Bird species diversity in the padawan limestone area, sarawak.
Bird surveys were conducted in the Padawan Limestone Area for seven days at each of two study sites, Giam and Danu, from August to December 2008. The purpose of the study was to compare the area's bird species richness and abundance of bird species in other limestone areas and in other forest types. The study also compared the species richness and relative abundance of birds in undisturbed and disturbed areas at both study sites. Twenty mist nets were deployed for 12 hours daily. During this study period, direct observations of birds were also made. In all, 80 species from 34 families were recorded at both sites. At Giam, 120 birds were mist-netted. These birds represented 31 species from 16 families. The direct observations at Giam recorded 13 species from 11 families. In the undisturbed area, 21 species from 13 families were mist-netted, whereas in the disturbed area, 21 species from 10 families were mist-netted. In Danu, a total of 48 birds, representing 25 species from 12 families, were mist-netted. The observations at Danu recorded 34 species from 19 families. Twelve species from 7 families were mist-netted in the undisturbed area, whereas 18 species from 11 families were mist-netted in the disturbed area. Statistical analysis showed that the species diversity index differed significantly between undisturbed and disturbed areas.
Biodiversity assesment in a Sarawak lowland dipterocarp rainforest of Niah National Park
A transect survey was conducted from 2 – 6 December 2004 in Niah National Park to estimate species diversity and relative 
abundance of birds and mammals. This study was conducted in four forest line transects: Madu Trail (TR1), Sungai Tangap (TR2), Niah Great Cave (TR3), Bukit Kasut (TR4), and one 
river transect along the Niah River (RT). A total of 521 birds representing 59 species from 23 families were recorded. The Black-Nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus maximus) and the Mossy-Nest 
Swiftlet (Aerodramus salanganus) were the most common species in the park. The family Timaliidae (babblers), with nine species, was recorded as the most diverse family, whereas 
Strigidae (owls) and Hirundinidae (swallows) were the least diverse families with one species in each. A total of 29 mammalian individuals representing seven species from four families were recorded. The family Sciuridae (squirrels) 
with three species was recorded as the most diverse family, whereas Cynocephalidae (flying lemurs) and Muridae (rodents) were the least diverse families with one species and one 
individual each. TR1 was recorded with the highest Shannon-Weiner index (diversity index) of H’ = 4.75 and H’ = 2.20 for birds and mammals respectively. The lowest bird H’ = 3.73 was 
recorded for TR2, whereas the lowest mammal H’= 0 was recorded for TR2 and RT. Although this study does not identify factors that contribute to different species diversity at each transect line, field observations suggest that vegetation and 
human activities were the major elements that contributed to the observations found at each transect in this study. Studies on the vegetation types and potential disturbances that influence the faunal diversity will provide useful insights in 
conservation and management planning of this park.
Indian Fig Cactus (Opuntia Ficus-Indica (L.) Miller) in the Americas: an Uncertain History
Abstract: 
 Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller is a globally important cactus species with a long history of human use. In addition to the importance of O. ficus-indica as a food for humans and livestock, it also has long served a role in the production of cochineal, a once important textile dye. This cactus also is intimately interwoven into the story of Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (South American cactus moth), one of the best-known examples of biological weed control. In this regard, O. ficus-indica has been a target weed as well as an unintended host in C. cactorum invasion. Although the distribution and human-assisted movement of this cactus throughout much of the world is well documented, surprisingly little has been written about its history and movement within the Americas. Literature associated with Opuntia and their phytophagous pests in North and South America was examined in an attempt to determine the history of O. ficus-indica in the Americas. Available information suggests with some certainty that O. ficus-indica originated in present-day Mexico, but the timing of its introduction to South America is much less clear. Taxonomic difficulties associated with distinguishing among Opuntia species and the long pre-Columbian history of exchange between South American and Mesoamerican cultures are two primary complicating factors associated with dating the dispersal of this species to South America. Additionally, previous evidence in support of a pre-Columbian introduction to South America relied on questionable identification of insect-based textile dyes. These uncertainties are significant because clearer knowledge of the history of O. ficus-indica introduction to South America could provide a more complete biological and ecological context to efforts at managing this species in its native and introduced ranges, particularly with respect to the threat posed by C. cactorum in North American and Argentinean plantations.