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4.2 LARGE AND MEDIUM-SIZED MAMMALS

Mammals are animals that have warm-blood, fur or hair and give birth. PERHILITAN defines
terrestrial medium and large-sized mammals are mammals with body weight average from three
kilograms and above. A total of 223 species of mammals can be found throughout Peninsular
Malaysia, which one species has been classified as Extinct (EX), four as Critical Endangered (CR),
12 as Endangered (EN), 14 as Vulnerable (VU), 33 as Near Threatened (NT), 83 as the Least
Concern (LC), the remaining are classified as Data Deficient, as describe in Red List of Mammals

for Peninsular Malaysia (PERHILITAN, 2017).

4.2.1 Field Methods

A census or study of medium and large-sized mammals must be specifically designed to
suit the need of study due to their specific habits and variety of habitats. A survey must cover as
many available wildlife habitats as possible and represent mixed wildlife habitats. Important areas
with the highest priority to survey include wildlife trails, salt licks, fruiting trees, ridges, near to
water sources, forest gaps and forest edges. Such areas are frequently visited by various species

of medium and large-sized mammals either alone or in groups. They have good potential for data
acquisition. The two standard field methods commonly used to study medium- and large-sized
mammals are observation and camera trapping. The length of the transect and the number of
camera trap units depend on the project area and size (see 4.2.2).

Observation: Sighting protocol
(Arboreal/Terrestrial) Direct observation

Sound/call
This method records species of medium and Excretion (faeces / urine)
large-sized mammal that are visible either with the Sign of bites on fruits and
nuts
naked eye or using binoculars during surveys. Sign of grazing
Observation time depends on the target group of
the wildlife species to be observed (e.g., early The effect of
morning, late evening, late night). Observation friction/claw
sign on the bark
should be carried out on foot with at least two TYPES OF of trees or rocks
observers covering arboreal and terrestrial OBSERVATIONS Footprint
sighting and right and left of the transect. The
equipment used include binocular, Global Hair/fur
Positioning System (GPS), DSLR Camera and a
topographic map. Table 4.1 describes the Nest
methodology in mammal study according to
Wallow/salt lick
habitat type. Types of observations include: direct
Carcasses or animal
observation, sound/call, excretion (faeces / urine), skeletons

sign of bites on fruits and nuts, sign of grazing, the Odour effect
effect of friction/claw sign on the bark of trees or
rocks, footprint, hair/fur, nest, wallow/salt lick,
carcasses or animal skeletons, and odour effect.

GUIDANCE DOCUMENT ON WILDLIFE 17
IMPACT STUDY FOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)