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Primary faunal data collection could also be Evaluation of the Flora
obtained by trappings (i.e., capture and
release), such as mist nets (for birds and bats), The impact evaluation on flora is based on the
harp traps (for insectivorous bats), cage traps type of plant species present, their economic
(for small mammals such as rodents, shrews status (timber), medicinal value, source of
and squirrels), pitfalls (for ground animals like genetic resources and conservation status
reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, etc.), (i.e., rare, endemic, threatened or
light traps (for nocturnal animals), camera endangered).
trap (for large, medium and small mammals,
birds, etc.) and others.
Information on the pre-felling forest inventory
by Forestry Department and consulting with
A detail methodology can be obtained from local experts could help in defining the
previous publications and consult with economic timber status as well as
PERHILITAN and academicians from pharmaceutical, medicinal and other values.
university. Fauna that is expected to be found
in the area could also be listed in the list.
Reference to the conservation status (e.g.,
totally protected or protected) and
Evaluation of Impacts
economical use of Malaysian plants can be
obtained from the Forestry Department
During the evaluation process, predicted (Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak) and
impacts are compared with several standards the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia
or criteria, as well as baseline data collected to (FRIM). Removing certain tree species could
evaluate their significance to the wildlife disrupt the food supply or nesting grounds of
management or rescue plan. This could tell many wildlife species (e.g., hornbills and
one whether mitigation of the impact would eagles).
be necessary to bring the impacts to
acceptable levels. The evaluation of impacts Evaluation of the Fauna
can be based on the following:
i. Existing laws and regulations that meet Detailed fauna assessment allows potential
national or international standards. impacts to be predicted and tell us how
ii. Classification of flora and fauna status damage arises from habitat loss and
criteria such as conservation status of a alteration. All wildlife affected by the ongoing
species (e.g., endemic, rare, endangered development within areas should be aware.
or threatened). One can get additional information from the
iii. Consistency with the policy aims (e.g., for Wildlife Department (PERHILITAN). A
forestry, agriculture, conservation, land mechanism by which these impacts on wildlife
use, etc.). can be quantified and formulated at the
iv. Consultation with experts and acceptance project level and the species range as a whole.
of relevant decision makers, community or
the general public. It is important to recognise the conservation
status of all vertebrate species present in the
area when predicting the impacts. In general,
It is important to understand how habitat there are three categories of conservation
alteration by clear-cutting and land status:
conversion can affect flora and fauna in a
given project location. Therefore, i. Endangered or threatened species.
understanding how the entire ecosystem ii. Species protected by national legislation
operates and how that relies on one another is (e.g., Wildlife Conservation Act, 2010) or
crucial. international agreements (e.g., TRAFFIC).
iii. Endemic species.
Biodiversity should be evaluated by assessing
the species diversity, food chain, and any
specific habitat requirements (e.g., nesting These significant species’ presence in area
trees for hornbills). All possible negative should be highlighted and evaluated in more
impacts of habitat disturbance on biological detail. For example, if certain species require
diversity must be predicted and evaluated special habitat for survival, the wildlife
accordingly in initial development process. management and rescue plan should be
modified or redesigned to meet the
requirements.
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT FOR PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF WILDLIFE
MANAGEMENT PLAN (WMP) IN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) 29
