Did you know that there are few animals origin from several states in Malaysia only can be found in the country only? In this article we will provide you a bundle of info regarding the protected national animals in Malaysia. These animals are the national animals of several states in Malaysia and no body including the Malaysian citizen is allowed to keep these animals as their pets at home. Without waiting any loner let us start!
Introduction
Malaysia is rich country in term of natural resources. Not only the crude oil and natural gas, Malaysia also become a home of thousand species of flora and fauna. In addition, Malaysia also become a home to several types of forests, each with unique biodiversity and ecological significance. In short, several types of forest belong to this land of Harimau Malaya are as below:
- Tropical Rainforest
- Mangrove Forest
- Peat Swam Forest
- Montane Forest
- Dipterocarp Forect
These forest or woodlands are basic to Malaysia’s biodiversity, facilitating a wide assortment of plant and creature species, some of which are endemic or jeopardized. Below are the list of Protected National Animals In Malaysia.
Malayan Tiger (Harimau Malaya)
This is the national animal of Malaysia that experiencing extinction day by day due to modernization. Harimau in Malay or tigers also represents the country as a whole and is also linked to states like Johor due to their strong associations with the tiger in historical and cultural contexts.
In Malaysia it it prohibited to keep Malayan Tiger as a pet at home or anywhere else. Otherwise, you will be sued or penalised. Having this animal as pet at home or anywhere else in Malaysia is illegal and subject to severe penalties. Under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716), the Malayan tiger is a fully protected species due to its endangered status.
Elephas Maximus (Pahang Elephant)
Another second animal in our list is the Asian Elephant. This animal is national animal of the state of Pahang. This Pahang elephant mainly can be found in the forests of Pahang, Malaysia. These elephants are a subspecies of the Asian elephant and have similar characteristics. But in term of size the Pahang elephants much smaller in size if compared to the african elephants.
Same as Harimau Malaya, keeping this animal as pets are prohibited in Malaysia. These elephants are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716), which safeguards endangered and protected species in the country.
Illegally keeping or possessing a protected species Pahang elephants according to Act 716 are as below:
- Fines: Up to RM 100,000.
- Imprisonment: Up to 3 years.
Rhinoceros Hornbill
Rhinoceros Hornbill is a national animal of the state of Sarawak. This species back then ago become the unique and identic of Sarawak. Hence it became the national coat of arms for the state of Sarawak until now.
There are several species only can be found in Borneo island such as Bornean Ground Cuckoo Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris), that specifically adapted to the forests of Borneo.
On top of that, The Helmeted Hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil) and the Wrinkled Hornbill (Rhabdotorrhinus corrugatus) are also significant hornbill species that only can be found in Borneo Island, although they may also be present in parts of mainland Southeast Asia and Sumatra.
These hornbills are symbolic in Bornean culture, especially among the indigenous Dayak people.These birds are always protected due to habitat loss and poaching threats like other animals we mentioned on previous, keeping this birds as pet is strictly prohibited and same act reinforced into those who keeping and processing the protected animals in Malaysia.
Sun Bear (Helarctos Malayanus)
This sun bear is not belong to any states in Malaysia yet this animals also protected animals in Malaysia. The same act reinforced for those keeping and processing this protected animals in Malaysia.
Although this animal not belong to any states in Malaysia but the sun bears are familiar with the Borneo rainforest in Malaysia especially in Sabah. The Malayan sun bear is significant in Sabah due to the conservation efforts from the state government to protect the species, which is native to the region.
Leopard Cat (Prionailurus Bengalensis)
In Malaysia, Malaysia, Leopard Cats or in Malay “Kucing Batu” commonly found in wildlife reserves, national parks, and forested areas. Although this animal not belong to any state in Malaysia as a national animal, this leopard cats are significant with the state of Perak, Malaysia.
Leopard cats in Perak inhabit tropical rainforests, mangrove forests, and even plantations. They are known for their adaptability, which allows them to survive in both primary and secondary forests, and sometimes near agricultural lands, where they might hunt small animals like rodents.
The leopard cat is protected under Malaysian law. Keeping this animals as pets is not practically and strictly prohibited due to theirs behaviors that might harm to human beings.
Read also : Malaysia Tropical Fruits Seasons
Conclusions
Malaysia is a country rich in flora and fauna. The beautiful rainforest in the country make Malaysia become a home or hosting for wide variety species of animals and plants. In Malaysia commonly have several animals that under protected by the law in Malaysia as we mentioned in this article. From five animals, three of them are the symbol of the country and states in Malaysia such as Malayan Tiger, Rhinoceros Hornbill and Pahang Elephant.
We are encouraged to help protect their natural habitat, in whatever way you can even by sharing this article to your friends and family.
I hope you gained something from this article “Protected National Animals In Malaysia ”. If you mind to share your thoughts or have more inquires related to this article please drop your comments below or else, you may contact us by hit on “Contact Us” button on the tab menus.
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Leopard cat photo credited to : https://radarkuningan.disway.id
