Borneo, the third largest island in the world, has rich and diverse wildlife that has fascinated scientists, explorers, and nature enthusiasts for centuries. Borneo is divided among three countries: Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Indonesia (Kalimantan), and Brunei. It includes vast rain forests, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife. It is also home to critically endangered species, particularly its primates. The primates face severe habitat loss due to excess palm oil cultivation, hunting, and the illegal wildlife trade. The rain forest is an exceptional ecosystem teeming with unique wildlife, including 37 endemic species of birds.
>> Boreno Iconic Wildlife (Pg 2)
Borneo Key Feature and Locations
Rain Forests and Wildlife Areas:
- Biodiversity: Borneo’s rain forests are among the oldest in the world, home to a diverse range of wildlife, flora and fauna. They are part of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth.
- Protected Areas: Several national parks and wildlife reserves protect these rain forests, including Kinabalu Park, Crocker Range Park, and the Danum Valley Conservation Area.
Danum Valley Wildlife and Forest Conservation Area:
- Pristine Rainforest: One of the best-preserved areas of primary rainforest in Borneo.
- Wildlife: Home to endangered species like the orangutan, pygmy elephant, and clouded leopard.
Kinabatangan River:
- Borneo Wildlife Corridor: One of the best places in Southeast Asia for wildlife spotting, including proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and a variety of bird species.
- River Cruises: Popular for wildlife viewing and photography.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve:
- Conservation: Focuses on the protection of all wildlife and large mammals such as the Bornean pygmy elephant.
- Hot Springs and Mud Volcanoes: Unique geological features within the reserve.
Borneo’s wildlife history is a testament to the island’s incredible biodiversity and the challenges it faces in the modern world. Protecting this natural heritage requires a concerted effort from local communities, governments, and the international community to ensure that Borneo’s unique ecosystems and species continue to thrive for generations to come.
