It's World Wildlife Day - 5 Endangered Animals in Malaysia You Should Know

 

In May 2019, the world was shaken by the news of the Sumatran Rhinoceros officially going extinct in Malaysia. Iman, Malaysia’s last Sumatran Rhino, passed away in late November after battling cancer. Before that, Tam, Malaysia’s last male Rhino, passed away in March. All efforts to breed Iman and Tam were unsuccessful, thus ending the reign of the mighty Rhino roaming the Bornean rainforests of Malaysia. 

 

As tragic as it is, we must not give up hope on the other near-extinct animals of Malaysia. In conjunction with World Wildlife Day, here are 5 endangered animals in Malaysia we think you should know: 

 

1. Malayan Tiger 

Photo by tulsazoo via Instagram

In 2015, it was placed under the Critically Endangered list. From 3,000 tigers in the 1950s, the number has reduced to around 300 today. This elegant creature is a subspecies unique to Peninsular Malaysia, with the three priority areas for tigers being Taman Negara, Endau-Rompin Forest Complex and Belum Temenggor Forest Complex. 

 

2. Black Shrew

 

Photo by sasetpahang via Instagram

The Black Shrew is a mouse-like mammal that has so far only been spotted on Mount Kinabalu, Sabah. The solitary creature feeds on insects and can be aggressive to each other. Limited to that particular region, it is so rare that no one actually knows if it is still critically endangered…or already extinct! 

 

3. Malayan Tapir 

Photo by ccandmycameraeye via Instagram

Closely related to the elephant and rhino, the Malayan Tapir is a herbivorous mammal with a short trunk and dual-colored body. Found in three regions of Southeast Asia including Malaysia, they are facing extinction due to deforestation and hunting. There are supposedly less than 350 Malayan Tapirs left. 

 

4. Bornean Pygmy Elephant 

 

Photo by nickroyalphotography via Instagram

This adorable and miniature elephant species are less aggressive than other Asian elephants, with shorter trunks, long tail and larger ears. In Sabah, they are typically found near the Kinabatangan River. Sadly, poachers still roam the rainforests to seek them out for their tusks, so make sure to stay away from the purchase of ivory goods as souvenirs!  

 

5. Probocis Monkey

Photo by simonfuckingyeah via Instagram

Distinct in appearance with its long nose and large stomach, the Proboscis Monkey was once widespread in the coastal mangroves of Borneo. As its numbers drop by 80% in the last three decades and now is estimated at 7,000, listing them as endangered since 2000. 

 

At Mayflower Holidays, we care about the rich biodiversity that Malaysia has to offer! That is why we offer only the best sustainable ecotourism packages in Malaysia. If you would love a chance to spot these animals in their natural habitats, then we highly recommend these packages:  

 

3D2N Taman Negara Exploration Package: 
https://www.mayflower.com.my/media/328274/1kua03_310320.pdf 

 

5D4N Discovery of Sabah Islands and Wildlife Package:
https://www.mayflower.com.my/media/442005/ma0709_5d4n-sabah-trip.pdf 

 

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