Insect Diversity of Sg. Kangkawat Research Station in Imbak Canyon Conservation Area (ICCA), Sabah

Abstract

The nocturnal insect diversity was very high, with more than 100 insect species in a square metre in all light-trapping sites. The mean Shannon Index was 4.60 while Simpson Index was 176.72. It is interesting to note that Sg. Kangkawat insect richness appears to be the second highest after Crocker Range, when compared with 25 other forest reserves in Sabah. There were more than 13 endemic species and a subspecies recorded during the survey, including an undescribed species of moth (Geometridae, Plutodes sp.). In view of the high diversity and intriguing insect fauna, Sg Kangkawat Research Station has potential in promoting nature tourism for special interest tourists. Encroachment is among the threats within this forest reserve. For the general public, the boundary of some parts of the forest reserve is still not clear. Hence, it is important to have more signages to denote the forest reserve boundary. Public awareness and environmental education have to be enhanced among the local communities so that they are aware of the significance of biodiversity conservation of forest resources. The threats and issues have indirectly affected the insect fauna. As such, the forest quality would have to be enhanced in order to maintain the interesting and endemic insect fauna for biodiversity conservation. Ongoing cooperation with the relevant authorities, such as Sabah Forestry Department and Sabah Wildlife Department, will enhance conservation efforts and curb future encroachment. Further biodiversity research with relevant agencies should be encouraged.

Full text

Journal of Tropical Biology and Conservation 17: 105–115, 2020 ISSN 1823-3902
E-ISSN 2550-1909
Received 05 January 2020
Reviewed 24 June 2020
Accepted 13 July 2020
Published 15 October 2020
Research Article
Insect Diversity of Sg. Kangkawat Research Station in Imbak
Canyon Conservation Area (ICCA), Sabah
Japir R*, Dg. Fazrinah A.D., John L.Y., Chung A.Y.C.
Forest Research Centre, Sabah Forestry Department, P.O. Box 107, 90715
Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia.
*Corresponding author: Razy.Japir@sabah.gov.my
Abstract
The nocturnal insect diversity was very high, with more than 100 insect species
in a square metre in all light-trapping sites. The mean Shannon Index was 4.60
while Simpson Index was 176.72. It is interesting to note that Sg. Kangkawat
insect richness appears to be the second highest after Crocker Range, when
compared with 25 other forest reserves in Sabah. There were more than 13
endemic species and a subspecies recorded during the survey, including an
undescribed species of moth (Geometridae, Plutodes sp.). In view of the high
diversity and intriguing insect fauna, Sg Kangkawat Research Station has
potential in promoting nature tourism for special interest tourists.
Encroachment is among the threats within this forest reserve. For the general
public, the boundary of some parts of the forest reserve is still not clear. Hence,
it is important to have more signages to denote the forest reserve boundary.
Public awareness and environmental education have to be enhanced among the
local communities so that they are aware of the significance of biodiversity
conservation of forest resources. The threats and issues have indirectly affected
the insect fauna. As such, the forest quality would have to be enhanced in order
to maintain the interesting and endemic insect fauna for biodiversity
conservation. On-going cooperation with the relevant authorities, such as Sabah
Forestry Department and Sabah Wildlife Department, will enhance conservation
efforts and curb future encroachment. Further biodiversity research with
relevant agencies should be encouraged.
Keywords: Insect, nocturnal insect, diversity, light-trap, Bornean endemic.

106 Japir et al.
Introduction
Sungai Kangkawat Research Station is located within the famous Imbak Canyon
Conservation Area (ICCA). ICCA serves as a vital gene bank or seed source for
forest rehabilitation, and an ideal site for research in its lowland dipterocarp
forest. Besides research related activities, ICCA is ideal for wilderness recreation
such as jungle-trekking, bird-watching, nature or outdoor photography,
camping, and night-walks to observe wildlife.
Among the studies conducted were in the areas of biodiversity, entomology,
botany, forestry, herpetology, ichthyology, eco-tourism and other related fields.
The expedition was part of Yayasan Sabah Group’s conservation efforts that
includes providing a platform for scientists and academicians to conduct
research.
Methodology
Light-trapping
Light trap was used to sample nocturnal insects. The trap consists of a vertical
white sheet (2 X 2 m) illuminated by a 250W mercury-lithium bulb. It was
powered by a portable Yamaha generator. The trap was set up in an open area
facing the forest reserve, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. A GPS (Model: Garmin GPSMAP
60CSx) was used to determine the coordinates of each sampling site.
Temperature and humidity were taken with a digital hygrometer from Extech
Instruments (model no. 445702).
To evaluate diversity of the sampling area, insect species and individuals (≥ 5
mm) within the 1 X 1 m square of the white cloth were enumerated from 8:30
to 9:00 pm. This is a rapid biodiversity assessment method because by the end
of the sampling time, species and individual numbers can be obtained, and the
data can be used to calculate diversity indices. This method is simple, fast and
can be carried out by non-insect specialist. To avoid compounding human error,
the same staff was assigned to count the species and individual numbers
throughout the sampling period, and also for other sampling sites. The sampling
was carried out for three nights at three different sites.
Sweep net and manual collection
Sweep nets were used to collect flying insects while other insects were sampled
using fine forceps. Butterflies were put in triangle papers while other specimens
were put in vials with 75% ethanol solution. Sampling was conducted along the

Insects of Sg. Kangkawat, Sabah 107
trails established for the expedition. The sampling was conducted from 9 a.m.
until 1 p.m. for three days.
Insect specimens and identification
In this survey, focus was given to certain insect groups, i.e., butterflies, moths,
beetles, dragonflies and damselflies. Only selected insects for further research
work were sampled, as to minimize the workload at the laboratory in preparing
the specimens for identification. Photographs were taken to facilitate
identification. Common insects were not sampled but photographs were taken
for record purposes.
Selected specimens were dry-mounted and sorted to family and some to the
genus and species level. The specimens sampled from this study are deposited
at the Forest Research Centre, Sepilok, Sabah. Dry-mounted specimens were
identified based on the FRC Entomology Collection and various reference
materials, e.g. Otsuka (1988 & 2001) for butterflies; Holloway (1983, 1985, 1986,
1988, 1989, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998a & b, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2009 &
2011) and Robinson et al. (1994) for moths; Fujita (2010), Makihara (1999) and
Tung (1983) for beetles; Seow-Choen (2016) for stick insects; Orr (2003) and
Tang et al. (2010) for dragonflies and damselflies. Some other insects were
identified based on Hill & Abang (2005).
Diversity indices
The diversity indices, namely Shannon Wiener and Simpson were calculated
through a diversity analysis software by Seaby & Henderson (2007), based on
Magurran (2004), and Southwood & Henderson (2000).
Results and Discussion
Nocturnal insect diversity as assessed through light-trapping
The nocturnal insect diversity is shown in Table 2. Data were not available for
Site C because of a heavy downpour before the enumeration could be conducted.
A mean 118 species of nocturnal insects were recorded from one-square-metre
of the light-trapping cloth, with an average of individuals. The mean Shannon
Index was 4.60 while Simpson Index was 176.72.
During light-trapping, the temperature was 240C - 250C with humidity reaching
88% (Table 1). The distribution of insect species from the light-trapping sites is
reflected in the species-rank abundance curves in Figure 1. Simpson’s Index
shows lower value in Site A because of a more dominant species with 18

108 Japir et al.
individuals, which is Apis dorsata (Hymenoptera: Apidae), compared to Site B.
This is also reflected in the higher staggered slope of the species-rank abundance
curve of Site A.
Table 1: Light-trapping sites in Sg. Kangkawat Research Station.
Sampling
site
Coordinates
Elevation
(m)
Temp.
(oC)
Humidity
(%)
Sampling
date
Remarks
A
N 05o04’41.8”
E 117o03’38.3”
244
25.3
84
29 Sept
No moon
with clear
sky.
B
N 05o04’39.8”
E 117o03’30.2”
220
24.5
88%
30 Sept
No moon
with clear
sky.
C
N 05o04’39.5”
E 117o03’30.5”
212
n.a
n.a
01 Oct
Heavy
downpour at
7:30 pm.
Hence, light-
trapping was
cancelled.
Table 2: Insect diversity within a one-square-metre, as sampled through light-trapping in
Sg. Kangkawat Research Station.
No.
Sampling site
Species
Ind.
Shannon
Simpson
1.
A
117
150
4.49
64.14
2.
B
141
126
4.70
290.29
3.
C
-
-
-
-
Mean
118.5±2.12
145.5±6.36
4.60±0.14
176.72±160.61
Figure 1: Species-rank abundance curves of the light-trapping in Sg. Kangkawat Research
Station.

Insects of Sg. Kangkawat, Sabah 109
When the nocturnal insect richness is compared with 25 other forest reserves in
Sabah, it is interesting to note that Sg. Kangkawat insect richness appears to be
the third highest after Crocker Range and almost similar to Bukit Hampuan FR,
as shown in Figure 2. In terms of nocturnal insect diversity as reflected by
Shannon Index, it is the second highest after Crocker Range FR (Figure 3).
Figure 2: Species number (±standard deviation) within one square metre as assessed
through light -trapping in various forest reserves in Sabah (1 = Bkt Hampuan, 2 = Crocker
Range, 3 = Rafflesia, 4 = Gn. Lumaku, 5 = Gunong Lumaku, 6 = Milian Labau, 7 = Kawag,
USM Office, 8 = Sg. Kapur, 9 = Sg. Siliawan, 10 = Nurod Urod, 11 = Punggol & Sansiang, 12
= Gg Tinkar, 13 = Sg Imbak 2a&2b, 14 = Tim-Bot, 15 = T. Bohangin, 16 = Sg Imbak 2c&2d,
17 = Kungkular, 18 = Pensiangan, 19 = Nuluhon Trusmadi, 20 = Batu Timbang, 21 =
Tambulanan, 22 = Trusan Sugut, 23 = IJM SG, 24 = Ulu Kalang & 25= Sg. Rawog).
Figure 3: Shannon Index (±standard deviation) within one square metre as assessed through
light-trapping in various forest reserves in Sabah (For sites1-25, refer to details in Figure 2).

110 Japir et al.
Bornean endemic insect species from the survey
One undescribed moth species and at least 13 Bornean endemic species and a
Bornean endemic subspecies were recorded during the survey, as listed in Table
3. This information provides input towards recommendations on high
conservation values (HCV) of the area, based on HCV 1 as stipulated in HCVRN
(2013).
Table 3. Bornean endemic insect species recorded from Sg. Kangkawat Research Station
No.
Species
Author
Order
Family
1
Eulichas fasciolata
Fairmaire
Coleoptera
Eulichadidae
2
Dorcus thoracicus
Moellenkamp
Coleoptera
Lucanidae
3
Chalcosoma moellenkampi
Kolbe
Coleoptera
Scarabaeidae
4
Amata egenaria
Walker
Lepidoptera
Erebidae
5
Barsine lucibilis
Swinhoe
Lepidoptera
Erebidae
6
Amblychia cavimargo
Prout
Lepidoptera
Geometridae
7
Plutodes evaginata
Holloway
Lepidoptera
Geometridae
8
Plutodes sp. (undescribed)
Lepidoptera
Geometridae
9
Acytolepis ripte
Druce
Lepidoptera
Lycaenidae
10
Caleta elna elvira*
Fruhstorfer
Lepidoptera
Lycaenidae
11
Ugia disjungens
Walker
Lepidoptera
Noctuidae
12
Haaniella echinata
Redtenbacher
Phasmatodea
Phasmatidae
13
Lonchodes nr abbreviatus
Brunner
Phasmatodea
Phasmatidae
14
Phobaeticus kirbyi
Brunner
Phasmatodea
Phasmatidae
*subspecies endemic to Borneo
The undescribed moth species is from the genus Plutodes of the family
Geometridae. It did not match any of the species featured in Holloway (1993),
and Roger Kendrick (pers. comm.) suggested that it is a species that is close to
Plutodes cyclaria. Unfortunately, the specimen was not collected and only
photographs were taken.
At least five Bornean endemic moth species were recorded in this expedition,
namely a wasp-like moth (Amata egenaria), and a Barsine lucibilis of family
Erebidae, two Geometrid Moth (Amblychia cavimargo and Plutodes evaginata)
and a Noctuid Moth (Ugia disjungens). Apart from these, there were a Bornean

Insects of Sg. Kangkawat, Sabah 111
Lycaenid Butterfly (Acytolepis ripte) and an endemic subspecies of Lycaenid
Butterfly (Caleta elna elvira). For beetles, three Bornean endemic species were
recorded. Eulichas fasciolata is a Forest Stream Beetle which was attracted to
the light trap. Although it is endemic, this species is locally common. The other
beetles are black Stag Beetle (Dorcus nr thoracicus) and Three-horned
Rhinocheros Beetle (Chalcosoma moellenkampi). Three Bornean endemic stick
insect were recorded, namely a Lonchodes nr abbreviatus, a Phobaeticus kirbyi
and a Haaniella echinata. The Lonchodes nr abbreviates was featured in Soew-
Choen (2016). The kirbyi is the common species among the Phobaeticus and also
was featured in Seow-Choen (2016). The Haaniella echinata is the common stick
insect that can be spotted in most of the lowland forest reserves in Sabah.
The insect fauna (non-endemic) of Sg. Kangkawat Research Station
During the expedition, the main insect groups that were documented were
butterflies, moths, beetles, dragonflies and the rest were grouped as other
insects.
Butterflies
A total of 17 butterfly species were recorded. Interesting butterflies sighted
during the expedition were the Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing (Trogonoptera
brookiana) and the Golden Birdwing (Troides amphrysus flaviscolis). The former
is Malaysia’s national butterfly while the latter is an iconic species which is often
featured in Sabah’s nature tourism promotion. Both are protected species under
Schedule 2 of the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. The male Rajah
Brooke’s Birdwing was spotted a number of times flying across the river near the
base camp of Sg. Kangkawat. Another butterfly that was commonly sighted
resting on the damp river bank was the Cruiser, Vindula dejone dejone.
Moths
At least 32 moth species were documented during this expedition. The most
interesting moth sighted was the Cossidae Moth, Xyleutes mineus (Cossidae),
because of its striking red wings with their unusual blue-black patches. Other
interesting moth species included the Geometrid Moth (Pingasa tapungkanana)
and the black and white Swallowtail Moth, Lyssa menoetius (Uraniidae). From
the family Cossidae, Xyleutes strix was the largest goat moth recorded, with a
body length (including wings) up to 6 cm and wing span of 12 cm.
Beetles
Twelve macro beetle species were recorded during the survey. Chalcosoma
moellenkampi was the largest beetle recorded through light trap and it is known
as one of the types of pests found in oil palm plantations. It is also one of the

112 Japir et al.
largest beetles in Borneo. Other large beetles recorded included the Three-
horned Rhinoceros Beetle, Chalcosoma atlas. Another interesting
beetlerecorded was the Click Beetle, Alaus sp., which can do an acrobatic jump
when disturbed.
Dragonflies and damselflies
At least four Odonata common species were sighted in Sg. Kangkawat Research
Station during the survey. The Odonata fauna is reported by Choong et al.
(2019). It is also interesting to note that the Black Velvetwing Damselfy,
Dysphaea demidiata, was found in abundance resting on the damp part of the
riverine area.
Other insects
At least 11 species of other insects were recorded including termites, bugs,
wasps, honeybees, ants, praying mantises, crickets, and stick insects. The most
interesting insect was the Exploding Ant, Camponotus (Colobopsis) saundersi. It
can rupture its abdomen and secrete yellowish fluid when attacked by intruders.
Threats and issues affecting insect diversity
Sungai Kangkawat Research Station is located within the Imbak Canyon
Conservation Area. There are threats that may affect forest reserves such as
forest fire, poaching, fragmentation, and encroachment as the study site is
located near local villages and it is accessible by vehicles. These threats have
been discussed and were similar to that of other forest reserves (Nilus et al.
(2014); Chung & Lee (2009); Chung et al. (2018)).
In terms of insects, the forest harboured interesting fauna as well as Bornean
endemic insects even though it was just a short expedition. Hence, the forest
has to be protected and monitored to minimize encroachment and to enhance
the forest quality.
Conclusion
The data procured from the expedition serves as baseline information as there
was no insect diversity survey in this research station in the past. Research
findings have revealed that the nocturnal insect diversity was very high, second
after the Crocker Range FR, in comparison with 25 other sites in Sabah. Hence,
from the insect diversity perspective, this area is of utmost importance. The
Bornean endemic insect species recorded provide salient information to enhance
the conservation of Sg. Kangkawat Research Station.

Insects of Sg. Kangkawat, Sabah 113
It is important to conduct continuous monitoring and enforcement at strategic
locations within the reserve to minimize threats and adverse issues. This will
ensure the forest quality is improved in order to maintain the interesting
biodiversity, including insects. On-going cooperation with the relevant
authorities, such as Sabah Forestry Department and Sabah Wildlife Department,
may curb future incidences of encroachment into the conservation area. Further
biodiversity research with Universiti Malaysia Sabah to enhance the conservation
of that area is needed.
Acknowledgements
Authors would like to thank Universiti Malaysia Sabah for financial support (Grant
No. SDK0043-2018), Sabah Biodiversity Council for the access license Ref.
JKM/MBS.1000-2/1JLD.3 (246) and Imbak Canyon Management Committee for
research permission. Chief Conservator of Forests (Datuk Mashor Hj. Mohd.
Jaini), Deputy Chief Conservators (Frederick Kugan and Dr. Robert Ong). Dr.
Choong Chee Yen assisted in Odonata identification while Dr. Francis Seow-
Choen identified some stick insects. Dr. Roger Kendrick commented on an
undescribed moth species. UMS volunteers, Marcella Gohun and Shah Rizan
Ronne assisted in the field sampling and light trapping.
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