Abstract:
Tropical rain forests are highly diverse in ecosystems that provide various habitats for
insects. Forest ecosystem is identified to harbour majority of insects populations. This
study was conducted to compare the diversity and abundance of Coleoptera in Bukit
Bauk Forest Reserve, Terengganu and Cameron Highlands, Pahang. Sampling of
Coleoptera at Bukit Bauk Forest Reserve and Cameron Highlands were conducted
based on elevations of 45 m, 145 m and 245 m above sea level and 450 m, 900 m and
1350 m above sea level respectively. Sample collections were conducted using light
trap, canopy beating and visual counting under forest litter and tree bark. At Bukit
Bauk Forest Reserve, 27 individuals from seven species representing four families of
beetles were recorded and sampled. In Cameron Highlands, 114 individuals of 22
species representing seven families of beetles recorded and sampled. The diversity of
beetles community in Cameron Highlands was higher than Bukit Bauk Forest
Reserve, but vice versa for evenness. The possible factors affecting diversity and
abundance of beetles between sites and within elevations are discussed.
