| The spiny hill turtle ( Heosemys spinosa ) is found within this forest reserve. It has a fondness for wooded areas, with high humidity and generally stays under the leaf litter. Its shell blends well with that of dry leaves on the forest floor. It is a poor swimmer and often stay put during the day. Interestingly, one of the turtles in Kebun Cina is still at the same place even after a few years! The turtle is herbivorous, but also feeds on insects and worms on the forest floor. Despite its name, the spiny margins of the adults are not as striking as in juveniles.
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The water monitor lizard ( Varanus salvator ) is the largest lizard in Malaysia, which can grow up to 3 metres and weigh 25 kg. Its elongated body is supported by sturdy limbs with strong, curved claws. This giant lizard is carnivorous, feeding on smaller animals, such as rodents, birds, fish and insects. Occasionally, it can be seen foraging for food at the lake of the Sibuga Sports Complex and also the adjacent monsoon drains. It may raid nearby poultry farms to feed on live chicken. (Photo by Irix Rolando) |
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The golden web spider (Nephila maculata) is common in this forest reserve. It is among the interesting and large spiders in Malaysia that spins an enormous web. The body is black with yellow markings. The body of the female is about one and a half inch long, with the legs spanning about six inches. In contrast, the male is much smaller. Like all spiders, this golden web spider is carnivorous, feeding on insects, which they kill by the bite of a pair of hollow poison fangs.
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Another spider that can be found in the Kebun Cina Forest is the bizarre-looking spiny-bodied spider, Gasteracantha arcuata . It is often brightly marked and coloured, with spines on its body. There are two exceptionally long spines at the back of its body, presumably to fool and confuse its intruders, especially birds.
Photo by (Shim Kui En) |
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