Source : New Straits Times, Malaysia, 16 Jul '06
By : Nisha Sabanayagam 
  

Following the discovery of the reptiles and amphibians there since 2000, a scientist with 40 years’ experience researching them said there may be more new species on the island which was proving to be a biological goldmine.

	The Kajang Slender Litter Frog which is a rare find.

In 2003, the only gecko in the world known to live in an inter-tidal zone (close proximity to beaches) was found there.

Named the Seribuat Archipelago Bent-toed Gecko (Cyrtodactylus seribuatensis) is endemic to Seribuat or Tioman Archipelago.

Visiting research professor at University Kebangsaan Malaysia Dr Lee Grismer said five more species discovered there were in the process of being officially recognised.

Dr Grismer said that Tioman and its islands have a rich biodiversity which was reflective of its rich evolutionary history.

"On that basis, many countries such as those in Central America and China cannot hold a candle to Tioman.

"Tioman just blows them away. The diversity here is far greater than any of the other places that I have worked," said Dr Grismer adding that this had been attributed to Tioman having two separate origins for its animals — the island of Borneo as well as the Malay peninsula.

These animals have since adapted themselves over the years to the conditions of the islands and eventually evolved into new species.

The environmental diversity of Tioman with its various vegetation zones and waterways also allow it to support all kinds of habitats.

Dr Grismer said the Kajang Slender Litter Frog (Leptolalax kajangensis) was found in a underground cave situated on Kajang mountain on Tioman.

The amphibian breeds in an underground stream that is not exposed to outside light and so the tadpoles lack skin pigments and are pinkish.

Other interesting finds include the Tioman Pit Viper (Popeia buniana), the only blue pit viper found in Southeast Asia and is named in deference to the status of the orang bunian or forest spirits of Tioman.

These discoveries provide amazing fodder for scientific research, said Dr Grismer.

He pointed out that the Bent-toed gecko lives in one of the most harshest environments in the world.

"It eats super salty food ," said Dr Grismer.

Grismer will be giving a talk on his research work on the Tioman archipelago at the Malaysian Nature Society audit