Page 202 - Westport Guide To Malaysia

194 NATURE
A Manifesto for Megadiversity
Malaysia is one of only 17 megadiverse countries, thanks to its tropical location and unique geodiversity, which have given rise to an incredible wealth of plant species, more than 3% of the world’s total. Over 15,000 species are recorded, of which more than 300 have valuable medicinal properties, while researchers believe that
far more exist. Many of the most interesting plants can be seen in Malaysia’s National Parks; Rafflesia, Amorphophyllallus or corpse flowers, pitcher plants and an incredible variety of orchids.
The enormous plant variety has created habitats for an astonishing number of animal species, around 20% of the world’s total,
A tour boat passes coastal rock formations in Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, the largest protected area of Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark.
probably between 15,000 and 20,000, with new species discovered every month. Almost 7,000 insects include the Rajah Brooke’s birdwing butterfly, the atlas moth, the empress cicada with its 30cm wingspan and some of the world’s largest beetles and stick insects.
Malaysia boasts almost 200 amphibian species, ranging from Asia’s tiniest frog,
the pea-sized Microhyla
nepenthicola, to the giant river toad, which grows up to 30cm in length. Over 230 reptile species include all five marine turtles,
more than a dozen land or freshwater turtles, countless snakes and 3 crocodiles, including the world’s
largest reptile, the saltwater crocodile, which can reach over 6 metres in length.
Almost 1,000 bird species have been recorded in Malaysia, which has become a major birdwatching destination with local operators conducting specialist birding tours. Ten species of hornbill can be seen at Belum-Temenggor (Perak) and Ulu Muda (Kedah), while Sabah and Sarawak are home to rare endemic species.
A Rafflesia tuan-mudae blooming at Gunung Gading National Park, Sarawak. The largest flowers in the world, rafflesias can reach over a metre in diameter.
More than 250 land
and 100 marine mammal species make up 7% of
the world’s total. Large carnivores include the Malayan tiger, common and clouded leopards and the Malayan sun bear. Notable