Malaysian Wildlife is fascinating especially for city dwellers who don’t get to see these animals in their natural habitats.
If you have some time to do a little domestic sight-seeing when the movement control order is lifted, here are some of the best spots where you will be able to catch a glimpse of wildlife.
Otters
Otters like places where there is an abundant supply of their favourite foods such as fish, eggs and chicks.
A family of otters used to live in the lake at Present 16 in Putrajaya but whether they are still there is anyone’s guess.
Squirrels are a common sight but so far, these black, white and tan creatures (possibly Prevost’s Squirrel) have only been spotted at Lake Chini, Pahang.
Proboscis Monkeys
Proboscis monkeys are confined to the island of Borneo and they are endangered.
This photo was taken at the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary near Sandakan when they emerged from their patch of mangrove forest at feeding time.
Wild proboscis monkeys were also spotted at Bako National Park, Sarawak.
Silver Leaf Monkeys (silvered langurs)
The only place where these monkeys have been spotted with their cute orange infants is Bukit Melawati at Kuala Selangor where they have become accustomed to begging food from humans.
Bats
Bats are one species of mammals that are abundant in Malaysia with 110 sub-species of bats but that does not mean that they too are not under threat from deforestation, hunting and destruction of their caves by quarrying.
This little chap was photographed in Fairy Cave, Sarawak.
Other places where bats have been encountered include Gunung Reng, Batu Caves, Niah Caves and Wind Cave.
Deer Cave at Mulu is said to be home to more than a million bats. Rawa Island is a good place to see fruit bats.
Birds
Around 700 species of birds have been recorded in Malaysia. Some of the most famous include hornbills (10 species), woodpeckers, blue banded kingfishers, rufous chested flycatcher, black magpie, swiftlets (farmed commercially for their nests), storks, mountain serpent-eagles, raptors and herons.
Hornbills can be seen in Pangkor Island and Kinabalu National Park. They can also be found in Taman Negara, Belum Temenggor and elsewhere. This photo was in KL Bird Park.
Reptiles and amphibians
250 reptile species have been recorded, with about 150 species of snakes and 80 species of lizard.
Crocodiles
Thankfully no crocodiles in the wild were encountered while writing this article although the estuaries on Sarawak’s coastline is home to many.
There are over four crocodile attacks per year in Sarawak. The Batang Lupar River Basin accounts for half of them.
Monitor Lizards
These prehistoric-looking creatures are a common sight and can be encountered anywhere there is something to eat.
This one was snapped at The Mines in Seri Kembangan but they are common in gardens of residential homes as well.
Snakes
Snakes are common but not so easy to spot. Besides encountering a snake or two on hikes, it is easy to see plenty of dead ones on the road.
This article first appeared in Malaysia Traveller.