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Non-volant small mammal community responses to fragmentation of kerangas forests in Brunei Darussalam

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Abstract

This paper summarises the effects of kerangas forest fragmentation on the non-volant small mammal community resident in the fragments based on a long term study conducted in Brunei Darussalam. These effects are shown as eight responses—a significant reduction in the species richness and diversity in relation to size of fragments, the disappearance of species with large home ranges and specific habitat requirements, invasion of generalists/opportunists into the fragments from degraded habitats, absence of predators, a possible reduction in the activity space of generalists in fragments, erosion in the trophic structure of the small mammal community, changes in the small mammal abundance in relation to fragment size and dominance of one species over other co-occurring species in an isolated fragment. These responses are briefly explained and their significance discussed.

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Acknowledgments

The first author (JKC) thanks Universiti Brunei Darussalam for a research grant (UBD/T/RG22) and the Biology Department, Faculty of Science for facilities and for covering all incidental expenses incurred during these studies. This biodiversity survey was a laborious one and needed field assistance whenever and wherever possible. He is deeply indebted to highly motivated students over the years since 1987 and wishes to thank them all for their co-operation, patience and perseverance: Ashri Hj Ahmad, Sarimah Abu Bakar, Munah Hj Yahya, Mahani, Norlena, Malai Salbiah, Chong Kui Kian, Marinah Chek, Rostinah, Masnah, Moss Mat Juni, Penroose Saleha, Zainal, Salwana, Norhartini, Jenny Tan, Jennifer Tan, Putri Maharani, Zamri, Foo Chuan Eng, Chong Yun Onn, co-author Ang Bee Biaw (Ang B.·B.), Albert Chang, Sim Yew Hock, Rahayu S. Sukri, Rafiah, Lim Ai Giok, Isma Fazlina, Rosman, Jonathan, Teo, Norratna, Haslina Razali, Faisal Ahmad, Hamsiah, Rosli Kasah, Faizah Idris, Madeeha Samad, Siti Aisah, Khadizah Latiff, Hadizah Latiff, Husmawati, Jocelyn, Aaron and Ravi. Others who helped were the field staff of the Biology Department and Angus our guide in Bang Nalud. Dr. D. S. Edwards’ feedback on some sections of this paper was valuable. The authors also appreciate the constructive comments from two anonymous peer reviewers and other detailed corrections from the Guest Editor.

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  1. Faculty of Science, Biology Department, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam

    Joseph K. Charles & Bee Biaw Ang

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Charles, J.K., Ang, B.B. Non-volant small mammal community responses to fragmentation of kerangas forests in Brunei Darussalam. Biodivers Conserv 19, 543–561 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-009-9691-6

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