Pulau Tioman with Nature Explorers - Day 3

On Day 3, we started with a freshwater stream survey, and in the afternoon, the students had to conduct a little research project of their own.

We conducted our survey at 2 sites - one downstream, and the other upstream. There were 2 ways to conduct the survey - Rock & Roll, and Sweeping. To find out more about these 2 ways, you will have to join our Tioman field camp!

But anyway, it appeared that the diversity downstream was higher!


We found quite a number of insect larvae, one of which was this Flat-headed Mayfly (Family Heptageniidae) larva. This mayfly breeds mainly in fast-flowing streams.


This is probably a damselfly (Suborder Zygoptera) nymph.


Have no idea what this is... Initially thought that this was a also some kind of damselfly nymph, but now really doubt. Will have to check it up.


There were a few caseless Caddisfly (Order Trichoptera) larvae too.


We also saw quite a number Tioman Freshwater Crab (Johora tiomanensis). This crab is endemic to Pulau Tioman.


One of the groups found this crustacean, which I thought the body shape looked really much like a crayfish, but lacks the 2 big claws. Really wonder what this is.


There were a number of freshwater shrimps. This was one of the biggest one we found, but not really sure what it was though.


Caridina Shrimps (Caridina spp.) were very common here, and they were supposed to be a good indicator of clean water!


We also found a number of Freshwater Nerites (Neritina sp.).


Could this be some species of freshwater goby?


There were many freshwater halfbeaks too!

After surveying the downstream, we moved upstream to the second site. The water conditions here didn't look as good as site 1 though. Apparently, holidaymakers often swim and even bathe here!


We found many Macrobrachium Shrimps (Macrobrachium spp.) here. These shrimps are able to tolerate murkier water.


There were Caridina Shrimps too, but were certainly not as numerous as site 1.


Skating on the waer wurface were plenty of Water Striders (Family Gerridae).


One of the groups found quite a lot of these pretty water bugs.


There were Tioman Freshwater Crabs too, and one group even found this really small one.


But of course, there were the really big ones too.


We also found a few Stonefly (Order Plecoptera) larvae.


After the 2 surveys, we sat around on the big rocks to discuss the significance of the results.

In the afternoon, the students did their own little research project, and had to present their results in the evening.


And this was the top team - Yuzhen and Qinrong from RGS! Rachelle and Yiishan from Nanyang Girls came in a close second, but unfortunately, I did not take any photos of them!!! Oooops!!! Sorry!

Anyway, was rather sad when the study camp came to an end. It was a very tiring trip, but certainly, there's a lot of fun interacting with so many young nature lovers too! :)

Related Links:
- Pulau Tioman with Nature Explorers - Day 1
- Pulau Tioman with Nature Explorers - Day 2