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 An unequalled generic treasure trove, Malaysia is home to 14,500 species of flowering plants and trees, over 200 species of mammals, 600 species of birds, 140 species of snakes, 80 species of lizards and thousands of insects.
Its rainforest has a very complex structure and rich with its variety of plant life forms and species. In Malaysia, the aquatic flowering plants and microscopic algae are found in the streams, rivers and wetlands. Due to these unique habitats, they come in interesting life forms.
Possibly the most famous of Malaysia's wildlife is the orang-utan, a long-haired red ape native to Borneo and northern Sumatra. Other species of animals found in Malaysian jungles include the Proboscis monkey, slow Loris, sun bear, tiger, elephant and so on. The harmonious interactions between plants, animals and the environment exist in species-rich tropical forest of Malaysia.
The forest provides useful products such as timbers, rattans, fruits, vegetables, medicines, spices and ornamentals as well as wildlife habitats. There are 15 different types of forest in Malaysia altogether, each with its own characteristic, structural complexity and species composition.
The utilization and the resources of the Malaysian rainforest are important to sustain Malaysia's ecological and economic functions. For that reason, a number of forests have been put aside as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Human activities such as burning and clearing forest involve habitat destruction. The plant species and habitats are loss resulting in plant genetic material elimination and causes depletion to some of the country's natural resources. There is estimated 170 species of flowering plants became extinct in Malaysia since 1948 due to habitat destruction. Other species have become rare and endangered because of the loss of habitats and over use for commercial purpose.
The great island of Borneo hosts a slightly different range of birds to the peninsula, including some 38 species found nowhere else, and is well worth a visit. Both Sabah and Sarawak have great bird watching, although sites in Sabah are probably slightly better and easier to reach.
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