New records of the Flat-headed Cat Prionailurus planiceps (Vigors & Horsfield, 1827) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) in western Sarawak, Malaysia

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Jayasilan Mohd-Azlan
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5513-6237
Syaza Jailan Thaqifah
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8181-0301

Abstract

The Endangered Flat-headed Cat is threatened due to loss of lowland and wetland habitats.  Its elusive nature and low density occurrence make field sampling difficult.  Compilation of records from both camera trapping and direct observation can provide important updates to its current distribution in Sarawak.  In western Sarawak, the Flat-headed Cat was recorded in Maludam National Park, in Ulu Sebuyau National Park and at Sarawak River, which are the first confirmed records.  The Flat-headed Cat appears to inhabit swamp forest in pristine protected areas as well as near human settlements.  The conservation of peat swamp forests is crucial for its long-term persistence.

Article Details

Section
Communications
Author Biographies

Jayasilan Mohd-Azlan, Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Mohd-Azlan Jayasilan has been conducting research and advocacy activities in the field
of biodiversity conservation in Sarawak for over a decade. Current work complements the study on the distribution and ecology of carnivores in Sarawak. 

Syaza Jailan Thaqifah , Animal Resource Science and Management Program,, Faculty of Resource Science & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Thaqifah Syaza Jailan undertook master’s degree specifically in researching carnivores within totally protected areas in Sarawak, Malaysia.

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