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4.4.2 Field Study Design

Bird surveys must be recorded using line transect (to any project size) or point count (>
500 ha project area) methods and direct and indirect observations (bird calls and song).
Observation must be conducted for diurnal and nocturnal species. The number of individuals for
each bird species observed shall be recorded throughout the sampling period (recommended for
better analysis). Sampling plots need to be drawn on a topographic map with an observation
tracklog or point count locations. Other relevant data such as date, time, weather condition and

habitat type should also be recorded. Images for each bird species observed should be taken (if
possible), and photos of a bird captured by camera trapping procedure can also be included. The
field study design for bird surveys is described in Table 4.4.

Table 4.4. Field study design in surveying birds.

Method/study design Sampling Effort

Transect length or observation point count are based • Must cover as much available wildlife habitat as
on project area (ha): possible and represent mixed wildlife habitats.
Line transects: • A minimum of three visits per plot/station
• Area: > 20 ha = total of 100 m transect length • 1 group with minimum of three persons.
• Additional 100 m transect length for every 10-ha
increment.
• Consultants can propose the length of transect
they plan to conduct.
Transect or point count:
• Area: > 500 ha = 1 km transect length per 100 ha;
or ten point count stations with a distance
between stations of at least 400 m
• Consultants can propose the length of transects
and the number of points count they plan to
conduct.

4.5 HERPETOFAUNA

Herpetofauna refers to amphibian and reptilian groups of cold-blooded vertebrates.
Amphibia are animals adapted to living in the water and on land, breathing and absorbing water
through their very thin skin. Malaysia’s amphibia comprise frogs, toads, salamanders and

caecilians. Reptiles are air-breathing animals that have epidermal scales covering part or all their
body. Malaysia’s reptile comprises snakes, lizards, geckos, crocodiles, tortoise and turtles.

Approximately 242 amphibian and 567 reptilian species are reported in Malaysia (6 th
National Report to CBD, 2019). Of these, 57 amphibian and 69 reptilian species are endemic to
Malaysia. About 11 amphibian families occur in a wide range of habitats, from lowland land to
montane forest, to disturbed and human settlement areas, particularly at emergent and canopy

GUIDANCE DOCUMENT ON WILDLIFE 21
IMPACT STUDY FOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)