The other “Taman Negara”

Two months stay with sporadic birding in

 Endau Rompin National Park (ERNP), Johor

 

From mid-September to end of November 2000 I spent approximately 8 weeks in Endau Rompin, working as part of a team revising and updating the management plan for the area.

As I was working time for birding was severely limited. Most of my observations are from the grounds of the Nature Education and Research Centre  (NERC) where I was based and from the first kilometre or so of the old logging road from NERC towards Kuala Jasin. All records in the systematic list where no other locality is mentioned are from this area. I also participated in a 10 day field trip to the western and southern borders of the park, this naturally also yielded some bird records. Included in the list are sporadically also birds seen in areas near the park, but these are even more scanty than those from the park. In general species common in open areas such as various doves, mynahs, crows, swallows etc were not noted. Even in the ERNP birds not identified to species were not noted, else the most common bird on the list by far would have been “babbler“ Trichastoma / Pellorneum / Malacocincla /Malacopteron /Stachyris sp.!!

Other people with more time to dedicate to the birds and more experience with Asian birds (I was last birding in Asia 15 years earlier) would have seen much more during such a stay as mine. I am, however, quite satisfied with the list despite my continuing inability to see any Pittas. I am by now fairly convinced that Pittas belong within the realm of crypto-zoology, not ornithology. During the fieldwork, we talked to many villagers of the area about their knowledge of the areas wildlife. We encountered no less than three persons who claimed to have seen the local version of the Bigfoot, while none recognised any species of Pitta as part of the local fauna, when shown the plates in Craig Robsons or Allen Jeyarajasingam and Alan Pearsons books!

 

The NERC Project represents a collaborative effort between the governments of Denmark and Malaysia and to secure the long-term conservation of the biodiversity in the Endau Rompin area in Johor State. The implementing agency and owner of the centre is the Johor National Parks Corporation (JNPC, part of the Johor State administrative system), while the Malaysia Nature Society (the Malaysian BirdLife partner) as a consultant has undertaken most of the practical work with establishing the NERC itself.

 

The NERC is situated at the bank of the River Endau in an area of reasonably good, but secondary forest. There are in addition to the mentioned old logging road several trails usable for birding around the centre. None are really ideal, though, the logging road is so broad that sufficient light gets through, to make you stare at a “green wall” when you try to see into the forest floor. The small trails on the other hand are so narrow and with so many overhanging branches that (at least if you are a tall European like me) use too much of you effort guarding your eyes. They are full of leeches too, but very nice and interesting birdwise, nevertheless.

 

The NERC is a very nice place to stay if you visit ERNP, but it is mainly intended for researchers and for group tours on educational visits. So probably, you will have to stay at one of the lodging sites. I would recommend the Kuala Jasin (literally the mouth of Jasin). This is some three kilometres upstream from the NERC, where the Sg. Jasin (Jasin river) enters the Sg. Endau. Here are several small bungalows and a campsite and facilities are continuously being upgraded by the Park management.

Another possibility is the Park Headquarters at the village (kampung/kg.) kg. Peta, just downstream from the NERC.

Lastly it might be possible to stay at kg. Selai at southern border of the park. The small  Orang Asli reserve here bordering the park is still mainly primary forest and should give good birding possibilities. Presently it is not allowed to enter the ERNP from Selai, though it physically possible.

 

I would like to thank a large number of people for making my stay in ERNP and at the NERC such a pleasant experience, first and foremost the JNPC staff lead by Director Mohammad Basir bin Mohamed Sali,  the rangers Sabuan, Padol and Ramli and the driver Rohdi. The MNS staff at the NERC was my daily companions becoming friends (Chew Keng Lin, Chin Sing Yun, Francis Cheong, Lili Tokiman, Mohammad Adli and Hazman Zaki). Ivy Abdullah, the MNS project co-ordinator, first introduced me to the place and was very instrumental in ensuring that my stay was so nice right from the start. Finally, I would like to thank my colleague (professionally and even occasionally also as a birder) Roger C. Cox and the villagers of Kg. Peta with whom I became acquainted (Norman, Amy, Aming, Serai and Wan).

 

 

Literature

 

For bird identification I used the following four books, of which the first one is the easiest to use as it contains only the relevant species:

The NERC has a very nice library containing most available identification guides for the region to groups such as birds, mammals, herps, fishes, butterflies, various plant groups etc as well as more generalised books about rain forest ecology and a lot of other subjects.

They also keep up to date lists of the species recorded in the park at least for birds, mammals and herptilians.

 

A nice introduction to ERNP is the “coffetable” book resulting from the 1985-86 expedition by Malaysian Nature Society:

 

 

Maps

 

 

Southeast Asia and Peninsular Malaysia (ERNP marked on the Pahang-Johor border).

 

 

Johor.

Localities

 

In the species lists records fron the NERC area are mentioned first (where locality is given records are from this area) followed by observations from other localities.

 

Apart from the NERC and surroundings bird records were made at:

 

Kepoh Tanang, just outside the western border of ERNP at 02°29’00 N, 103°06’32 E.

 

Roadpoint at western border: 02°30’39 N, 103°06’48 E.

 

Ulu Segamat immediately west of park: 02°31’03 N, 103°06’33 E.

 

Pukin Forest Reserve: 02°36’06 N, 103°05’20 E.

 

Trail from westborder road towards Gunung Besar starting 02°30’37 N, 103°06’50 E.followed to 02°30’38 N, 103°07’24 E.

 

Selai, camp near border between Selai Orang Asli reserve and ERNP at 02°26’00 N, 103°14’56 E and trek to waterfall (coordinates ??).

 

Old, abandoned logging camp at Sg Emas east of park at 02°23’58 N, 103°23’34 E.

 

Another logging camp east of ERNP at 02°28’26 N, 103°27’32 E.

 

In addition there are a few records included from various nearby towns, for these I did not record coordinates.

 

Lists of recorded species

 

Birds

 

28 Red Jungle Fowl                                        Gallus gallus

Common, heard almost every day, the following were seen: 21/9 1 G, 24/9 1 G,

Heard Kepoh Tanang 18/10.

 

45 Great Argus                                               Argusianus argus

Heard almost daily (up to 6 calling males in one morning along the old logging road from NERC and approximately halfway to Kuala Jasin), but sadly not seen once. Also heard near Kuala Jasin 8/10, Kepoh Tanang 18/10, 3+ heard Selai Orang Asli Reserve 21/10, 2 heard Lubok Tapah 22/10, 1 heard Selai 24/10, 1 heard near bufferzone logging camp 26/10.

 

101 Rufous Woodpecker                                Celeus brachyurus

1 E seen and one additional bird heard calling to it at Selai 24/10 was my only record. The species is not at the ERNP list, but while my record was just outside the border it must also exist inside.

 

102 White-bellied Woodpecker                     Dryocopus javensis

18/9 1 pair. 1 Lubok Tapah 21/10, 1 pair near bufferzone logging camp 26/10.

 

103 Banded Woodpecker                               Picus mineaceus

7/10 1. 2 Selai Orang Asli Reserve 21/10.

 

105 Crimson-winged Woodpecker                Picus puniceus

23/9 1, 2/10 1 pair, 1/11 1.

 

107 Checker-throated Woodpecker              Picus mentalis

23/9 1, 2/10 G + E, 1 G, 6/11 G + E, 7/11 G + E. 1 Pukin Forest Reserve 18/10, 2 Lubok Tapah 22/10.

 

121 Maroon Woodpecker                              Blythipicus rubiginosus

22/9 2, 7/10 1.

 

123 Orange-backed Woodpecker                  Reinwardtipicus validus

24/9 G + E, 15/10 G + E and 4/11 G + E. Presumably all observations were of the same local pair.

 

127 Grey-and-buff Woodpecker                     Hemicircus concretus

1 near bufferzone logging camp 26/10 was my only observation.

 

146 Oriental Pied Hornbill                             Anthracoceros albirostris

15/10 1 and  4/11 1-2 were surprisingly few.

 

147 Black Hornbill                                         Anthracoceros malayanus

A small flock seen almost daily at the NERC from the beginning of my stay until mid October, only seen sporadically in the late part of my stay. Heard Kepoh Tanang 18/10.

 

148 Rhinoceros Hornbill                                Buceros rhinoceros

22/9 2, 28-30/10 heard each day, 6/11 heard, 7/11 3, 8/11 heard, 9/11 heard, 10/11 heard, 24/11 3, 28/11 heard.

Other observations: 3 Ulu Segamat 19/10, heard by the trail from the western border of ERNP towards Gunung Besar 19/10, heard Selai Orang Asli Reserve 22/10, 2 Kemidak Orang Asli Reserve 23/10, heard Emas Logyard 25/10, heard near Kuala Jasin 25/11.

 

159 Red-naped Trogon                                  Harpactes kasumba

7/10 1 E, 10/11 1 E.

 

160 Diard’s Trogon                                        Harpactes diardii

7/10 1 E.

 

162 Scarlet-rumped Trogon                           Harpactes duvaucelii

22/9 1 E, 23/11 1 G, 28/11 1 G. Other observations: G + E Lubok Tapah 21/10.

 

163 Orange-breasted Trogon                                    Harpactes oreskios

1 G Pukin Forest Reserve 18/10 was only observation, the species is not known from Johor and consequently it is not in ERNP.

 

167 Dollarbird                                                 Eurystomus orientalis

2 by the riverside almost halfway between the NERC and Kuala Jasin 8/10, 1 Joaseh town 19/10, 1 Kemidak Orang Asli Reserve 23/10, 1 Kemidak 24/10.

 

169 Common Kingfisher                                Alcedo atthis

1 seen ar the riverside near the NERC was my only observation.

 

174 Banded Kingfisher                                  Lacedo pulchella

22/9 1 E, G Lubok Tapah 21/10, G Lubok Tapah 22/10.

 

178 White-throated Kingfisher                      Halcyon smyrnensis

Common in cultivated and open country surrounding the ERNP, more scarce within the Park but one was often in attendance at the NERC grounds. Other observations: 1 near Kuala Jasin 8/10, near Kuala Kinchin 26/11.

 

Black-capped Kingfisher                                Halcyon pileata

1 Lubok Tapah 22/10, 1 near Kuala Kinchin 26/11.

 

185 Red-bearded Bee-eater                          Nyctyornis amictus

One pair visited the NERC almost daily. It was also occasionally seen at the logging road, most observations here were probably of the same birds as at the NERC, but a few times it was seen about halfway to Kuala Jasin (outside the homerange of the NERC pair?).

1 from the road west of Gunung Besar at 02 30’ 39N, 103  06’ 18/10, 2 Selai 24/10, heard Emas Logyard 25/10.

 

188 Blue-throated Bee-eater                         Merops viridis

23/9 5+, 8/11 5+, 9/11 heard, 10/11 12+, 23/11 2, 24/11 2. 2 Kemidak Orang Asli Reserve 23/10, 4-5 Selai 24/10.

 

196 Hodgsons Hawk Cuckoo                                    Hierococcyx fugax

1 Pukin Forest Reserve 18/10 was only record.

 

199 Oriental Cuckoo                                      Cuculus saturatus

1 at Ulu Endau 26/10 was my only record.

 

211 Black-bellied Malkoha                            Phaenicophaeus diardi

24/9 1, 12/10 1, 14/10 1, 15/10 1.

 

212 Chestnut-bellied Malkoha                                  Phaenicophaeus sumatranus

20/9 1, 24/9 1-2.

 

214 Raffles’s Malkoha                                               Phaenicophaeus chlorophaeus

6/10 2, 3/11 2, 23/11 G + E. 3 near Kuala Jasin 8/10, 1 Pukin Forest Reserve 18/10, 1 near Kuala Jasin 25/11.

 

215 Red-billed Malkoha                                 Phaenicophaeus javanicus

6/10 1, 7/10 1-2.

 

216 Chestnut-breasted Malkoha                   Phaenicophaeus curvirostris

24/9 1-2, 2/10 1, 6/10 3+, 2/11 1,  3/11 1, 9/11 3. 1 Kemidak Orang Asli Reserve 23/10, 1 Selai 24/10, 2 near bufferzone logging camp 26/10.

 

221 Lesser Coucal                                         Centropus bengalensis

1 between the Tamok and Kudung villages 24/10.

Centropus sp. were heard and seen both at the NERC and near bufferzone logging camp 26/10, they were not C. bengalensis, but whether they were sinensis or rectunguis could not be ascertained.

 

222 Blue-rumped Parrot                                Psittinus cyanurus

9/10 7, 5/11 3, 9/11 1, 24/11 4, 25/11 1. 3 near Kuala Jasin 8/10,

 

224 Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot                Loriculus galgulus

21/9 3. 4+ Ulu Segamat 19/10, 1 near bufferzone logging camp 26/10.

 

226 Rose-ringed Parakeet                             Psittacula krameri

4 near bufferzone logging camp 26/10 was my only record.

 

232 Glossy Swiftlet                                         Collocalia esculenta

6/11 5+ was my only note  from the NERC area, but I believe this is solely the result of  bad noting discipline. 3+ Kepoh Tanang 18/10,1 Kemidak town 19/10, 25+ Lubok Tapah 21/10, 5+ Lubok Tapah 22/10, 10+ Selai 24/10, 10+ Emas Logyard 24/10, 10+ Emas Logyard 25/10, 30+ in 10 minutes fleeing an approaching thunderstorm at Ulu Emas 25/10, 5+ near bufferzone logging camp 26/10, 30+ near Kuala Jasin 25/11, 5+ near Kuala Kinchin 26/11.

 

Swiftlet                                                            Collocalia sp.

10+ seen at NERC 24/11 and 15+ 25/11 were C. maxima/fuciphaga/germani. Similar birds were also seen at a few other occasions, but did not make it to the book.

300+ in 10 minutes fleeing an approaching thunderstorm at Ulu Emas 25/10. Other observations: 50+ near Kuala Kinchin 26/11.

 

237 Silver-backed Needletail                         Hirundapus cochinchinensis

Most common swift, up to 50 seen almost all days (50+ noted for 24/11), but often much lower numbers.

1 Kepoh Tanang 18/10, 2 Emas Logyard 25/10, 10+ near Kuala Kinchin 26/11.

 

241 Asian Palmswift                                       Cypsiurus balasiensis

21/9 1, 6/11 1,

3-4 in 10 minutes fleeing an approaching thunderstorm at Ulu Emas 25/10, 1 near bufferzone logging camp 26/10.

 

242 Fork-tailed Swift                                      Apus pacificus

40+ in 10 minutes fleeing an approaching thunderstorm at Ulu Emas 25/10, 1 near bufferzone logging camp 26/10, 1-2 near Kuala Kinchin 26/11.

 

244 House Swift                                              Apus affinis

200+ Beko town 23/10.

 

246 Grey-rumped Treeswift                           Hemiprocne longipennis

15/10 1, 6/11 2,

3-4 Kemidak town 19/10.

 

247 Whiskered Treeswift                               Hemiprocne comata

30/9 1, 3-5 near Kuala Jasin 8/10.

 

248 Barn Owl                                                  Tyto alba

Not recorded in the Park, but several of the surrounding oil palm estates put of nestboxes for the species in order to control rats (Rattus spp.) and Barn Owls are often seen when driving between Kahang and the Park after dark: 26/9 3-4, 3/10 5, 14/10 1.

 

252 Reddish Scops Owl                                  Otus rufescens

One seen by the logging road 7/19 was only record.

 

262 Buffy Fish Owl                                         Ketupa ketupu

Seen :17/9 1 and 27/11 1. Was heard calling almost everyday in the first weeks of my stay, later it was more sporadic.

 

271 Brown Hawk Owl                                                Ninox scutulata

10/10 1 heard, 15/10 3 heard of which one was also seen as a silhouette, 10/11 1 heard, 21/11 1 heard, 24/11 1 heard.

 

275 Gould’s Frogmouth                                 Batrachostomus stellatus

1 heard at Kepoh Tanang 17/10, the call was recognised by Chew Kew Ling. The species is also often heard by the NERC by the staff, but not by me.

 

278 Malaysian Eared Nightjar                                    Eurostopodus temminckii

15/10 1-2 heard, 9/11 heard

5+ heard of which 2-3 were also seen at Kepoh Tanang 17/10, 2 Kemidak 22/10, 1 Kemidak 23/10, 3+ heard (2 seen) Emas Logyard 24/10.

 

281 Large-tailed Nightjar                               Caprimulgus macrurus

26/9 1 in the oil palm areas between Kahang and the ERNP, one was also heard here one of the first days of November (not noted before some days later and exact date forgotten). Other nightjars seen in this area and a bit further along that road (just outside ERNP) 14/10 (1) and 25/10 (5) were probably also this species.

 

296 Peacefull Dove                                         Geopelia striata

Common in cultivated and degraded areas, not seen within ERNP. 3+ Joaseh town  19/10.

 

299 Little Green Pigeon                                 Treron olax

7/10 6+, 8/10 20+, 7/11 3. 1 near Kuala Jasin 8/10.

 

303 Thick-billed Green Pigeon                                  Treron curvirostra

19/9 15+. 4+ Kepoh Tanang 18/10.

 

311 Green Imperial Pigeon                            Ducula aenea

11/10 3, 12/10 2, 10/11 2. 3 Emas Logyard 24/10, 3 near bufferzone logging camp 26/10, 3 near Kuala Jasin 25/11, 7+ near Kuala Kinchin 26/11.

 

443 Osprey                                                     Pandion haliaetus

1 first cal bird seen 26/11 at the NERC was the only observation.

 

446 Oriental Honey-Buzzard                          Pernis ptilorhyncus

24/11 2, 1 Emas Logyard 25/10.

 

451 White-bellied Sea Eagle                          Haliaetus leucoryphus

1 juvenile (or possibly 2-3k) seen flying upstream at the NERC 5/11 was my only observation.

 

454 Lesser Fish Eagle                                               Ichthyophaga humilis

21/9 1, 2/11 1, 1 near Kuala Jasin 8/10, 1 Kemidak 23/10, 1 near Kuala Jasin 25/11.

 

462 Short-toed Eagle                                      Circaetus gallicus

This open land species was naturally not seen within ERNP, but one was observed between Kahang and Kluang 1/11.

 

463 Crested Serpent Eagle                            Spilornis cheela

1 near Kuala Jasin 8/10. 1 by the trail from the western border of ERNP towards Gunung Besar 19/10, 1 Lubok Tapah 21/10, 1 Kemidak Orang Asli Reserve 23/10.

 

470 Crested Goshawk                                                Accipiter trivirgatus

G between Lubok Tapah and  Takah Tujuh 22/10.

 

493 Blyth’s Hawk Eagle                                 Spizaetus alboniger

1 Kemidak Orang Asli Reserve 23/10, 1 Ulu Emas 25/10, 1 Ulu Endau 26/10.

 

530 Cattle Egret                                             Bubulcus ibis

One seen flying high along the river 21/9 is apparently the first observation within ERNP of this common open area species.

 

534 Little Heron                                             Butorides striatus

2/10 1 juv. Adults were also seen on a few occasions.

 

539 Von Schrenck´s Bittern                           Ixobrychus eurythmus

One bird was found in a patch of bamboo just outside the staff quarters at the NERC in the early morning 11/10, probably the bird had migrated by night and settled in the bamboo to roost for the day. The bird was seen well for 4-5 minutes. I tried to relocate it around noon and again late in the afternoon but failed. First record for the ERNP.

 

587 Black-and-red Broadbill                          Cymbirhynhcus macrorhynchos

1 G + 1 E 15/10 by the NERC jetty, also heard 2/11.

 

592 Dusky Broadbill                                       Corydon sumatranus

18/9 2-3 logging road. 5+ near Kuala Emas 24/10.

 

594 Asian Fairy Bluebird                               Irena puella

Common, up to 25 seen most days. Other observations: 5+ near Kuala Jasin 8/10, 3 Ulu Segamat 19/10, 2 by the trail from the western border of ERNP towards Gunung Besar 19/10,

1 Kemidak town 19/10, 3-4 Kemidak Orang Asli Reserve 23/10, 1 Emas Logyard 25/10.

 

595 Greater Green Leafbird                          Chloropsis sonnerati

1 G male seen at the NERC 31/10 was my only certain record.

 

596 Lesser Green Leafbird                            Chloropsis cyanopogon

19/9 1, 15/10 2, 6/11 2.

 

597 Blue-winged Leafbird                              Chloropsis cochinchinensis

Most commonly identified leafbird: 3/10 1, 6/10 2, 28/11 5+.

3 near Kuala Jasin 8/10, 5+ Kepoh Tanang 18/10, 1 Pukin Forest Reserve 18/10, 3 Ulu Segamat 19/10, 3 Lubok Tapah 21/10.

 

600 Tiger Shrike                                            Lanius tigrinus

All birds seen at the NERC were in first winter plumage: 2/10 1, 3/11 2, 5/11 1, 24/11 1,

1 ad. E Emas Logyard 25/10.

 

602 Brown Shrike                                           Lanius cristatus

Common in open habitats outside the Park, only the following inside: 19/9 1 juv.,

 

606 Rail-Babbler                                            Eupetes macrocerus

1 Pukin Forest Reserve 18/10 was only certain record during my trip. I had just finished a short (½ hour) walk and turned around and the bird was crossing the trail 6-8 meters from me in full sunlight, it walked slowly across and disappeared in the understory, it was probably the best 15 seconds of birding during the entire trip. A call heard several times near Kuala Jasin 8/10 was either this species or (even worse!!) some kind of Pitta.

 

608 Crested Jay                                             Platylophus galericulatus

22/9 2-3, 10/11 1 ad + 1 juv.

 

609 Black Magpie                                          Platysmurus leucopterus

24/9 3-4, 8/10 3, 10/10 1, 9/11 3+. 4+ Kepoh Tanang 18/10.

 

617 Large-billed Crow                                               Corvus macrorhynchos

2 Beko town 23/10.

 

631 Dark-throated Oriole                              Oriolus xanthonotus

2/10 1 G, 7/10 1, 12/10 1. 1E Kepoh Tanang 18/10.

 

640 Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike                                   Coracina striata

2/10 1 E.

 

643 Lesser Cuckooshrike                             Coracina fimbriata

10/10 1 E, 3/11 4, 5/11 4, 6/11 4, 25/11 4. 1 near Kuala Jasin 8/10.

 

650 Fiery Minivet                                           Pericrocotus igneus

19/9 5-8, 2/10 4+, 7/10 1, 11/11 8+, 23/11 2, 24711 3+. 8+ Kepoh Tanang 18/10, 1E Ulu Segamat 19/10.

 

655 Scarlet Minivet                                        Pericrocotus flammeus

23/11 5, 28/11 1 G. 5+ near Kuala Jasin 8/10, 4+ by the trail from the western border of ERNP towards Gunung Besar 19/10, 1 Lubok Tapah 21/10.

 

656 Bar-winged Flycatcher-Shrike                Hemipus picatus

2/10 1. 1 Selai Orang Asli Reserve 21/10.

 

657 Black-winged Flycatcher-Shrike             Hemipus hirundinaceus

20/9 2, 23/11 1-2, 28/11 1 G.

 

662 Spotted Fantail                                         Rhipidura perlata

3/10 1, 10/11 1, 23/11 2. 2 near Kuala Jasin 8/10, 6-8 Lubok Tapah 21/10.

 

665 Crow-billed Drongo                                 Dicrurus annectans

1 by the beginning of the trail from the western border of ERNP towards Gunung Besar 19/10 was only record.

 

666 Bronzed Drongo                                      Dicrurus aeneus

2/11 3, 3/11 2, 4/11 2, 4/11 1. 4+ at Kepoh Tanang 17/10,.

 

670 Greater Racket-tailed Drongo                Dicrurus paradiseus

By far the most common Drongo in the area, seen almost daily in low to moderate numbers. Other observations: 5+ near Kuala Jasin 8/10, 3+ at Kepoh Tanang 17/10, 5+ Kepoh Tanang 18/10, 2 Pukin Forest Reserve 18/10, 2 Lubok Tapah 21/10, 2 Lubok Tapah 22/10, 3 Selai 24/10, 5+ near bufferzone logging camp 26/10, 10+ near Kuala Jasin 25/11, 15+ near Kuala Kinchin 26/11.

 

671 Black-naped Monarch                             Hypothymis azurea

Rather common, seen approximately half the days in low numbers.

 

672 Asian Paradise-Flycatcher                                   Tersiphone paradisi

Common, seen most days in small numbers. Only observation of the white morph G was one 22/9 at the NERC. Other observations: 5+ near Kuala Jasin 8/10, 3-4 Pukin Forest Reserve 18/10, 2 Lubok Tapah 22/10.

 

673 Japanese Paradise-Flycatcher                 Tersiphone atrocaudata

1 female was seen at the NERC 23/11. It was seen in a large birdwave/feeding party which also contained 1 G and 1-2 EE of T. paradisi. It was noticeably smaller and had dark tail, generally duller upperparts and sharp breast-belly contrast (all seen in direct comparison with the individuals of preceding species). Lack of crown-chin/throat contrast or purplish gloss on upperparts not noted (but I did not know to look for it either).

 

674 Common Iora                                           Aegithina tiphia

A very short glimpse of what was probably this species seen 24/9 at the NERC. The species is not on the park list and neither should it be added on the background of this observation.

 

675 Green Iora                                                           Aegithina viridissima

24/9 2-3, 15/10 3+, 1/11 1.

 

676 Great Iora                                                            Aegithina lafresnayei

1-2 near Kuala Jasin 8/10, 2 Selai 24/10, 1 near Kuala Jasin 25/11.

 

679 Large Woodshrike                                              Tephrodornis gularis

1 Enear Kuala Jasin 8/10 was only observation.

 

716 Dark-sided Flycatcher                             Muscicapa sibirica

16/10 1, 9/11 1, 23/11 1.

 

717 Asian Brown Flycatcher                          Muscicapa dauurica

15/10 1, 16/10 1 (probably same individual as the day before), 1/11 1, 6/11 1, 9/11 1, 24711 1. 1 near Kuala Jasin 8/10.

 

721 Yellow-rumped Flycatcher                      Ficedula zanthopygia

One male seen be the jetty at the NERC grounds in the morning 11/10 was the only observation of this exceptionally nice looking flycatcher.

 

753 Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher              Culicicapa ceylonensis

2+ Lubok Tapah 21/10, 2 Lubok Tapah 22/10, 1 Ulu Emas 25/10.

 

763 Siberian Blue Robin                                Luscinia cyane

1 first cal. 16/10 was my only observation.

 

768 Oriental Magpie Robin                           Copsychus saularis

Common in open and cultivated areas. In the ERNP in disturbed areas along the rivers, a few (2?) family groups were constantly in attendance at the NERC grounds.

1-2 Emas Logyard 25/10.

 

769 White-rumped Shama                              Copsychus malabaricus

Often heard, more rarely seen: 24/9 2, 13/10 1. 1 Ulu Segamat 19/10.

 

783 Chestnut-naped Forktail                         Enicurus ruficapillus

30/9 1 G. 2 Selai Orang Asli Reserve 22/10.

 

796 Asian Glossy Starling                              Aplonis panayensis

100+ Beko town 23/10.

 

810 Common Myna                                        Acridotheres tristis

10+ Beko town 23/10.

 

812A Javan Myna                                           Acridotheres javanicus

30+ Beko town 23/10. Communal night roosts of several thousand birds dominated by the present species, but including considerable numbers of the two preceeding ones, could be seen at Kahang.

 

816 Hill Myna                                                 Gracula religiosa

16/10 2 heard, 10/11 2, 24/11 2, 28/11 2.

1 by the trail from the western border of ERNP towards Gunung Besar 19/10, 3 Joaseh town 19/10, 1 Kemidak town 20/10, 2 Kemidak town 21/10, 2 Selai Orang Asli Reserve 21/10, 4 Beko town 23/10, 2 Selai 24/10.

 

821 Velvet-fronted Nuthatch                          Sitta frontalis

1-2 near Kuala Jasin 8/10.

 

849 Barn Swallow                                           Hirundo rustica

Very common in open and cultivated areas outside the ERNP. Inside Park usually in lower numbers, mostly along the rivers. On a few occasions also very numerous around NERC (newly arrived migrants?).

10+ Beko town 23/10, 2 Selai 24/10, 4 near bufferzone logging camp 26/10.

 

850 Pacific Swallow                                         Hirundo tahitica

2/10 1, 12/10 3+, 14/10 1.

 

852 Red-rumped Swallow                               Hirundo daurica

6/10 1, 11/10 3-5.

 

860 Straw-headed Bulbul                               Pycnonotus zeylanicus

Regularly heard in the vicinity of the NERC along the river, but rarely seen. Other observations: 3 near Kuala Jasin 8/10, 1 near Kuala Kinchin 26/11.

 

863 Black-headed Bulbul                               Pycnonotus atriceps

23/9 5+, 3/10 5+, 2/11 2, 6/11 5+, 23/11 4.

 

866 Grey-bellied Bulbul                                 Pycnonotus cyaniventris

30/9 4+, 1 near Kuala Jasin 8/10, 10/10 5+, 15/10 5+, 2/11 1.

 

872 Puff-backed Bulbul                                  Pycnonotus eutilotus

1/11 1, 6/11 2. 1-2 near Kuala Jasin 8/10

 

875 Yellow-vented Bulbul                              Pycnonotus goaivier

Very common species in degraded areas, not seen within ERNP, but the following were noted in nearby areas: 10+ Joaseh town 19/10.

 

876 Olive-winged Bulbul                                Pycnonotus plumosus

2/11 1, 10/11 5+. 4 near Kuala Jasin 25/11.

 

878 Cream-vented Bulbul                              Pycnonotus simplex

2/10 1, 3/10 2,  7/10 3+, 10/11 1. 4 Ulu Segamat 19/10, 3+ Ulu Emas 25/10.

 

879 Red-eyed Bulbul                                      Pycnonotus brunneus

Most common bulbul in the vicinity of NERC seen almost daily in moderate numbers.

1 Pukin Forest Reserve 18/10, 2 Ulu Segamat 19/10, 4-5 Selai 24/10.

 

880 Spectacled Bulbul                                                Pycnonotus erythropthalmus

1 near Kuala Jasin 25/11 was my only record.

 

881 Finsch’s Bulbul                                        Alophoixus finschii

22/9 2-3, 2/10 3, 3/10 3.

 

885 Grey-cheeked Bulbul                              Alophoixus bres

2 Lubok Tapah 22/10.

 

886 Yellow-bellied Bulbul                              Alophoixus phaeocephalus

2/10 1.

 

887 Hairy-backed Bulbul                               Tricholestes criniger

2/10 1, 3/10 2, 10/10 3+, 10/11 2-3.

 

890 Buff-vented Bulbul                                  Iole olivacea

28/11 5+. 2 Pukin Forest Reserve 18/10,

 

891 Streaked Bulbul                                       Ixos malaccensis

30/9 1, 3/10 3-4, 15/10 2, 2/11 2, 6/11 4, 7/11 8+. 1 Lubok Tapah 21/10,

 

892 Ashy Bulbul                                             Hemixos flavala

2/10 3.

 

936 Common Tailorbird                                 Orthotomus sutorius

6/11 G + E, 10/11 1. 1 near Kuala Jasin 8/10, 10/10 1.

 

937 Dark-necked Tailorbird                          Orthotomus atrogularis

2/10 1-2. 1 near Kuala Jasin 8/10, 1 Emas Logyard 25/10.

 

938 Rufous-tailed Tailorbird                          Orthotomus sericeus

7/10 1 was my only observation, before my arrival it was often observed on the NERC grounds by the staff, so probably I just have a special talent for not seeing this bird!

 

939 Ashy Tailorbird                                        Orthotomus ruficeps

One seen by the jetty at the NERC 13710 and one seen at the Emas Logyard 25/10, in the bufferzone are the first records from the ERNP area.

 

952 Arctic Warbler                                         Phylloscopus borealis

24/9 1, 10/10 1, 6/11 1, 9/11 1, 23/11 3+, 25/11 3.

 

957 Eastern Crowned Warbler                      Phylloscopus coronatus

10/10 1, 23/11 1. 2 Lubok Tapah 21/10.

 

1018 Ferruginous Babbler                             Trichastoma bicolor

1 seen at the streamside trail from NERC to the old basecamp was my only observation. New to the ERNP list.

 

1021 Short-tailed Babbler                              Malacocincla malaccensis

10/10 1. 1 near Kuala Jasin 25/11.

 

1025 Black-capped Babbler                           Pellorneum cristatum

1 glimpsed crossing a small trail near Lubok Tapah 21/10 was the only observation.

 

1026 Moustached Babbler                             Malacopteron magnirostre

2-3 Selai Orang Asli Reserve 21/10.

 

1027 Sooty-capped Babbler                           Malacopteron affine

10/10 1-2.

 

1028 Scaly-crowned Babbler                          Malacopteron cinereum

3/10 1. 6-8 Lubok Tapah 22/10, 2 Selai 24/10.

 

1029 Rufous-crowned Babbler                                   Malacopteron magnum

2/10 1.

 

1035 Chestnut-backed Scimitar Babbler       Pomatorhinus montanus

18/9 1, 1/11 1.

 

Grey-headed Babbler                                     Stachyris poliocephala

10/11 4 was my only observation.

 

1162 White-necked Babbler                          Stachyris leucotis

2 Lubok Tapah 22/10 was my only record.

 

1063 Black-throated Babbler                         Stachyris nigricollis

19/9 2-3.

 

1065 Chestnut-winged Babbler                     Stachyris erythroptera

30/9 2-3, 26/11 3+. 2 Selai 24/10,

 

1066 Striped Tit-Babbler                               Macronous gularis

7/10 3. 1 near Kuala Jasin 8/10, 8 Emas Logyard 25/10. This species was decidly undernoted, I remember seeing many more times than what the notebook told afterwards.

 

1068 Fluffy-backed Tit Babbler                     Macronotus ptilosus

2 seen and heard at Kepoh Tanang 18/10 was my only record.

 

1101 Brown Fulvetta                                      Alcippe brunneicauda

10/11 2, 23/11 10+, 23/11 1, 25/11 15+. 3 near Kuala Jasin 8/10, 2 Lubok Tapah 21/10.

 

1122 Whitebellied Yuhina                              Yuhina zantholeuca

1/11 1. 1 Pukin Forest Reserve 18/10, 1 Lubok Tapah 21/10, 1 Lubok Tapah 22/10.

 

1146 Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker             Prionochilus maculatus

Most commonly seen flowerpecker. 2/10 1. 1 Kepoh Tanang 18/10, 1 Pukin Forest Reserve 18/10, 1 Ulu Segamat 19/10, 1 by the trail from the western border of ERNP towards Gunung Besar 19/10.

 

1147 Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker                      Prionochilus percussus

3/10 1, 6/10 1, 1 near Kuala Jasin 8/10.

 

1153 Orange-bellied Flowerpecker               Dicaeum trigonostigma

1 by the trail from the western border of ERNP towards Gunung Besar 19/10.

 

1155 Plain Flowerpecker                               Dicaeum concolor

1 near Kuala Jasin 8/10, 1 Emas Logyard 25/10.

 

1158 Plain Sunbird                                          Anthreptes simplex

3/10 2, 5/10 1, 7/10 2, 10/10 1,

1 Ulu Segamat 19/10, 1 by the trail from the western border of ERNP towards Gunung Besar 19/10.

 

1159 Brown-throated Sunbird                                    Anthreptes malacensis

1E at Beko town was my only record.

 

1160 Red-throated Sunbird                            Anthreptes rhodolaema

1 G male at the NERC 1/11 was my only record.

 

1161 Ruby-cheeked Sunbird                          Anthreptes singalensis

24/9 G + E, 23/11 1 G. Other observations: 1 G near Kuala Jasin 8/10, 2 Pukin Forest Reserve 18/10.

 

1162 Purple-naped Sunbird                            Hypogramma hypogrammicum

28/11 1 E was one of the last birds I saw on my last day at the NERC and in ERNP-J.

 

1166 Olive-backed Sunbird                            Anthreptes jugularis

2 G Beko town 23/10.

 

1173 Temminck’s Sunbird                             Anthreptes temminckii

23/11 G + E. 1G Ulu Segamat 19/10.

 

1175 Little Spiderhunter                                Arachnotera longirostra

Most common Spiderhunter in the vicinity of NERC, seen most days in low numbers. Other observations: 1 near Kuala Jasin 8/10, 1 Ulu Segamat 19/10, 1 Selai 24/10, 1 near bufferzone logging camp 26/10.

 

1177 Long-billed Spiderhunter                      Arachnotera robusta

1 Kepoh Tanang 18/10.

 

1178 Spectacled Spiderhunter                                   Arachnotera flavigaster

26/9 1.

 

1179 Yellow-eared Spiderhunter                   Arachnotera chrysogenys

23711 1.

 

1180 Grey-breasted Spiderhunter                 Arachnotera affinis

After A. longirostra the most common Arachnotera in the area. 25/9 3+, 23/11 1,

1 Selai 24/10.

 

1185 Eurasian Tree Sparrow                          Passer montanus

Common in towns and cultivated areas, but rare inside the ERNP. One seen at the NERC grounds 8/10. 20+ Beko town 23/10.

 

1187 Grey Wagtail                                          Motacilla cinerea

Seen approximately half the days in low numbers (most often just single birds). Other observations: 1 near Kuala Jasin 8/10, 1 from the road west of Gunung Besar at 02 30’ 39N, 103  06’, 1 Lubok Tapah 21/10, 1 Emas Logyard 24/10, 1 Emas Logyard 25/10, 1 Ulu Emas 25/10, 1 near Kuala Kinchin 26/11.

 

1210 White-rumped Munia                            Lonchura striata

8/10 15+.

 

 

1211 Scaly-breasted Munia                            Lonchura punctulata

Not a forest species and not seen within ERNP. 4 Joaseh town 19/10.

 

1212 White-bellied Munia                              Lonchura leucogastroides

19/9 6-10, 15/10 5+.
Mammals

 

Lesser Tree-Shrew                                        Tupaia minor

10/11 2, 23/11 1.

 

Common Three-Shrew                                   Tupaia glis

4/10 1, 26/10 1 trapped.

Flying Lemur or Colugo                          Cynocephalus variegatus

One was seen extremely well (3-15 meters distance) for 2-3 hours in the late afternoon 8/10 just outside the staff quarters at the NERC.

 

Dusky Leafmonkey                                        Presbytis/Trachyppithecus obscurus

Often seen across the river near NERC. 6-8 near bufferzone logging camp 26/10. Unidentified leaf monkeys were seen at several occasion, the area also harbors the banded langur, which I did not see for certain.

Long-tailed Macaque                              Macaca fasciularis

A few seen almost daily at the NERC. 1 near bufferzone logging camp 26/10.

 

Pig-tailed Macaque                                         Macaca nemastrina

Not seen within the ERNP by me, but we saw a flock near the western border 18/10.

Gibbon                                                            Hylobates lar

Several family groups heard almost daily at the NERC.

2 families heard Kepoh Tanang 18/10, 1 seen (only one seen on the entire trip) Ulu Segamat 19/10, 2 families heard between Lubok Tapah and  Takah Tujuh 22/10, 1 heard Emas Logyard 25/10, 1 heard Ulu Emas 25/10.

Large Bamboo Rat                                  Rhizomys ??

Chew Keng Lin (resident Zoologist at NERC, now wildlife officer JNPC, JB) caught one on the NERC grounds 30/9 - a very strange animal (the rodent - not Chew)!

Long-tailed Giant Rat                              Leopoldamus sabanus

26/10 one trapped.

 

Malaysian Field Rat                                        Rattus tiomanicus

A colony was established at the NERC, though Chew did a heroic effort to eradicate it.

 

Lots of squirrels were seen everyday, only a few times were they noted, though:

 

Giant Squirrel                                                             Ratufa affinis

Two were seen in one morning near NERC, both of the pale form. Unfortunately I forgot to put them in the notebook, so the date cannot be given.

 

Slender Squirrel                                              Sundasciurus tenuis

1/10 2, 11/10 3, 9/11 2. 1 near bufferzone logging camp 26/10.

 

Plantain Squirrel                                             Sundasciurus notatus

11/10 2, 9/11 1.

 

Black-banded Squirrel                                                Sundasciurus nigrovittatus

11/10 2, 8/11 1, 9/11 3+.

 

Three-striped Ground Squirrel                      Lariscus insignis

12/10 1 by the logging road approximately 1 km from the NERC towards Kuala Jasin was the only observation.

 

Lesser Spotted Cat (aca Leopard Cat)                      Felis bengalensis

26/9 2 in the oil palm estates between the Park and Kahang. 3/11 one seen between Kg. Peta and the NERC.

Common Palm-Civet                              Paradoxurus hermaphroditus

In the oil palm estates between the Park and Kahang: 3/10 1, 14/10 1. Other Paradoxurus sp. seen in that area during my stay were probably also mostly this species, though Small-toothed Palm Civet (P. trivirgata) was seen by Chew Kew Ling at the NERC (but sadly not by me) at the NERC during my stay.

Yellow-throated Marten                          Martes flavigula

1 seen Selai Orang Asli Reserve 21/10.

 

Asian Elephant                                               Elephas maximus

Unfortunately I did not see any. Droppings and tracks were often seen by the road from the oilpalm estates to Kg. Peta especially near the river Emas. Droppings also seen at Kepoh Tanang 17/10, along Sg. Emas from Kuala Emas upstream to Ulu Emas 24-25/10 (lots and lots of dung, tracks and trails).

 

Wild Boar                                                        Sus scrofa

4 at Kepoh Tanang 18/10, tracks by the trail from the western border of ERNP towards Gunung Besar 19/10. Also occasionally seen in the oilpalm estates.

Asian Tapir                                          Tapirus indicus

Tracks seen by the trail from the western border of ERNP towards Gunung Besar 19/10 were as close as I got to this one….

Herptiles

 

Black-spotted/Red-sided Sticky Frog            Kalanophrys pleurostigma

One seen at Selai 24/10.

 

”Torrent Frog”                                   Amalops sp.

This funny frog clings to rocks and stones in fast flowing streams. It was seen both near the NERC and at Ulu Segamat 19/10 and near Takah Tujuh 22/10. The genus undoubtedly has an official English name, but I do not know it, the “Torrent Frog” is my own invention.

Malaysian House Frog                            Polypedates leucomystax

A small colony of this brown striped tree frog existed at the NERC, probably originating from individuals brought in with construction materials as the species not normally occurs in true forest settings.

 

Wallaces Flying Frog                          Rhacophorus nigropalmatus

While driving through dense secondary vegetation at the outskirts of the Selai Orang Asli Reserve, the driver (Chew Keng Lin) suddenly started making weird movements and eventually landed us in mudhole getting of which took some effort. The reason for this strange behaviour was immediately apparent as a big green treefrog was sitting comfortably (for the frog not for Chew!) at the side of said drivers neck. The big, fully webbed feet and small lists along the front legs instantly reminded me of the famous flying frog and later consultation with the frogs of Borneo guide confirmed the identification. No further records were made.

 

Flying Lizards                                     Draco sp.

Seen several times in the NERC grounds.

 

Earless Lizard                                     Aphaniotis fusca

Most commonly seen arboreal lizard in the area.

 

Green Crested Lizard

Seen twice, a very beautiful animal. Unfortunately I do not remember the scientific name (it is an agamid though).

 

Striped Sunskink                                Mabuya rugifera

Seen once at the NERC grounds. Various skinks were often seen but not identified.

 

Water Monitor Lizard                                    Varanus salvator

At least two medium sized individuals (approximately 120 and 150cm) regularly frequented the NERC grounds). Many others were seen in the surrounding areas such as the oilpalm plantations.

 

Large Forest Gecko                           Gecko smithii

Several seen at the NERC compound and one enormous one at the Park Headquarters at Kg. Peta. Very noisy in the night.

Fishes

Yes, believe it or not I also identified quite a few of those with the help of the NERC library and especially Chew, but I did note them so no list here. Nevertheless, it was a real pleasure to see well known aquarium fishes such as various Rasbora spp. in their natural habitat.

 

Invertebrates

No list either but several such critters provided ample wonder and entertainment: the Rajah Brooke Birdwing (Trogonoptera brookiana) and especially the large slow-motion gliding Tree Nymphs (Idea spp. - they look almost weightless and are semitransparent as if they were made of rice paper) are amongst the most extraordinary butterflies I have seen. There were also an enormous variety of bushcrickets and lots of mantis too (one flowermantis caught by Francis one evening is among the most beautiful insects I ever saw). Maybe the most bizarre animal I encountered was, though, a 10 cm long terrestrial flatworm with a head like a hammerhead shark.