Comparison of diversity and abundance of coleoptera between Bukit Bauk Forest Reserve, Terengganu and Cameron Highland, Pahang

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.