Malaysia’s Unique and Exotic Fauna

Have you heard of Orangutans? Of Proboscis Monkeys or Tapirs?  What of bearded pigs? Now, if I have piqued your interest let me tell you that these exotic sounding creatures are resident in the many rainforests and jungle terrains of Malaysia and to quote an old adage ‘have to be seen to be believed’.

It is estimated that tropical paradise of Malaysia, is home to a vast repository of exotic fauna, which features approximately 210 species of mammals, 600 species of birds and 200 species of reptiles. Rare and unusual creatures like Malayan sun bears, tapirs, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, Bornean pygmy elephants, Sumatran rhinoceros, bearded pigs and more roam the lush forests of peninsula Malaysia and the island of Borneo. Unfortunately many of these creatures are considered ‘endangered’ and are now protected in sanctuaries and nature reserves, which are however accessible by the general public.

A guide for viewing some of Malaysia’s unique fauna

The Malayan Tapir

The Malaysian version of the tapir is believed to be the largest of its kind. This oddly shaped, snout-nosed mammal faces extinction and is protected within nature reserves like the Jerangu Forest Reserve (in Terengganu) and the Krau Wildlife Reserve in Pahang.

The Malayan Tiger

The Malayan tiger is respected as a symbol of bravery and strength throughout Malaysia. This magnificent beast, who like others of its kind faces extinction today, is known to be protected within Malaysia’s national parks like the Taman Negara, the Krau Wildlife Reserve, the Endau Rompin National Park and the Royal Belum State Park.

The Proboscis Monkey

This comical creature is native to Malaysia and is not found anywhere else in the world. While the females of the species are quite ordinary-looking, it’s the males that evoke guffaws with their funny appearance, as they sport oversized, dangling hooters, potbellies and flattop thatches of hair. As these primates are endemic to the island of Borneo, the best place for a viewing of these creatures the privately owned Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, near Kota Kinabalu.

The Orangutan

This fuzzy, red-haired large primate has legions of fans throughout the world. Unfortunately, over the years its population has dwindled considerably so that it is now protected in reserves like Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah and at Pulau Orang Utan, in Perak. However, sightings of orangutans in the wild are still possible at the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary in Sabah or within Borneo’s Danum Valley Conservation Area.