Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve Peat Fish Survey
Peat swamp forests are nature’s treasure trove. Despite their harsh living conditions, a wide variety of endemic plants and animals are to be found in these environments. Among the many fauna species found in peat swamp forests, the most vulnerable of it all is probably the peat fish. There have been very few fish surveys conducted in Malaysia which seem to stem from the lack of interest in peat swamp habitats and the fish themselves.
Wetlands International Malaysia recently conducted a survey to study the diversity of peat fish in the peat swamp forest of Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve. The project aims to study the diversity of fish species found in Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve and its surrounding water bodies. Two survey trips were made – March and July 2012 – to the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve. A total of 21 species were recorded including the critically endangered Betta Persephone in the first survey. The second survey saw a lower species count of only 15 with 3 new species which were not recorded during the first trip.