The Fauna of Indonesia consists of a high level of biodiversity due to its vast-size and tropical archipelago make-up. Indonesia
divides into two ecological regions; western Indonesia is more
influenced by Asian fauna, and the east is more influenced
by Australasian. The Wallace Line—in fact, more an area known
as Wallacea—notionally divides these two regions. This
unique blend of fauna in Indonesia is also affected by the diverse
range of ecosystems, including beaches, sand
dunes,estuaries, mangroves, coral reefs, sea grass beds, coastal
mudflats, tidal flats, algal beds, and small island ecosystems.
Ecological issues have appeared in the
nation due to the rapid industrialisation process and high population
growth, resulting in lower priority level to preserve the ecosystems.
The situation has worsened by illegal logging activity, in which
resulting deforestation; while other problems, including high level
of urbanisation, air pollution, garbage management and waste water
services also contributing to the forest deterioration.
1. Komodo Dragon
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| Komodo Dragon |
The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is a large species
of lizard found in the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores,
andGili Motang. A member of the monitor lizard family (Varanidae), it is
the largest living species of lizard, growing to an average length of 2
to 3 metres (6.6 to 9.8 ft) and weighing around 70 kilograms (150 lb).
Their unusual size has been attributed to island gigantism, since there
are no other carnivorous animals to fill the niche on the islands where
they live.
2. Sumateran Tiger
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| Sumateran Tiger |
The Sumatran Tiger is the
smallest of all surviving tiger subspecies. Male Sumatran tigers average
204 cm (6 feet, 8 inches) in length from head to tail and weigh about
136 kg (300 lb). Females average 198 cm (6 feet, 6 inches) in length and
weigh about 91 kg (200 lb). Its stripes are narrower than other
subspecies of tigers’ stripes, and it has a more bearded and maned
appearance, especially the males. Its small size makes it easier to move
through dense rain forests. It has webbing between its toes that, when
spread, makes Sumatran tigers very fast swimmers. It has been known to
drive hoofed prey into the water, especially if the prey animal is a
slow swimmer.
3. Orangutans
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| Orang utans |
Orangutans are the only exclusively Asian genus of extant great ape. The
largest living arboreal animals, they have longer arms than the other,
more terrestrial, great apes. They are among the most
intelligent primates and use a variety of sophisticated tools, also
making sleeping nests each night from branches and foliage. Most of
their lives are spent foraging for food in solitude; they are generally
not aggressive. Their hair is typically reddish-brown, instead of the
brown or black hair typical of other great apes.
4. Birds of Paradise
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| Birds of paradise |
The birds-of-paradise are members of the family Paradisaeidae
of the order Passeriformes. The majority of species in this family are
found on the island of New Guinea and its satellites, with a few species
occurring in the Moluccas and eastern Australia. The family has forty
species in 13 genera. The members of this family are perhaps best known
for the plumage of the males of most species, in particular highly
elongated and elaborate feathers extending from the beak, wings or head.
For the most part they are confined to dense rainforest habitat. The
diet of all species is dominated by fruit and to a lesser extent
arthropods. The birds-of-paradise have a variety of breeding systems,
ranging from monogamy to lek-based polygamy.
The family is of cultural importance to
the inhabitants of New Guinea. The trade in skins and feathers of the
birds-of-paradise has been going on for two thousand years; and, the
birds have been of considerable interest to Western collectors,
ornithologists and writers as well. A number of species are threatened
by hunting and habitat loss.
5. Proboscis Monkey
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| Proboscis Monkey |
The Proboscis Monkey’s lifestyle is
both arboreal and amphibious, with its mangrove swamp and riverine
environment containing forest, dry land, shallow water allowing wading,
and deep water requiring swimming. Like other similar monkeys, the
Proboscis Monkey climbs well. It is also a proficient swimmer, often
swimming from island to island, and has been picked up by fishing boats
in open ocean a mile from shore. While wading, the monkey uses an
upright posture, with the females carrying infants on their hip. Troops
have been filmed continuing to walk upright, in single file, along
forest trails when they emerge on land, the only non-human mammal, with
the exception of gibbons and giant pangolins, known to use this form of locomotion for any length of time.
6. Sun Bear
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| Sun Bear |
Unlike other bears, the Sun Bear’s fur is short and sleek.
This adaptation is probably due to the lowland climates it inhabits.
Dark black or brown-black fur covers its body, except on the chest,
where there is a pale orange-yellow marking in the shape of a horseshoe.
Similar colored fur can be found around the muzzle and the eyes. These
distinctive markings give the Sun Bear its name. The Sun Bear does
not hibernate, and, as a result, it can reproduce year-round. The
offspring reachsexual maturity after 3-4 years and may live up to 30
years in captivity. Being a primarily nocturnal creature, the Sun Bear
tends to rest during the day on lower limbs not far above the ground.
Because it spends so much time in trees, the Sun Bear can sometimes
cause damage to private property. It has been known to destroy coconut
palms and cacao trees on plantations
7. Bali Starling
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| Bali Starling |
The Bali Starling is restricted to the island of Bali in Indonesia,
where it is the island’s only endemic vertebrate species. (An
endemic subspecies, the Bali Tiger, has been extinct since 1937.) The
bird was discovered in 1910, and in 1991 was designated the fauna symbol
of Bali. Its local name is jalak Bali . There are 2 remaining
locations on Bali where the birds exist in the wild: the West Bali
National Park; and Bali’s small island of Nusa Penida
