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’.
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.
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.