Best Answer
Current Understanding of Butterfly Diversity at Matang Wildlife Centre
Matang Wildlife Centre, located in the state of Perak, Malaysia, is a haven for a wide variety of flora and fauna, including a diverse assemblage of butterflies. The centre's vast forested area, encompassing lowland dipterocarp forest, peat swamp forest, and coastal mangrove forest, provides a range of habitats that support a rich butterfly community.
Several studies have been conducted to document and assess the butterfly diversity at Matang Wildlife Centre. These studies have provided valuable insights into the species composition, abundance, and distribution patterns of butterflies within the centre's diverse habitats.
Species Composition:
Surveys conducted by researchers from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Universiti Malaya have identified over 220 species of butterflies belonging to seven families at Matang Wildlife Centre. The most diverse family is the Nymphalidae, with a total of 99 species recorded. Papilionidae, Lycaenidae, Pieridae, and Hesperiidae also contribute significantly to the centre's butterfly fauna, with 34, 33, 26, and 15 species respectively.
Abundance and Distribution:
Studies have shown that butterfly abundance and distribution vary across the different habitats within Matang Wildlife Centre. The highest butterfly abundance is typically observed in the lowland dipterocarp forest, followed by the coastal mangrove forest and peat swamp forest. This pattern is likely attributed to the availability of host plants, nectar sources, and microhabitats suitable for butterfly survival and reproduction.
Seasonality:
The butterfly community at Matang Wildlife Centre exhibits seasonal fluctuations in abundance and species composition. During the dry season, from June to August, butterfly abundance is generally lower due to the decreased availability of nectar and host plants. In contrast, the wet season, from September to May, experiences higher butterfly abundance and diversity as favourable conditions prevail for butterfly reproduction and growth.
Conservation Significance:
Matang Wildlife Centre plays a crucial role in the conservation of butterfly diversity in Malaysia. The centre's protected status ensures the preservation of its natural habitats, including the pristine forests that support a wide range of butterfly species. The centre's proximity to urban and industrial areas also makes it a valuable area for conservation research and education.
References:
Azhar, B., Hassan, A., & Rahim, N. A. (2013). Butterfly diversity and composition in Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia. Sains Malaysiana, 42(9), 1251-1262.
Chey, V. K., & Kirton, L. G. (2005). Butterflies of Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, Peninsular Malaysia. Journal of the Malaysian Nature Society, 57(1-2), 3-13.
Ho, H. C., & Chey, V. K. (2004). The butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) of Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, Perak, Malaysia. Malayan Nature Journal, 56(2), 111-132.
Rafiuddin, R., Chey, V. K., & Kirton, L. G. (2007). Composition and abundance of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) in Matang Wildlife Centre, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia. Tropical Zoology, 20(2), 133-149.
Best Answer
The diversity of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) at Matang Wildlife Centre has been a subject of interest for researchers and conservationists. As one of the largest butterfly families, Rhopalocera encompasses a wide variety of species that play crucial roles in pollination and ecosystem functioning. Understanding the diversity of butterflies in a specific location like Matang Wildlife Centre is important for conservation efforts and protecting their habitats.
A study conducted by Wong et al. (2018) aimed to assess the diversity of butterflies at Matang Wildlife Centre in Sarawak, Malaysia. The researchers conducted regular surveys and identified a total of 172 species of butterflies belonging to 7 families. This study highlights the significance of Matang Wildlife Centre as a hotspot for butterfly diversity and emphasizes the need for conservation measures to protect their habitats.
Another study by Lee et al. (2019) focused on the impact of habitat fragmentation on butterfly diversity at Matang Wildlife Centre. The researchers found that habitat fragmentation has led to a decrease in butterfly species richness and abundance in fragmented areas compared to intact forests. This study underscores the importance of maintaining large and connected habitats for preserving butterfly diversity.
Overall, the literature on the diversity of butterflies at Matang Wildlife Centre demonstrates the importance of conservation efforts in protecting these species and their habitats. Understanding the factors that influence butterfly diversity in this unique ecosystem can help inform conservation strategies and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity.
References:
Wong, S. T., et al. (2018). Diversity of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) at Matang Wildlife Centre, Sarawak, Malaysia. Biodiversitas, 19(3), 1010-1015.
Lee, L. H., et al. (2019). Impact of habitat fragmentation on butterfly diversity at Matang Wildlife Centre, Sarawak, Malaysia. Journal of Insect Conservation, 23(1), 117-126.
Building on the existing research, future studies could explore the specific habitat requirements of different butterfly species at Matang Wildlife Centre. Understanding the specific ecological needs of these butterflies can help in designing more targeted conservation strategies to protect their habitats and promote their biodiversity. Additionally, long-term monitoring of butterfly populations at the wildlife centre could provide valuable insights into how environmental changes impact butterfly diversity over time.
Collaborative efforts between researchers, conservationists, and local communities will be essential in ensuring the long-term sustainability of butterfly diversity at Matang Wildlife Centre. By working together to implement conservation measures and raise awareness about the importance of preserving butterfly habitats, we can help safeguard these beautiful insects for future generations to enjoy.
