Flora and Fauna
The equatorial climate, along with plenty of rainfall and an equal amount of sunshine, allows Malaysian forest to support an abundance of plants, both flowering and non-flowering. There is also a wealth of wildlife that any adventurer would be happy to explore, although big-game hunting is certainly not on the cards.

Malaysia is very conscious of the need to maintain the ecological balance which has seen about 20 percent of the forests being gazetted as permanent forest reserves. This has enabled several species of animals that would otherwise have been threatened, perhaps even turned extinct, to live under the protection of the law.

Ensuring that these animals are free to roam and thrive is the function of the Wildlife Department, which maintains the several national parks in the country.

Malaysia's National Park, or Taman Negara, which covers 4,343 sq km of Pahang state provides not just a safe haven for these animals, but it also allows for humans to trek through the jungles to see the first hand these beasts and to enjoy the splendid natural beauty of the lush jungles. Situated nearby is Gunung Tahan, the tallest peak in the Peninsular.

Other smaller national parks are found in the states of Johor, Perak, Selangor, Kelantan, Terengganu and Negri Sembilan. In the east Malaysian state of Sabah, the Kinabalu National Park and the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary provide safety to several blooms of flowers and once endangered Orang Utan.

Sarawak too has its share of National parks, with a total of 252,000 hectares set aside for this purpose.


Malaysian Animals
Elephants, rhinoceres, tigers and bears in the country are the smallest members of their kind in the world. Some attribute this to the hot and humid climate and even the process of evolution.

The Gaur is a shy and easily frightened animal, even though it is the second largest mammal, after the elephant, in the country. Mature bulls can be as tall as 195cm and weigh up to 900kg.

They usually move about in herds of up to 30 led by the dominant bull. Living deep in the jungles, they only come out at night in search of food.

The mouse-deer is nocturnal, feeding on low bushes and fruits are an essential part of their diet. The Kancil, as it is known locally plays an important in local folklore, depicting bravery and intelligence.

The Sumatran Rhino is a native of Malaysia, and differs from the Javanese Rhino in that it has two horns on the muzzle, one of the top of the other. Its other characteristics is that it has two deep and permanent folds of skin crossing the spine. One is in the region of the shoulders and the second over the hind quarters.

The Sumatran Rhino has become a threatened animal since there are claims that its horn is effective in curing various illness.

Several years ago, more than 2,000 Leatherback Turtles would make their way on to the beaches of Terengganu to lay their eggs. Today, this figure has dropped to less than 100. It is indeed a rare sight to see any of the giant turtles.

Several steps have been taken to ensure the safety of these turtles during the egg-laying season. Drift nets, usually used by the fishermen, are banned during the period and the eggs are nursed in a special hatchery. These turtles have been added to the list of protected species in the country.


Malaysian Flowers
While Malaysian wildlife may be facing extremely difficult conditions, the amazing variety of flora seems to be expanding, blooming and even becoming more colourful than even before. It is estimated that the country has at least 20,000 species of flowering plants, the majority found in Sabah and Sarawak.

The one Malaysian plant that is recognised almost everwhere is the Orchid, which alone has several hundred species. A large number of hybrids have been crossed locally.

Orchids can be divided into three categories, namely climbing, epiphytic and terrestrial. The wild species include the pigeon orchid and tiger or giant orchid. The giant orchid is one of the largest orchid plants which grows on the crowns of tall trees. Its flowers are of dull yellow with brownish orange marks.

Common species such as Vanda Tan Chay Yan, Aranda Wendy Scott and the Oncidium Golden Shower can be found in many homes in the country.

The national flower is the Hisbiscus of the Bunga Raya, which has rightfully been dubbed the Queen of Tropical Flowers, as it signifies peace and happiness.

Its delicate petals which are light and fine, varies in hue from light red to pale pink. The petals have a crinkled formation with serrated edges. The flowers are normally made up of one layer of corolla and five petals. It has a tube which exudes stamens with ends having five stigmas which become furry and sticky when in full bloom.

Although not native to the country, the Bougainvilla seems to thrive here. Famed as an ornamental garden plant and widely used for landscaping, the bougainvilla is seen in parks and even along the roadside.

There are over 250 species of the bougainvilla and they flower all year round. Though the actual white-yellow flower in itself is small, it is the layer of bracts that makes it attractive.

Another non-native plant is the Lantana Camara. The Flowers are in a cluster shaped like an umbrella. Although they come in several colours, the ones that are mix of orange and yellow are the most popular.

BACK