Diversity and abundance of bats using harp trap at R.E.A.C.H BIOD Centre, Cameron Highland, Pahang, Malaysia

Mossy forest is a unique type of vegetation that occurs in montane areas. Such areas are characterized by the appearance of mosses growing on virtually all surface areas. Due to the scarcity and sensitive condition of the area, wildlife studies are limited and to this date, there is no information on the diversity and abundance of bats in mossy forests locally. Hence, bats diversity survey was conducted using 3 harp traps. A total of 8 individuals consisting of 6 species of bats were captured throughout 23 trapping nights. The low capture rate and diversity of bats is due to the loss of habitat around the mossy forest. The mossy forest is next to a 2 hectare over logged forest and surrounded by tea plantations. Currently, the 2 hectare over logged forest is being reforested and managed by Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands (R.E.A.C.l-l) as the s0ciety’s Biodiversity Centre. It is hoped that more surveys will be conducted to gain more information on the biodiversity in this sensitive area.