MALAYSIA SABAH MOUNT KINABALU -STUNNING FLORA & FAUNA

STUNNING FLORA & FAUNA

Kinabalu Park is Borneo’s botanical paradise. It is home to about 1200 species of orchids ,26 species of rhododendrons, 9 species of Nepenthes pitcher plants, over 80 species of fig trees, over 60 species of oaks and chestnut trees, 100 species of mammals, 326 species of birds – the list goes on ! The Park has continually attracted top naturalists and botanists from around the world and been proclaimed an area with the richest diversity of flora and fauna.

FLORA
The forest of Kinabalu are some of the richest in the world with an estimated 5000 flowering plants and this does not include the innumerable mosses, ferns and fungi. Wild orchids grow in abundance and range in size from a pinhead to huge stems over 2m in length. Look out for the beautiful Slipper Orchids, which command much commercial interest with the Rothchild’s Slipper Orchid so preciously covered it is considered the “Kinabalu Gold”.

The world’s largest pitcher plant can also be found in Kinabalu Park. The insect eating Raja Brooke’s Pitcher Plants have pitchers that can hold up to 3.5 litres of water! 19 species of the beautiful Begonia plants have been documented, with probably half that number being endemic. The Begonia Chongii, a rare Begonia plant found on the west side of the mountain, is a recent discovery. It was named in honour of the then former Chief Minister of Sabah, YAB Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat in recognition for his enthusiastic support for the natural environment, conservation and protection of Sabah’s Parks.

FAUNA

This Wonderland features some of the most amazing creations of nature. Since animals are not easily seen, patience is virtue that you will be blessed with rare and captivating sights!

A stroll past the road side lamps at the Park Headquarter on dark wet nights or at dawn will reveal moths, beetles and other insects in all shapes, sizes and colours. Some are camouflaged in delicate mossy greens and greyS, while others flaunt bright contrasting colours or red, black and white. There are “twigs” that walk and “leaves” that fly! Look closer and you will find that they are actually insects.

This abundance of insects and plants paly a big hand in supporting in thriving bird population. Over 300 species have been recorded in the Park. There is the Grey drongo with white eye ring and forked tail and they heavy , long tailed Malaysian Treepie are 2 of the commonest at the Park Hq. Higher up, you will find the small free Mountain Blackeye and the larger red breasted Mountain Blackbirds.