Diversity of non-volant small mammals in Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor

A study on the species composition and abundance of small mammals was carried out in Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Kepong, Selangor. Sampling was carried out at two sampling stations around the FRIM area which were Planted Forest Zone (Keruing Trail) and Peat Swamp Zone (Engkabang Trail). A total of 25 individuals from 7 species of small mammals were captured and recorded. From this overall captured, 13 individuals or 52% were tree shrew, 6 individuals (24 %) were squirrels, 4 individuals rats (16 %) and 2 individuals (8%) were civets. The order Scandentia (tree shrew) was the main group of small mammals in the area, with a total capture of 52% or 13 individuals. The Shannon-Weiner index (H'= 1.4972), the Sorenson Similarity Index (SI=14.29%) and the Shannon-Evenness Index (E'=O.7667) were low suggesting low small mammal diversity. The study indicates that the forest habitats of FRIM are important for small mammal areas and that further studies on the habitat use by the small mammals should be conducted.