Mammals seen in Malaysia 1997

Pig-tailed Macaque Macaca nemestrina
This macaque was very common at Pasoh, though suprisingly sometimes difficult to see considering how noisy they are.

Long-tailed Macaque M. fascicularis
Very common and conspicuous at Kuala Selangor, we saw them everywhere even walking along powerlines near the township. Also seen at Taman Negara where they hang around the resort area. Unfortunately people can’t resist feeding the blighters.

Silvered Leaf-monkey Trachypithecus cristata
This beautiful monkey is the symbol of the Kuala Selangor Nature Park where you can’t fail to see it. They are far more shy and retiring than the macaques but seem to be habituated to human presence. Often with young in their bright orange natal coats.

Banded Leaf-monkey T. melalophos
Fairly common at Pasoh and Taman Negara.

Dusky Leaf-monkey T. obscura
Another beautiful langur that is common and easily seen at Fraser’s Hill.

Siamang Hylobates syndacylus
Fairly common at Fraser’s Hill but by no means a certainty. However we did see the same family group, consisting of two adults an adolescent and a baby, twice on the waterfall road. We watched them for about an hour each time before tearing ourselves away. Their behaviour and vocalisations are absolutely fascinating.

Smooth Otter Lutra perspicillata
Unfortunately we only managed to catch sight of one animal walking along the track in front of us at Kuala Selangor.

Eurasian Wild Pig Sus scrofa
Common at Fraser’s Hill and Taman Negara where they crash through the undergrowth making loud grunting noises and just about give you heart failure.

Sambar Cervus unicolor
Common around the resort at Taman Negara where they come out to graze after dark.

Grey-bellied Squirrel Callosciurius caniceps
Not uncommon, seen at Taman Negara and Pasoh. No distinctive markings.

Plantain Squirrel C. notatus
The most common squirrel seen at all sites. The vocalisations can sound a lot like a bird and we spent a lot of time searching for squirrel birds!

Prevost’s Squirrel C. prevostii
One of the most beautiful mammals I’ve seen with their orange, black and white coats. Seen a couple of times by us and others on the Tahan Trail at Taman Negara.

Three-striped Ground-squirrel Lariscus insignis
Only seen at Taman Negara, seems to be restricted to the ground.

Striped Tree-squirrel Tamiops macclellandi
Very common at Fraser’s Hill where they perform acrobatics in the smallest branches of the trees. Very cute!

Black Rat Rattus rattus
Presumably common in all urban areas although we only encountered the one in our room at The Gap Resthouse. Not that the resthouse is overrun with rats, just don’t leave your window open!

Long-tailed Forest-rat (?)
The headquarters at Pasoh on the other hand is definitely overrun with rats. They are incredible climbers so watch your food stash and they certainly enjoyed my soap that I inadvertantly left in the bathroom!