Indonesia – Borneo
Jungles & rainforests in Borneo are recognized as one of the oldest on Earth, along with Amazon Rainforest and Australia’s Daintree Rainforest. Borneo is third highest and largest island across the globe. It sgoverned by three different Asian countries including Malaysia (26% area), Indonesia (73% area) and Brunei (1% area). Its said about rainforest in Borneo that its around 130 million years of history and thus, it grabs first position from Amazon Rainforests, which are 70 million years old and are on second position.
Biodiversity of Borneo is also on top compare to any similar area in the world. There are 221 species of mammals, 15,000 species of flowering plants, 420 species of resident birds and 3,000 species of trees in Jungles & rainforests in Borneo. It’s said about Borneo that this island is the home to many endemic species of animals and plants, and the center of radiation and evolution of these species as well. Borneo rainforest is the only natural habitats for the well-popular and endangered Bornean Orangutan.
Some other forest species, such as Davak Fruit Bat, the rare Hoseís Civet, the Bornean Clouded Leopard, the Sumatran Rhinoceros and the Asian Elephant, are the endemic species of Borneo rainforests. Tabin Wildlife Reserve is considered as an important reserve for endemic rhinos and elephants, which is located on the northeastern corner of this island.
World Wildlife Fund stats show that more and more species are being discovered yearly in jungles & rainforests in Borneo and since 1996, more than 360 new species of plants and animals have been recorded. Another 52 new species were discovered in Borneo in only 18 month period between 2005 and 2006. Most of the island land is covered by the lowland rainforests area, which consists of 427,500 square km. The island had a history of huge rainforest area, but heavy logging has been shrinking this rainforest rapidly. Malaysian plywood industry is rapidly destroying this asset. Further destruction and deforestation in Borneo are projected in the wake of hydroelectric dams and mining of resources.
