell snacks and a few
small restaurants at this bay.
Please note that there are no
ATMs here . Cash (Malaysian
Ringgit) is the preferred mode of
transaction. Internet connection is
available at Paya Beach Resort.
Mobile phone coverage is present
but intermittent. You can use
landline telephones at the resort or
Paya Beach Resort.
at one or two of the nearby shops.
Wildlife around the bay
Paya Bay and the area around it are rich in biodiversity, so please
watch where you step and what you touch. If you are Hfting rocks to look
at the animals under them, please ensure that you return the rock to its
original position gently. The organisms found under a rock can usually
only survive under shady conditions and will not survive well if exposed.
Observe animals quietly to ensure that you are observing their natural
behaviour. Try not to disturb them as this will only cause them to hide.

23

Field Studies in Biodiversity

I 2011

Things to Bring

Clothing
Footwear
I
Others
1. Slippers / flip
1. Daypack / overnight bag
1. T-shirts
2. Towel/sarong
2. Shorts
flops /
3. Undergarments
3. Strong torchlight / flashlight
Australian
4.Swimwear
and extra batteries
thongs
2. Diving booties 4. Writing/note-taking
5. Sun hat / cap
3. Comfortable
materials
6. Lightweight long
pants
walking< shoes 5. Course Handbook
7. Long-sleeve shirt
6. Travel Documents (e.g.
/ boots
8. Light raincoat
passport, student visa, etc.)
1. Personal medication(s)
2. Sunscreen/sunblock and insect repellent
3. Toiletries and personal hygiene items
Note:
1. Shorts can be worn, but long pants are highly recommended for
terrestrial work (especially if you are allergic to bites and stings) to
help protect from cuts/scratches from vegetation and insect bites.
2. Appropriate footwear MUST be worn. For aquatic environments,
diving booties or close-toed shoes (e.g. old sneakers) are
recommended. There may be sharp litter and animals with
venomous spines at the intertidal area and streams so it is very
important that your feet are protected .
3. Trekking shoes or boots must be worn when walking into the forest.
Slippers (or flip-flops or Australian Thongs) are forbidden for field
work as there are many stinging and biting ground-dwelling
organisms.
4. For field work, ensure that your belongings all fit into a compact
daypack. Excessive items trailing or hanging off you compromises
your balance and mobility.
5. DO NOT bring machetes, knives and heavy equipment. Laptop
computers, binoculars etc. are optional.
6. All other field equipment will be provided.
24

f ield Studjes in Bi odiversitll 2() II

General Health and Safety Guidelines

In case of emergency:
Notify a member of staff, or find someone to do so .
Keep your teaching assistant informed should you feel
uncomfortable or experience any pain, develop rashes or any other
feelings of discomfort.
Notify your teaching assistant immediately if you have been stung
or bitten.
Things to be aware of:
Be aware of weather changes. If you notice lightning or hear
thunder, immediately leave the exposed areas and seek shelter.
Rocks along the shore, in the forest, or in streams are often
slippery, or sharp, or both! Avoid clambering over them without
help or supervision .
Do not touch or harass any animals. Many animals have venomous
bites, spines or stinging cells.
Note that there are strong currents within the bay when the tide
changes. Ensure that you are with a buddy should you wish to swim
in the sea - inform someone where you are going. If you want to
snorkel within the bay during your free time, please inform your
teaching assistant.
Always inform a buddy AND the teaching assistant if you have to
leave the group for any reason. Please do not wander into the
forests or streams alone.
Please drink plenty of water throughout the day and some before
you sleep to prevent dehydration. Take all meals and get a good
night's rest as you need the energy to carry out fieldwork.
Do not litter or vandalize.
Keep your valuables with you at all times.

25

Field Srudie, in Biodiversity

I 2U 11

What to bring when out in the field

At least 1 litre of drinking water per person to prevent dehydration.

Raincoat or poncho for wet weather.

Ziplock bags to waterproof electronic items if it rains.

Hat and sunscreen to protect from the sun.

Insect repellent.

Working torchlight with a spare set of batteries if going out at night.

The Black Giant Squirrel (Ralllfa bicolor liomanensis) is a large arboreal squirrel that
can be found at all elevations on Tioman. This subspecies is endemic to Tioman.

26

f'ield Studies in Biod iversitv 1 2011

Introduction to Pulau Tioman

Pulau Tioman is a rugged, pear-shaped island located -45 km east off
the state of Pahang in Malaysia. It is the third largest island, at 133.6
sq . km, off Peninsular Malaysia, with a length of -19 km and a
maximum width of -11 km. The topography is mostly steep hilly slopes
covered in tropical rainforest, with numerous peaks running along the
central spine of the island. The island's low-lying areas are limited to
coastal regions fronted by sandy or rocky beaches . It is along the coast
that the majority of the villages are built and where the native population
of -3,000 live. The largest population centre on P. Tioman is Kampung
(=village in Malay) Tekek on the western coast, where most facilities
and amenities are available. A small airstrip was built here in the late
1980's that allows small aeroplanes to land. The majority of visitors,
however, arrive via ferries from Tanjung (=headland in Malay) Gemok,
Kuala (= estuary in Malay) Rompin, Pahang or from Mersing, Johore, to
the various villages on the island.
The hilly interior and rocky slopes of the island harbour good tropical
rainforest that has remained relatively undisturbed by the island's
population. There are numerous stream systems that drain the southern
two thirds of the island. The existence of a wide range of habitats
contributes to the overall diversity of the island-there are hill and
lowland dipterocarp rainforests, rapid flowing freshwater habitats,
freshwater pools, mangrove forests and rocky shores. This island,
however, is more popularly known for the golden-sand beaches and
coral reefs, which provides the main attraction to the 190,000 tourist
arrivals each year.
In 1972, 12,383 ha of P. Tioman was gazetted as a wildlife reserve by
the Pahang state government to protect its native flora and fauna. This
was later reduced to 8,296ha in 1984 to accommodate agricultural and
tourism related developments. The seas for two miles off P. Tioman
have also been gazetted as a marine park and marine reserve under
the Fisheries Act (1985) in order to protect the marine fauna and flora
from human activities such as fishing.
Not surprisingly, the main focus of development on P. Tioman is related
to the tourism industry. Numerous lUxury resorts, hotels and chalets can
be found on or near the beaches and bays. In recent years, the
27

f'ield Studies in Biodiversity

2011

Malaysian federal government put forth a decision to further advance

the tourism industry on P. Tioman through the construction of a cargo
jetty and marina complex at Kampung Tekek, and to build an airport to
accommodate larger aeroplanes to land . The villagers and local NGOs
argued that the construction of these new facilities would severely
impact the marine environment, thus removing the incentive for the
tourists to visit and rendering the new facilities moot. While construction
on the cargo jetty and marina complex has already begun, work on the
new airport is still on hold. Pulau Tioman has had a long history of
naturalists visiting the island to study the native organisms, some of
which are endemic. It would take careful planning for future
developments not to damage or destroy this precious resource, while at
the same time allowing progress and prosperity for the local people.

An example of the classic tropical island views to be found on P. Tioman.

28

f'ield Studjes in l3iod iversity 1 20 11

PULAU
TIOMAN

Paya

.l,1 :kPt.'1CI

.A

2km

Pulau Tioman. Paya is on the west coast. The main mountains ranges are to
the south. Much of the interior is covered by primary rainforest and sandy
beaches can be found all around the coast

29

-~--~

Field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Freshwater Habitat

The northern third of this island is narrow and dry, mostly lacking in
permanent freshwater sources while the central and southern thirds
make up the main bulk of the island with several permanent drainages.
These rivers include Sungai Mentawak, Sungai Ke'liling, Sungai Nipah,
Sungai Paya, Sungai La"lang and Sungai Ayer Besar. These stream
systems coming from the hilly-forested areas represent the main supply
of fresh water to the island (Jasmi, 1999; Ng et aI., 1999).

Above: Sungei Paya, hill stream with rocky substratum.

Below: the fan shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) in situ.

30

Field Studies in Biodivcrsi!JJ 20 11

Currently, more than 50 species of fishes are-known from the

freshwater drainages of Pulau Tioman, of which only six are primary
freshwater species (Ng et aI., 1999). A total of 14 crab species in four
families (Gecarcinidae, Grapsidae, Parathelphusidae and Potamidae)
and 13 prawn species in two families (Atyidae and Palaemonidae) have
been discovered. Eight of the crab species are endemic to the island,
i.e. found nowhere else in the world! (Yeo et aI., 1999; Yeo, 2001); and
the 5 endemic potamid crabs represent two invasions (Yeo et al.. 2007).
Eleven species of water beetle (Hendrich & Yang. 1999), and a total of
33 species from 25 genera and eight families of aquatic and semi
aquatic insects have been recorded from the island (Yang et al.. 1999).

Above: the endemic torrent goby (Sliphodon aureoroslrum) in situ.

Below: the endemic terrestrial crab (Johora grallator) .

31

Field Studies in Bio diversity I 20 I I

Pulau Tioman Terrestrial Habitat

A large part of the island is covered by tropical rain forest with hilly
topography and inland forest. Pulau Tioman is underlaid by volcanic,
plutonic and contact metamorphic rocks. The volcanic rocks occur
mainly on the eastern, northern and southern parts of the island (Jasmi,
1999).
The rainforests of P. Tioman are relatively
unexp.lored compared to its marine life.
Latiff et aI., (1999) reported a total of 650
species of seed plants, comprising of 5
gymnosperms and 645 angiosperms,
belonging to 434 genera and 128 families.
These plants are distributed in four main
vegetation types; mangrove forest, beach
vegetation , lowland dipterocarp forest and
hill dipterocarp forest. Rare species of
Rafflesia, producing among the largest
flowers in the world , are also found on this
island. There are 89 species from 49
genera of mosses (Tan & Haji Mohamed,
1999); a total of 154 species of ferns and
fern-allies belonging to 73 genera and 26 Giant trees on P. Tioman .
families (Jaman & Latiff, 1999).

The brown Kukri snake (OIiRodon purpurescens ).

32

Field Snl(lics in Bi(x livcrsi!)j 20 11

So far, 45 species of ,land mammals have been recorded from P.

Tioman (Lim et aI., 1999). Apart from feral cattle, there are also species
such as the binturong (the largest civet cat species), long-tai'led
macaque, slow loris, black giant squirrel, brush-tailed porcupine, red
giant flying squirrel, common palm civet and greater mouse deer. There
are also 138 species of birds known from the island with the most
common recorded being the hill myna (Sodhi et aI., 1999). Two species
of swiftlets, the black-nest swiftlet and edible-nest swiftlet, are the most
important economic birds on the island as villagers collect nests of
these birds from caves to sell. Twenty-five species of snakes have been
recorded, including the reticulated python, Oriental whip snake, king
cobra and variable reed snake (Lim & Lim, 1999).
Insects are also abundant with 15 species of stick insects such as the
recently discovered species, Abrosoma johorensis (Seow-Choen &
Goh, 1999). Twenty-five of the 78 species of butterflies are possibly
new records for the island (Quek et aI., 1999). Leaf beetles of the
subfamily Galerucinae are represented by 28 species, including two
newly discovered species, and three new records for Peninsular
Malaysia (Mohamed, 1999).

The Sma ller Wood Nymph (Jdeopsi.v RGUra) in situ.

33

Field Stud ies in Biodiversity J~III

Pulau Tioman Intertidal and Marine Habitat

Pulau Tioman is typically subjected to two high tides and two low tides a
day. The area inundated by water during high tide and exposed dur,ing
low tide is known as the intertidal' or littoral zone. Animals and plants
living along' the shore are greatly affected by the rise and ebb of the
tide, although many have adapted ways to cope with the challenges
their environment presents. With the ebb of the tide, animals are
exposed to :high temperature and can potentially dry up. The pH and
salinity of pools of water during low tide increases as water evaporates.
On the other hand, if it rains, salinity drops. These situations may bring
about a host of osmoregulatory problems. Intertidal animals also have
to be aware of both aquatic and terrestrial predators.
The tidal flat at Paya Bay is
made up of a coral
community
and
rocky
parts. The upper intertidal
zone is dominated by
patches of algae. During
extreme low tide, part of
the adjacent coral reef is
exposed.
Algae are abundant in the
tidal flat of Paya Bay.
Some of these algae such
as the mermaid's fan are
Giant clams (Tridacna crocea) can be found
embedded in the coral substrate.
seasonally
abundant.
Many organisms here are
well camouflaged; try and
find the rocky shore sea slug! Other animals you will encounter are star
barnacles, topshells, purple climbing crabs and hermit crabs. To
properly spot and observe these organisms often requires a lot of
patience and a keen eye.
You will find some corals growing along the littoral zone area at low
tide, but the majority of corals thrive within the subtidal area, which is
never exposed to the air. The subtidal area within Paya Bay slopes
gently from the shore to the seafloor, to depths of between 8m to 15m
and is typified by sandy substrate with scattered coral patches. Coral
reef development is poor within the bay, but is well developed and
34

Field Srudies in Biodi\'crsi!1.l 2U11

extensive along the rocky shoreline of much of P. Tioman and its

surrounding islands.
As you swim or snorkel away from the beach, the sandy seafloor will
start to give way to large coral boulders and scattered patches of
branching and plate corals. These coral communities form an elaborate
three-dimensional environment, which in turn, provide habitats for
numerous other coral reef inhabitants such as crustaceans (crabs,
prawns and relatives), mollusks (shellfish, snails and squids),
echinoderms (sea stars, sea cucumbers and relatives) and fish.
Although the diversity of the coral community is lower within the bay
compared to other fringing coral reefs in P. Tioman, it is considerably
higher than even the most pristine reefs in some parts of the world,
including the Red Sea, Hawaii, and the Caribbean.

35

field Studies in Biodiversity I 2011

Pulau Tioman Mangrove Habitat

Mangrove forests around Paya Bay are
dominated by Brugueira sp. This is an intertidal
community and therefore organisms have to cope
with daily fluctuations in salinity and temperature
as the sea level rises and falls. Bacteria living in
the mud carry out anaerobic (without oxygen)
respiration and produce hydrogen sulphide gas,
giving mangrove habitats the characteristic
pungent smell. The mud is not only smelly, but
also soft and unstable and organisms living here
have also adapted to cope with these conditions.
Knee roots of Bruguiera
gymnorrhiza.

Perhaps one of the most obvious organisms in the mangrove forest is

the fiddler crab. Males have one enlarged claw that they use in
courtship displays and well as to fend off male rivals. The other claw is
much
smaller
and used for
feeding.
Both
pincers
of
females
are
small.
They
emerge to feed
and
display
during low tide
but are sealed
in their burrows
during high tide
- surviving by
maintaining
a
bubble of air
Fiddler crab (Uca vocans), only the males di splay an enlarged
underground.
claw; females have two small even-sized claws.
Another prominent and fascinating animal you will see here is the
mudskipper. These fishes are able to live out of water for extended
periods by holding water in their mouths for gaseous exchange. They
can also breathe through their moist skin. Pectoral fins are modified to
enable the fish to crawl over soft mUd. Reptiles such as the water
monitor lizard are scavengers that feed on anything from crabs to
carrion. They "taste" the air by sticking out and retracting their blue

36

Field Srudies in Biodiversi!l:.l 2011

forked tongue, placing it on the roof of the mouth where the information
is processed via the Jacobson's organ - a chemosensory apparatus
that is quite different to a nose. Another reptile common in the
mangrove forest is the rear-fanged dog-faced water snake. Unlike most
eaa-I::wing snakes, this species bears live young.

The dog- faced water snake (Cerberus ryllchops) can be found in the mangrove,
freshwater and coastal habitats.

__

~
. ~r------'
_~
_. ~--------~~

Silverstripe Mudskipper (Periophlhalmodoll argenlilinealus) and its trail.

37

ridd Studies in Oiodiversitv I 20 11

Tioman's Tides

Tides are the rise and fall of the

sea level due to the interactions
between the Earth, Moon and
Sun. The moon's gravitational
force on Earth is the main
cause of tidal forces (the sun 's
pull is only 46% of the Moon's).
Some places in the world just
have one high and one low tide
per day (a diurnal pattern), but
Tioman has semidiurnal tides,
i.e. two high and two low tides
per day. The tides follow a
lunar day of 24 hrs 58 mins,
which is why the high and low
tide times change each cycle.

Semldlumal

r
& 1
.~

:c

~
1=

Low Tldes-

TIm (hours)

A semi-diurnal tidal pattern

Please see below for the tidal

heights prediction for P. Tioman
during the dates of your stay.

Tioman tide table for 1ih to 1ih July 2011

12th July 2011
0751 hrs - 2.7m
1423hrs - 1.7m
1744hrs - 1.9m

th
13 July 2011
0048hrs - O.4m
0854hrs - 2.9m
1534hrs - 1.7m
1853hrs - 1.9m

14th July 2011

0145hrs - 0.3m
0948hrs - 3.0m
1621hrs-1.6m
1956hrs -1.9m

th
15 July 2011
0238hrs - 0.3m
1033hrs - 3.0m
1656hrs - 1.5m
2054hrs - 1.9m

th
16 July 2011
0327hrs - 0.3m
1112hrs - 3.0m
1729hrs - 1.5m
2148hrs - 2.0m

17th July 2011

0412hrs - 0.3m
1147hrs - 3.0m
1801 hrs - 1.4m
2240hrs - 2.0m
38

Field Studies in Biociiversit.t1 2011

Literature Cited
Hendrich, L. & C. M. Yang, 1999. A contribution to the knowledge of the
water beetle fauna of Pulau Tioman, Peninsu'lar Malaysia (Coleoptera:
Noteridae,
Dytiscidae,
Hydrophilidae,
Hydraenidae,
Scirtidae,
Limnichidae). The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement NO. 6: 253
262 .
Jasmi A., 1999. An Introduction to Pulau Tioman. The Raffles Bulletin of
Zoology, Supplement No.6: 3-4.
Latiff, A., I. Faridah Hanum, A. Zainudin Ibrahim, M. W. K. Goh, A. H. B.
Loo & H. T. W. Tan, 1999. On the vegetation and flora of Pulau Tioman,
Peninsular Malaysia. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement No.
6: 11-72.
Lim, B.L., Lim, K.K.P., Yong, H.S. 1999, The terrestrial mammals of
PU'lau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia, with a catalogue of specimens at
the !Raffles Museum, National University of Singapore. The Raffles
Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement, NO.6: 101-123.
Lim, K. K. P. & L. J. Lim, 1999. The terrestrial herpetofauna of Pulau
Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology,
Supplement, NO.6: 131-155.
Mohamed S. Mohamedsaid, 1999. Leaf beetles of the subfamily
Galerucinae from Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia (Coleoptera :
Chrysomelidae). The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement NO. 6:
245-251 .
Ng. H .H., H. H. Tan & K. K. P. Lim, 1999. The inland fishes of Pulau
Tioman, Pen1insular Malaysia . The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology,
Supplement NO. 6: 169-187.
Quek, K. C., N. S. Sodhi, & L. H. Liow, 1999. New records of butterfly
species for Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia. The Raffles Bulletin of
Zoology, Supplement NO.6: Pp. 271-276.
Razali J. & A. Latiff, 1999. The pteridophyte flora of Pulau Tioman,
Peninsular Malaysia. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement No.
6: 77-100.

39

Field Studies in Biodi versity

201 1

Seow-Choen, F. & Y. Y. Goh , 1999. New records of stick insects from

Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia, including description of a new
species
of
Abrosoma
(Phasmida:
Pseudophasmitidae:
Aschiphasmatinae). The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement No.
6:Pp . 263-269.
Sodhi, N. S., Briffett, Lee, B.P.Y.-H. & R. Subaraj, 1999. An annotated
checklist of the birds of Pulau Tioman, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia.
The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement No.6: 125-130.
Tan, B. C. & Haji Mohamed, 1999. A preliminary checklist of mosses of
Pulau Tioman . Peninsular Malaysia. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology,
Supplement No.6: 73-76.
Yang, C. M., T. C. M. Wong, H. K. Lua, & L. M. Koh, 1999. A checklist
of the aquatic and semi-aquatic bugs (Insecta : Hemiptera: Heteroptera)
from Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia. The Raffles Bulletin of
Zoology, Supplement, No.6: 277-288.
Yeo, D. C. J., 2001. A new cavernicolous species of freshwater crab
(Crustacea : Brachyura: Potamidae) from Pulau Tioman, peninsular
Malaysia . Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington, 114(3):
618-623.
Yeo, D. C. J., Y. Cai, & P. K. L. Ng, 1999. The freshwater and terrestrial
decapod crustacea of Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia. The Raffles
Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement No. 6: 197-244.
Yeo, D. C. J., H. Shih,
biogeography of the
Brachyura: Potamidae)
insular fauna. Zoologica

R. Meier & P. K. L. Ng, 2007. Phylogeny and

freshwater crab genus Johora (Crustacea :
from the Malay Peninsula, and origins of its
Scripta 36 : 255-269 .

Sunset at Paya Bay

40

Field Studies in I3iodivcrsi!l:..l 2011

Acknowledgements
Many thanks to previous contributors (Peter Todd, Zeehan Jaafar,
Karenne Tun, Ng Ngan Kee, Jeremy Woon, Tommy Tan, Darren Yeo,
Erica Sena, Ang Wee Foong). Many photographs were contributed by
Tan Heok Hui. The fifth edition was updated by Tan Heok Hui.
Contents &/or pictures copyrighted Tan Heok Hui/LSM4263 - 2011.

Island Flying Fox (Pteropus hypome/anus ), perched on Sea Almond.

41

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