MALAYSIAN WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

Written and photographed by Nick Baker The forests surrounding Fraser’s Hill are rich and diverse in mammal life.   In contrast to the birdlife, which is dominated by montane species, the majority of mammals around the hill resort also occur in the lowlands of Peninsular Malaysia.   What makes Fraser’s Hill a bit special, however, is the proximity of unspoiled forest (with probably limited poaching) to easily accessible roads and vantage points. Thus there is a greater chance of observing mammal species which are more difficult to locate in the lowlands. Quite a few species of primate are active around the hill station. Two species of macaque can be seen, including the ubiquitous Long-tailed Macaque (common all over Peninsular Malaysia), and the larger and stockier Southern Pig-tailed Macaque. Leaf Monkeys or Langurs are represented by two species which are the Spectacled Leaf Monkey (or Dusky Langur) and the White Thighed Leaf Monkey (or White-thighed S

The Red-wattled Lapwing ( Vanellus indicus ) is a largish lapwing large plover in the family Charadriidae.    The wings and back are light brown with a purple sheen, but the head and chest and front part of the neck are black. A white patch runs between these two colors. The tail is tipped black and there is a red, fleshy wattle in front of each eye (looking like trendy red plastic eye-glass frames worn backwards), black-tipped red bill and the long legs are yellow. Males and females are similar in plumage but have a slightly longer wing and carpal spur.  They usually keep in pairs or trios in well-watered open country, ploughed fields, grazing land and margins. They are relatively common in areas around Malaysia and in Penang where I am more familiar. In my ‘studio’ where I have followed two species of Bee-eaters and the White-throated kingfishers nesting…a population of 12-15 of these Lapwings seems to have a permanent residence. They have been observed elsewh

Early in the New Year the Chestnut-headed Bee-eaters are busy hunting bees and going about their nesting duties. Paddyfield Pipits patrol the grassy area that was my 'studio'. In the same area I estimate there are 4-5 pairs of White-throated Kingfishers. Last year my two favorite pair had a couple of attempts at nesting.   It was quite clear that there were some problems because they were actively feeding and suddenly gave up. I have written a previous blog about their hunting behavior.....this one covers a successful nesting cycle. Normally 4-7 eggs are laid by the female in a cavity inside a tunnel that is around 24 inches long.   Eggs are laid on different days so that there is a difference in chick size and clearly the ability to compete for food. The female of the pair last year had several toes missing and certainly by the end of the season in July she looked rather ragged. The male appeared to have have taken another mate this year. This