Malaysia      PDF  | Print |  Email

malaysia_flagBiodiversity Resources

  • 286 species of mammals (27 endemic)
  • 736 species of birds (11 endemic)
  • 268 species of reptiles (69 endemic)
  • 158 species of amphibians (69 endemic)

Threats to resources
  • High market value of timber species
  • Huge demand for vulnerable park resources for bushmeat and medicinal products
  • High accessibility for illegal activities
  • Difficulties in monitoring of illegal activities
  • Lack of coordination between the federal and state government.
  • Lack of awareness

Ratification of MEAs

  • CBD – 1994
  • CITES – 1978
  • Ramsar Convention – 1995
  • WHC – 1988
  • Cartagena Protocol – 2003

Description

The total land area of Malaysia is approximately 330,433 sq. km., of which 132,828 sq. km. are in Peninsular Malaysia, 123,985 sq. km. in Sarawak and 73,620 sq. km. in Sabah.  Malaysia is one of twelve mega-diversity countries in the world with over 15,000 known flowering plants, 1,500 terrestrial vertebrates and 150,000 invertebrates distributed in the country. 

Forest cover in Malaysia is estimated to be 19.52 million hectares or 59.5% of the total land area, of which 14.45 million hectares or 44.0% are Permanent Reserved Forests (PRFs) managed by Forestry Department. The PRFs has furthered classified 3.21 million hectares as protection forest. Together with 2.15 million hectares under National Parks, Wildlife and Bird Sanctuaries, the protected area coverage in the country is estimated to be 5.36 million hectares, representing 27.5% of its total forested land or 16.3% of its area. Besides terrestrial protected areas, Malaysia also established 40 marine park islands and 6 Fisheries Protected areas, and a few more are still under consideration for establishment.

Several species conservation plans have been prepared especially for endangered species such as tiger, elephant, gaur, Sumatran rhinoceros, otter, and pheasants. The conservation plans include aspects of research, ex-situ conservation, monitoring, and enforcement activities.  The Department of Wildlife and National Parks conducts regular monitoring of habitats and important wildlife areas in the country through annual wildlife inventories. These inventories contribute to the biodiversity database of the country.  Captive breeding programs are also in place for endangered and threatened species such as Sumatran rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sumatrensis), seladang (Bos gaurus), sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) and river terrapin (Batagur baska).

 

 

Sources:

  • Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.  2006.  Malaysia:  Third National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity.