The Wildlife of Malaysia are some of the most diverse on earth, with Malaysia being a Megadiverse country. The majority of the country is covered in rainforest, which hosts a huge diversity of plant and animal species. There are approximately 210 mammal species, 620 bird species, 250 reptile species, and 150 frog species found in Malaysia. Its large marine territory also holds a great diversity of life, with the country’s coastal waters comprising part of the Coral Triangle.
Malaysia is estimated to contain 20% of the world’s animal species, and includes some of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. There are about 210 mammal species in Malaysia. Over 620 species of birds have been recorded just on the Peninsular. 250 reptile species have been recorded, with about 150 species of snakes and 80 species of lizards. Malaysia has thousands of insect species, with more being discovered every year.
Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone is 1.5 times larger than its land area, and some of its waters are in the Coral Triangle, a biodiversity hotspot. The waters around Sipadan island are the most biodiverse in the world. Bordering East Malaysia, the Sulu Sea is a biodiversity hotspot, with around 600 coral species and 1200 fish species. Five species of sea turtles inhabit the area, along with 20 species of Sea snake. The Dugong is found around Sabah and in the Strait of Johor.
Sharks present include whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, and reef sharks. Game fish such as the Blue marlin and tuna are often found, along with reef fish such as barracuda, bigeye trevally, bump-head parrotfish, garupas, and scorpion fish. Manta rays can be found.