A Preliminary Assessment of Insect Diversity in Imbak Canyon – Batu Timbang

Abstract

This insect diversity survey by the Sabah Forestry Department team was carried out from 16^th to 20^th of August, 2017 in Imbak Canyon – Batu Timbang area. Nocturnal insect diversity was assessed through light-trapping while diurnal insects were documented through fruit-baited traps, sweep nets and forceps. The mean nocturnal insect species richness was 48 species while the mean abundance was 55 individuals. These values were affected by the presence of many wild honeybees, Apis dorsata and the unexpectedly wet weather. Some Bornean endemic species were recorded, which included moths, beetles, dragonflies and a butterfly species. The Bornean endemic butterfly, Papilio acheron, is a rare species documented during the survey. Interesting and iconic species recorded are the Malaysia national butterfly, Trogonoptera brookiana and the world’s largest bush cricket, Macrolyristes imperator. These insect data provide salient information to enhance the conservation of the Batu Timbang forest. They will serve as baseline information for other insect research work in future. Threats, such as forest fire, fragmentation, illegal clearing of vegetation and poaching are likely to indirectly affect the insect fauna. As such, continuous monitoring and enforcement at strategic locations are important to minimize these threats.