Moth diversity in Tropical Rain Forest of Maliau Basin, Sabah, Malaysia, with special reference to Ginseng Camp

Abstract

Short sampling revealed that the moth diversity (as measured by Williams Alpha) in the primary forest of Ginseng Camp in the southern part of Maliau Basin, was the highest (262.28 + 31.91) compared to other primary sites in Sabah, namely Lake Linumunsut (134.72 + 48.69), Imbak Canyon (140.47 + 29.13), and Danum Valley (195.24 + 23.73). Endemism was also high with about 10% of the 355 species sampled being endemic. In view of the high biodiversity of the area as indicated by moths, and the average diameter of its commercial timbers being below the allowable felling size, the area has rightly been gazetted for biodiversity conservation.