Wednesday 6 October 2021

The Flora and Fauna of Malaysia's Forest (Part 3)

In this final part of the Malaysian Flora and Fauna, I will show you some of the reptiles, amphibians and birds which I have encountered and photographed since early this year.

This is a Malayan Horned Frog (Megophrys nasuta). 

Some literature also named it as 'Long-nosed horned frog'. You can see why in the photo.



It was so docile that we can approach it without scarring it.



This frog is fully protected under the Malaysian Wildlife Act 2010 (Act 716)




This is a Four-lined Tree Frog (Polypedates leucomystax) which venture into my house.


Apparently this frog makes quacking sound at night.




This is a "Blue Bronzeback" (Dendrelaphis cyanochloris)



It has a long and slim body and it was spotted at almost noon time.




This one is called a "Keeled Rat Snake" (Ptas carinata). At an initial glance it looks a "Pambu" especially when it raised its head and body.



It has a bluish tongue and apparently this species comes in many forms.



The above is actually a skink. It's a male Eutropis rugifera or commonly called "Rough-scaled skink"

 


This one below is a forest cicak.

It looks like a marbled bent-toed gecko.



It came out from the jungle to chase some insects and then went back again.



You can see my dark silhouette from the back of its eyes.



This is the mother of all snakes in this region.

This hisss a Reticulated Python.



It was slithering inside a drain.


Locally it is called "Ular Sawa Batik". You can see why.



You can see lots of Mount Fuji images on its body.


Local herpetologist say this is an adult - it was about 2 - 3 meters long.



The above lizard is called a "Giant Anglehead Lizard" (Gonocephalus grandis). It was sleeping with its eyes wide opened.



Common Green Crested Lizard (Bronchocela cristatella)

They say he was once a handsome prince.



Seeing is believing !

This is an adult scorpion seen in ultra violet light. Image was taken with the assistance from Steven Wong.



Okay now back to my favourite subject - birds.

This is a Verditer Flycatcher caught chilling out in a cool stream.


After that it flew to an expose branch to dry itself.




I believe the above is a juvenile Spectacle Bulbul.



I seldom come across a family of "Black and Yellow Broadbill".

The above is most likely a juvenile.



This should be the mama Black & Yellow Broadbill


The papa Black & Yellow Broadbill was also nearby.



A Scaly-breasted Bulbul feasting on a fig.



This Lineated Barbet picked an even bigger fig to eat.



I think the above is a Square-tailed Drongo Cuckoo. Saw it in early August.



This is a juvenile Tiger Shrike. Saw it in August too - an early arrival I guess.


 


Velvet-fronted Nuthatch. I used to call it an upside down nuthatch.




Spectacle Spiderhunter



Yellow-bellied Prinia. Its face always looks like that !




The above is a Grey-cheeked Bulbul



Apparently eBird Malaysia has flagged this bird as "sensitive"



THAT'S ALL FOLKS !

Sunday 26 September 2021

The Flora and Fauna of Malaysia's Forest (Part 2)

In this part 2, I will share some plants and insects photos which I encountered in my field trips from January this year todate. Here are some of their photos.

You might probably have seen this flower in your hiking trips. It starts with orange colour and ends with yellow colour. Unfortunately I am unable to find the name of its plant at this point of time.


and here is the yellow flower from the same plant species.



This moth's shape is like a stealth bomber. 




While this moth looks like a headless creature.



This moth is considered a pest by some literature.



They are called: Pochazia transversa (Ricaniid planthopper)



This is a Swallow-tailed Moth. Have been seeing them quite often since July until now !




According to some folklores, you might be able to see fairies dancing on top of mushrooms in a clear moonlit night.



This one is kinda unique.




This mushroom looks quite common.



While this ones looks like some well rounded stones.




These mushrooms looks edible.



Some kind of a fungus.



Some fruits of a palm tree.




The creature (s) which lay these eggs will probably have a hard time identifying their children.




These are not your ordinary vegetable leaves.



A caterpillar which blended well with the leaves colours.




The caterpillars which created these patterns have probably a diploma in arts and creative designs.


Look out for part 3 of the series whereby I will showcase a few nice photos of some birds and reptiles.


ADIOUS ! FOR NOW !

 


Monday 20 September 2021

The Flora and Fauna of Malaysia's Forest (Part 1)

Here are some of the flora and fauna photos captured in early 2021 till todate. I will start with some mammals and insects which I have encountered in my field trips. 

Dusky Leaf Monkey / Dusky Langur / Spectacled Leaf Monkey

Status: Near Threatened 



They don't call them leaf monkeys for nothing.



These are White-thighed Surili (Presbytis siamensis)




They got very long tail.



Status: Near Threatened 



They can move fairly easy in the thick jungle despite their size.



This must be an adult female.



Long-tailed Macaque



A very friendly juvenile / sub adult Wild Boar.

 


Most of these juveniles are curious lots




Family bonding time.




It came very close to 'smell' me but unfortunately I did not bring any food for them.



So it decided to show me where and how they find their food - right in front of me.



Their snout acts like a shovel.



Local folks told me that they have seen wild boars on the beach. I don't believe them initially until I saw these tracks.




A cicada is said to live under-ground for a couple of years before they finally emerge.



When they finally emerged, their life span is around two to five years only.



There were quite a lot of butterflies but this one caught my attention.



This stick insect is endangering itself by sunbathing in the open.



Another sticky insect. 

According to the experts here, this is a female 'Green-striped flying stick insect' (Presbistus peleus).




This looks like a stint bug.


Part 2 of the series coming up in the next post !


Birding here and there from February to March 2024

 Not many birds appearing at my local patches. I probably need to travel further to see more birds. Green-back Flycatcher Male Quite a frien...