Discover the Amazing Fauna of Langkawi
Langkawi isn’t just known for its beaches and islands – it’s also home to some incredible wildlife! If you love animals and nature, Langkawi offers many chances to see unique creatures up close. From the jungles to the coast, here’s a look at some of the animals you can find on this beautiful island.
1. Langkawi’s Majestic Eagles
One of Langkawi’s most famous animals is the eagle. In fact, Langkawi is often called the “Land of Eagles.” The Kilim Karst Geoforest Park is a great place to see these majestic birds. The eagles soar high above the mangroves and dive into the water to catch fish – an amazing sight to watch and photograph.
2. Long-Tailed Macaques and Dusky Leaf Monkeys
Langkawi is home to two main types of monkeys: long-tailed macaques and dusky leaf monkeys.
Macaques are commonly spotted in the forests and around popular spots like the Langkawi Sky Bridge.
The dusky leaf monkeys are a bit more shy, with their unique white “spectacles” around their eyes. They also have white patches around their mouths, giving them a sweet, expressive look. Their babies are born bright orange, which helps in two ways. First, it makes it easier for their mothers to see them in the trees, and second, most predators can’t tell the difference between green and orange because they’re color-blind.
They’re often found in quieter parts of the forest like near Gunung Raya or Kilim Karst Geoforest Park as they are quite shy around people. They tend to stay high up in the trees, traveling in small family groups.
3. Flying Lemurs (Colugos)
Langkawi is one of the few places where you can see flying lemurs or colugos. These interesting creatures glide between trees using a skin membrane that stretches from their neck to their limbs. They’re often seen at dusk in areas like the Gunung Raya Forest Reserve.
4. Langkawi’s Sea Life: Dolphins, Turtles, and More
The waters around Langkawi are rich in marine life. Keep an eye out for dolphins swimming along the coast and sea turtles during island-hopping tours.
5. Giant Monitor Lizards
Another unique animal in Langkawi is the monitor lizard. These large reptiles can be spotted sunbathing along rivers, ponds, and sometimes even near hotels. Although they may look intimidating, they’re usually shy and harmless. Besides that they are also. protected species.
6. Bird Paradise: Langkawi’s Tropical Birds
Langkawi is a paradise for bird watchers! The island has over 200 species of birds, including kingfishers, hornbills, and herons. The best spots to see these tropical birds are Langkawi Wildlife Park and Kilim Geoforest Park.
Hornbills are often seen in pairs or family groups, as they’re known to mate for life. When the female lays eggs, she seals herself inside a tree cavity with mud, leaving only a small opening. The male brings food to her and their chicks through this opening until they’re ready to leave the nest.
Hornbills also play an important role in maintaining their forest habitat. As they eat fruits and berries, they spread seeds across large areas, helping new trees and plants grow. This makes them essential for the health of Langkawi's rainforests.
7. Giant Black Squirrel
These remarkable squirrels, one of the largest squirrel species in the world, can grow up to 1.1 meters (3.6 feet) long from head to tail. With their sleek black fur and impressive size, they are often spotted climbing high in the trees across Langkawi’s forests.
The Giant Black Squirrel is a bit shy and typically avoids human interaction, but if you’re lucky, you might spot one in areas like Gunung Raya or Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. They feed on fruits, seeds, and sometimes insects, playing an important role in Langkawi’s ecosystem by helping to disperse seeds and maintain forest growth.
For nature lovers and photographers, spotting one of these incredible creatures is a unique experience that showcases Langkawi’s diverse wildlife.
8. Water Buffalo
Langkawi is home to peaceful water buffalo, often seen grazing in open fields or cooling off in muddy ponds. These gentle giants play a key role in the island’s agriculture, helping local farmers with land cultivation and providing milk for traditional dairy products.
Spotting these impressive buffaloes is a unique part of the Langkawi experience, giving visitors a glimpse into the island’s rural life.
You can buy delicious fresh buffalo mozzarella at 99 Island Cheese.
9. Tokay Gecko
Another unique resident of Langkawi is the Tokay Gecko. Known for its distinctive "to-kay" call, this large, colorful gecko can be spotted in trees, on rocks, and sometimes even around buildings.
The Tokay Gecko is famous for its bright blue and orange spots, and while they’re shy, catching a glimpse of one is a treat for wildlife lovers. They’re important for the local ecosystem as they help control insect populations, making them valuable little guardians of the island’s natural balance.
10. Stray Dogs & The Malaysian Telomian Breed
An interesting fact about Malaysia is that it’s home to a unique dog breed called the Telomian. This rare breed is native to Malaysia and was originally used by indigenous people for hunting and protection. Telomians are known for their agility, intelligence, and unique “climbing” ability. While not often found as strays, they represent the rich animal heritage of Malaysia.
Langkawi, like many parts of Malaysia, has a high number of stray dogs. The government and local organizations have been working together to help reduce the stray population over time in a kind and compassionate way. Neuter and Release Programs are a big part of this effort. These programs, run mostly by volunteers and supported by donations, ensuring fewer puppies are born into difficult situations.
One organization making a huge difference is WOOFF. They provide medical care, vaccinations, and neutering services for stray dogs across Langkawi. WOOFF also educates locals and visitors on humane ways to help strays, and they do this incredible work thanks to generous donations and volunteers.