Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bearded Pig
Bearded pigs are encountered in nearly every type of forested area on the island. Follow-
ing well-worn paths, these rotund animals, which can weigh up to 150kg, sometimes gath-
er into large herds and migrate incredible distances in search of nuts and seeds. Although
they are an extremely popular game animal (except, of course, among Muslims), they are
one creature that hunters and predators truly fear. Except for the tame pigs who live in and
around the headquarters of Bako National Park, be wary of these unpredictable animals
and their sharp tusks - they are capable of goring a human in the flash of a whisker.
Mouse Deer
Few Bornean mammals are more surprising than the lesser mouse deer, the world's smal-
lest hoofed animal, which is the size of a rabbit (it weighs just 2kg) but looks like a tiny
deer. Males defend themselves and their mates using protruding canines instead of antlers.
Skittish and generally nocturnal, they can sometimes be seen during the day by quiet
hikers.
Leech
If you'd like to give something back to the rainforest ecosystem, the humble leech -
slimy, squiggly and fond of taking up residence in very private places - can arrange an in-
voluntary donation of blood (
Click here
)
.
