7 Rare & Fascinating Malaysian Animals You Should Know About
Mother Nature is mothering — and these unique species are pure Malaysian pride!
Cover image via Malaysia's rich and vibrant biodiversity never fails to make us Malaysians proud
Isn't it wild (no pun-intended) to think that the animals we know of are only a fraction of the actual number of species out there?
Well, that's probably because the ones we don't know about are either ignored by mainstream media or critically endangered.
From baby-faced elephants to super tiny frogs, our country's ecosystem holds many wonders.
There's an almost endless list of obscure animals, but here are seven fascinating Malaysian species that you might find either cutesy or downright ferocious:
1. Malayan Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus)
Let's just take a moment to take pride in the fact that Malaysia is home to the smallest bear species in the world.
Malayan Sun Bears are native to the tropical forests of Peninsula Malaysia.
Besides being petite, their dog-like faces have earned them the nickname dog-face bear. It's almost like they couldn't decide whether to be a bear or a pup.
These sun bears are also easily identified by the golden crescent patch on their chests.
Image via Restorasi Ekosistem Riau
2. Malayan Tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni)
The Malayan Tiger(s) are majestic and striking animals that have come to symbolise Malaysia's national identity.
However, according to WWF Malaysia, fewer than 150 of them exist (as of 2022). With numbers this low, this species is officially classified as critically endangered.
This is also why Malayan Tiger(s) are fully protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.
Image via jonleong64/Pixabay
3. Borneo Pygmy Elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis)
Ever wanted a fun-sized elephant? Look no further.
Borneo pygmy elephants are much smaller and more gentle than other Asian elephants, sporting larger ears, longer tails, and distinctly baby-like faces.
They belong to a rare subspecies of the Asian elephant, found only in Sabah.
Image via Malaysian Wildlife
4. Langkawi Bent-Toed Gecko (Cyrtodactylus langkawiensis)
Malaysia's got its own exclusive geckos too! The Langkawi bent-toed gecko is relatively rare and only found in the Langkawi archipelago.
Residing in limestone caves and humid forests, this little creature has a liking for rock surfaces.
It sports four to five striking bands on its grey-brown body, making it quite a sight to behold.
Image via Ryan Jetty II/Facebook
5. Matang Narrow-mouthed Frog (Microhyla nepenthicola)
This isn't your typical amphibian — you can literally find the Matang narrow-mouthed frog in pitcher plants.
Well, only in (or next to) the pitcher plants in Sarawak's Matang Range, that is.
This makes sense, as they're among the smallest frogs in the world, measuring just 10 to 12 mm.
During its tadpole stage, this frog lives inside the pitcher plant and feeds on organic matter.
Image via JWhiteWildLife/X
6. Malayan Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron malacense)
The Malaysian peacock-pheasant is striking, yet surprisingly shy in nature.
Male peacocks are typically more attractive, flaunting bright iridescent green and blue eye-spots on their upper feathers.
Sadly, wild bird trade has drastically reduced their numbers in Malaysia. Today, they're found in only about 20 locations across the Malaysian Peninsula, according to BirdLife International.
Image via darwin1601/birdforum
7. Kinabalu Black Shrew (Suncus ater)
"It's a rat" — nope. "It's a hamster" — try again. It's a shrew! One of those tiny critters often mistaken for something else.
The Kinabalu black shrew, in particular, is the smallest shrew of its kind, which might explain why it's flown under the radar for so long.
With a pointed snout and tiny eyes, these miniature mammals are known to feed on insects.
Only one sighting of this shrew has ever been recorded at Mount Kinabalu, so there's a real chance that this species might sadly be extinct today, according to Syok.
Nonetheless, there's still a possibility that these shrews are quietly lurking around somewhere in those mountain ranges.
Image via X/Syok
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Image via SAYS
