Here are some of the most unique wildlife in Indonesia -
1. Komodo Dragon
Stealthy hunters and the largest lizards to be found, Komodo Dragons are the modern banner holders of Indonesian tourism. They are seen mostly in the islands of Komodo and Rinca. It is however strictly advised to visit these islands with a guide for your safety as these dragons are powerful and venomous.
2. Sumatran Orangutan
The islands of Sumatra and Borneo are possibly the only homes to the critically endangered species of the Sumatran Orangutan and if you want to spot a few in their natural habitat, these are just the place for you. Tanjung Putting National Park in Kalimantan, Borneo is the ideal destination if you want to spot an orangutan while soaking in the beauty of the jungles from a klotok, a multi-storey live aboard boat.
3. Maleo
Endemic to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, the maleo birds are a rare and remarkable breed to be spotted here. With the ability to fly right after hatching, these chicken alike birds do make a memorable watch.
4. Pygmy Tarsier
Pygmy tarsiers are furry, mouse sized creatures who happen to be the world’s smallest primates. To spot one on the Sulawesi Island would require a great eyesight and some luck, as these are creatures which do not like to be found. They are around four inches tall with large eyes and ears and are nocturnal in nature. If you want to catch a glimpse of the pygmy tarsier, the Tangkoko National Park is a good place to visit.
5. Javan Rhinoceros
The smallest among the Rhinos, the Javan rhinoceros is a critically endangered species found on the islands of Indonesia. The Ujung Kulon National Park is the only place where these rhinoceros can be sighted and therefore the place you should put up on your list if you want to see the rhinos.
6. Sumatran Tiger
Sumatran tigers are the smallest surviving species to be found in the island of Sumatra and are listed as one of the endangered species. Kerinci Seblat National Park is the place for you if you want to catch a glimpse of this species.
7. Borneo Elephant
If you want to witness animals which are miniature in size, Indonesia is definitely the place for you! After pygmy tarsiers, Javan rhinos and Sumatran tigers, the Borneo Elephant is the smallest Asian elephant subspecies to be found. They are also known as the pygmy elephants because of their short stature and oversized ears.
8. Black Macaque
The Sulawesi Black Macaque found is another critically endangered species to be found in the island of Indonesia. These monkeys are spotted in the Tangkoko reserve in Sulawesi and got the ‘selfie’ tag when one macaque clicked its own picture and later, this image became the subject of copyright issues.
