Indonesia is a country with variant of specific fauna spread throughout Indonesian Archipelago. The reason behind this privilege gift probably because its strategic position and constitute with hundred thousand of Islands, most of them in fact uninhabited places , so being untouchable by outside of world, makes this place so special and becoming home by rare animals. Known as the lost world of Asia, Indonesian Islands has saved many rare animals that you can never find in any other part of the world. This animal has been lived there for thousand of years, being survivor for centuries from deadliest disaster and human hunter, thanks to its “hidden” and protected places.
- Komodo Dragon
There are many ways to describe this peculiar species found in the exotic islands of Komodo, Rinca, Padar, and Flores in Indonesia. Some observe the measurements and conclude it is the tallest and biggest lizard in the world at three meters long. Others focus on the evolution of this dragon, labeling Komodo as one of dinosaurs’ close relatives and the oldest ancient species still living today. It’s safe to venture off the Komodo Islands to spot one of these carnivorous big lizards while enjoying the picturesque landscape of the exotic islands, just make sure you learn the safety rules thoroughly.
2. Anoa Buffalo
Anoa is midget buffalo or sapiutan as the local called it, living in throughout rain forest of Sulawesi Island. They living in Low land and High land both have different name considered where they live. Anoa is the smallest buffalo in the world, the local hunted them for their food, just like other species of buffalo, Anoa is eatable but many people argue that this kind animal is intoxicated so there’s no way applicable as one of meal on table. Adult Anoa can run fast more than 10km/hour and they have a couple of sharp horn.
3. Javan Rhinoceros
Javan Rhinoceros or lesser one-horned rhinoceros is another endangered animal in Indonesia, they found mostly in Java, they population is shrinking year after year. Javan rhinoceros has difficulty to reproduce and they got only 80 years to live.
4. Babirusa
In the Indonesian language, the name of this species is composite of pig (babi), and deer (rusa). And that’s one valid way to describe this striking creature. At a glance, babirusa looks like an odd jumble of a pig’s head and deer’s legs, and savage tusks. Babirusas do belong to the pig family, but the deer-like features extend to the physical and even digestive systems, making this species so fascinating to observe. Babirusa can be spotted in North Sulawesi and some of the province’s nearby islands.
5. Maleo
Maleo is a large Megapode endemic to the island of Sulawesi. Maleois the only member of the monotypic genus Macrocephalo and it can be found in lowland and hill forest in Sulawesi.it was one of protected animals in Indonesia.
6. Sumatran Orangutan
Sumatran Orangutan is a critically endangered species of orangutans, Found only on the island of Sumatra. Wild Sumatran orangutans are primarily frugivores and only survive in the province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam.
7. Cendrawasih
Cendrawasih is an endemic species that belongs to the family Paradisaeidae, or birds-of-paradise. These majestic, vibrantly colorful birds can be found in Papua, the easternmost island of Indonesia. These birds, especially the males, have very ornate and delicate feathers with bright inviting colors and long tails that hang gracefully from their bodies. Cendrawasih can have multiple mixes of colors, from yellow, brown, red, orange, to different hues of blues and violets.
8. Black Macaque
Officially the Celebes crested macaque or black macaque, this stunning primate is almost entirely black, with the exception of some silver-ish feathers on the shoulder range. Being a social animal, black macaques live in groups of five to 25 or more, where female adults usually outnumber the males. Human population has been a great threat to the black apes’ sustainability, but many of these creatures live somewhat more freely in the small neighboring islands of Sulawesi, compared to the ones in the mainland.
9. Merak
Merak or Peafowl is a bird of the Phasianidae family. They are relative of the peasant. Merak is found in Java and Sumatera. You can also find them in India or Malaysia but they are different from Indonesian Merak. Merak in Indonesia has unique feature : they colourful. Merak has different type and some of them has different colour of feather. They are very calm but in the same time can be aggressive too. You probably think that it must be fun o take picture with these animal, well I’m sure your guide would not allow since merak can attack people at anytime.
10. Helmeted Hornbill
This bird’s physique is indeed fascinating, with its iconic bright helmet and extensive wingspan. But perhaps what makes this helmeted hornbill so remarkable is the cultural meanings given to the species. In West Kalimantan or Borneo, this hornbill species is celebrated as a symbol of the divine realms, often manifested in traditional arts and carvings. While it may be challenging to spot one of these peculiar birds nowadays, you can hear their uncanny shrieking sound, which many say sounds like loud laughter, from two kilometers away.
