Sarawak Nature
Sarawak Nature
Sarawak Nature: The Nature of Sarawak
Introduction
Sarawak, known as the 'Land of the Hornbills', is the largest state in Malaysia and is located on the northwestern coast of Borneo. It boasts ancient rainforests that have been in existence for over 140 million years, housing a diverse range of wildlife. With numerous national parks and nature reserves spanning over 600,000 hectares, Sarawak offers visitors the opportunity to experience the rich biodiversity of Borneo, from sandy beaches to mist-covered mountains.
Habitats
The primary habitat in Sarawak is the lowland rainforest, with towering trees reaching over 80 meters in height. Animals in this habitat, such as birds and primates, thrive in the canopy, while the forest floor is home to a variety of shade-adapted plants. As elevation increases, the landscape changes to cool misty cloud forests above 1,500 meters, with endemic species found in montane habitats like Mt. Mulu and Mt. Murud. Other unique habitats include heath forests, peat swamp forests, and coastal forests, each supporting distinct flora and fauna.
Mammals
Sarawak is home to over 230 species of land mammals, including many endemics. Visitors can observe a diverse range of mammals in national parks like Tanjung Datu, Gunung Mulu, and Bako. The Bornean Orangutan is a popular sighting, with the Northwest Bornean Orangutan being the rarest of the subspecies. Proboscis Monkeys, known for their distinctive noses, are another highlight, found in coastal forests. Other primates like Silver Langurs and Maroon Langurs can also be spotted in different habitats across Sarawak.
