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Information from the Forestry Department
Prediction Methodologies would provide additional data on the
expected composition of the tree species.
Assessment of project impacts on wildlife Furthermore, examination of forest types,
includes using technology such as camera topographic maps, aerial photographs (e.g.
traps, radio and satellite collars that adapted unmanned aerial vehicles) and possibly
in hand computation methods and computer remote sensing images may be able to
methods. These models have gained in provide an overview of the area. A rapid
popularity in recent years and are widely used survey would support the identification made
in almost any scientific field due to their from the secondary sources.
accuracy, ease of use, and rapid analysis.
Quantitative plant assessments and habitat
Computer software (e.g., ArcGIS) can profiling are needed for impact prediction,
describe the land use, wildlife distribution, including identification of plant species, their
and wildlife movement, consequently distribution and community, and their
measuring the possible impact during importance (e.g., medicinal plants). Sample
construction and operational phases. This plots (e.g., 100 m x 20 m) or quarter
allows a clearer assessment of impacts and representative methods are commonly used
testing mitigation measures. In some cases, in the floral assessment.
quantifying the impact is unnecessary, while
the negative impacts that have severe The altitudinal range, vegetation growth and
consequences require quantification. relative abundance of non-woody plants such
as herbaceous flora, climbers, palms,
A pre-requisite to the EMP and WMP for land bamboos and ferns, and litter layers shall be
conversion for development is obtaining all considered.
information relating to the habitats and
wildlife in the construction area and its Identification and flora sampling techniques
surroundings. The floral and faunal can refer to the relevant publications. Several
composition in the area must be recognised institutions such as herbaria at Forest
for impact assessment. Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) in
Kepong, Sarawak Forestry Department in
The consultants are required to decide level of Kuching, Forest Research Centre in Sepilok,
depth and time in undertaking the Sabah and universities would serve as useful
biodiversity surveys within undisturbed reference centres for species confirmation.
forests and those areas that have been logged
previously. Methodology for Fauna Assessment
The presence of endemic, unique, rare, and Habitat survey and profiling would give an
endangered flora and fauna and medicinal idea of the possible range of fauna present in
plants within construction and its surrounding the proposed area and its surroundings.
areas should be highlighted. Faunal assessment includes identifying the
common species, rare, endangered, endemic,
Further consideration in habitat and conservational significance, migratory, and
management plan and understanding the sensitive species.
specific requirements for an area should be
carefully planned to develop methodologies Wildlife is more practical to act as indicators
most suitable to assess the impacts. that reflect the land use and development
change. A detailed wildlife population study
Methodology for Flora Assessment and assisting wildlife authorities in relocating
certain wildlife species would be crucial
The type of habitat found in the project area during land development.
must be recognised for further floral
assessment. The identification and Wildlife can be evaluated using direct
description of habitat types (e.g., hill or observation (e.g., sighting of birds, reptiles,
lowland forest) offer a general indication of amphibians, and mammals) or indirectly
the plant species that are expected to occur. A through animal signs like tracks, sounds and
useful technique in measuring possible calls, burrows, dens and nests markings on soil
adverse impacts of logging areas is surveying or vegetation, bones or carcass, droppings,
adjacent areas that have been logged feathers and others. Another indirect data
previously. collection is from an interview of inhabitants
(e.g., Orang Asli) within or adjacent to the
development area.
28 GUIDANCE DOCUMENT FOR PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF WILDLIFE
MANAGEMENT PLAN (WMP) IN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)
