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Malayan Tiger
If indeed there was an animal that stood out more than others in the land of Malaysia, that animal would undoubtedly be the Malayan tiger. Revered as Malaysia’s national animal and featured in the country’s coat of arms, the Malayan tiger is highly native to the jungles of Peninsular Malaysia. It is locally known as “harimau belang,” which literally means “striped tiger” in the Malay language, and is often recognized as a symbol of bravery. Due to rapid deforestation and rampant hunting for tiger body parts believed to possess medicinal value, however, it is now facing the threat of extinction.
Borneon
Elephant
Found in the tropical rainforests of both Peninsular and Borneo Malaysia, the Asian elephant is another species that is fast becoming extinct due to deforestation and widespread poaching for its tusks. The Asian elephant is generally smaller than the African elephant, and some of its body parts differ from the latter. In Malaysian Indian culture, just like in India, the Asian elephant is regarded with reverence in Hinduism, being a common depiction of the Hindu deity Lord Ganesha.
Mouse Deer
Mouse Deer, also known as Chevrotains, and locally addressed as Sang Kancil, is the smallest hoofed mammal in the entire world, and feeds only on plant material, fruits and leaves. A mature mouse deer will grow to only 45 centimetres in length, and weighs around 2 kilograms only! These nocturnal creatures are indeed adorable animals and are found in eastern and peninsular Malaysia, as well as on the smaller islands of the country. It would also be interesting to know that this animal among wildlife in Malaysia is the main protagonist of many traditional Malay folktales.
Barking Deer
Known as the oldest wild deer, the barking deer or muntjac; these animals are named after the loud barking sound that they make, especially when they can sense predators nearby and want to scare them off. Most of the barking deers in Malaysia can be found in the Taman Negara rainforest, and the diet of these animals comprises mostly of grass, fruits, small animals, birds’ eggs and other seeds. Don’t be surprised to find these deer fighting with each other using their antlers to win their territory; but be cautious, since they can get really aggressive during their sessions.
Sun Bear
As you hike along rainforest trails in Malaysia, you are sure to come across sun bears crossing your path, happily eating honeycomb and honey and lazing around. Sun bears have an excellent sense of smell, which helps them to hunt for their favourite food, which is no doubt, honey; though they also consume other fruits and small insects. Also known as the honey bear, they are the smallest of all bears among the wildlife in Malaysia. They are characterized with black fur, and since they live in a tropical climate, they do not hibernate either.
Orang Utan
The Bornean orangutan is native to the tropical rainforests of Borneo. This species among other wildlife in Malaysia is found in large numbers in the thick and rocky interiors of the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. In fact, the Bornean orangutan is scientifically considered to be a brilliant animal and history of the evolution of this animal is very close to that of humankind. The indigenous people of Borneo believed that this orangutan is another tribe of the people, and thus they referred to it as ‘orang utan’, which means people of the jungle.
