Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Malaysia has more than 100 species of bat, most of which are tiny, insectivorous species
that live in caves and under eaves and bark. Fruit bats (flying foxes) are only distantly re-
lated; they have well-developed eyes and do not navigate by echolocation. They are often
seen taking wing at dusk.
More than 650 species of birds live on Peninsular Malaysia. You can spot exotic species
in many urban parks or aviaries such as KL Bird Park, but for rarer birds you'll have to
head to the jungle and the hillsides. The Malaysian Nature Society is helping to promote
Genting Highlands as a prime birding location and Fraser Hill (Bukit Fraser) is already an
established bird-spotting location.
If you see parts of or products made from endangered species for sale, call the 24-hour Wildlife Crime
Hotline (
019-356 4194).
Reptiles
Some 250 species of reptile have been recorded in Malaysia, including 140 species of
snake. Cobras and vipers pose a potential risk to trekkers, although the chances of encoun-
tering them are low. Large pythons are sometimes seen in national parks and you may also
encounter 'flying' snakes, lizards and frogs (all these species glide using wide flaps of
skin). Even in city parks, you stand a good chance of running into a monitor lizard, a
primitive-looking carrion feeder notorious for consuming domestic cats.
