Mulu National Park - Flora & Fauna

As may be expected in an equatorial area with such variations in altitude and geology, Mulu has an exceptional level of biological diversity and endemism. Over 3,500 species of plants have been recorded at the park including a variety of highly specialised orchids and palms and unusual species such as the One Leaf Plant (Monophyllae sp.) some species of which may only be found at several cave entrances within the park.

There is also a large diversity in fauna species within the park and although these include a number of mammal and bird species, such as deer, monkeys and all of Borneo’s hornbills, many visitors to the park are surprised at the limited sightings they get of animals and birds. This is largely due to the nature of the animals and the habitat in which they are found. Many animal species are shy or nocturnal and are not often seen as they spend the majority of their time high in the rainforest canopy, frequently out of site from the people below.

The fauna found at Mulu do attract visitors with special interests, particularly in the areas of entomology, which includes a staggering number of insect species. For example, 458 species of 78 genera of ants (Formicidae) alone have been recorded in the park. Mulu also includes a large variety of insects with camouflage adaptations, most notably the stick insects (Phasmids) and the park is home to a variety of beautiful butterfly species, including the famous Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing (Trogonoptera brookiana).