UNESCO designated Kinabatangan as Malaysia's newest biosphere reserve during a meeting on Saturday in Hangzhou, China. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability announced the recognition through the Man and Biosphere Programme. Crocker Range maintained its UNESCO status after completing a mandatory 10-year review process.
The 413,866-hectare reserve supports diverse wildlife populations across Sabah. Scientists document 315 bird species, 100 reptiles, 33 amphibians, 127 mammals, and more than 1,000 plant varieties within the protected area. Endangered animals such as orangutans, Bornean elephants, proboscis monkeys, sun bears, and eight hornbill species inhabit the region.
Malaysia operates four UNESCO biosphere reserves under the international program. Tasik Chini in Pahang received designation in 2009, and Penang Hill earned recognition in 2021.
The 413,866-hectare reserve supports diverse wildlife populations across Sabah. Scientists document 315 bird species, 100 reptiles, 33 amphibians, 127 mammals, and more than 1,000 plant varieties within the protected area. Endangered animals such as orangutans, Bornean elephants, proboscis monkeys, sun bears, and eight hornbill species inhabit the region.
Malaysia operates four UNESCO biosphere reserves under the international program. Tasik Chini in Pahang received designation in 2009, and Penang Hill earned recognition in 2021.
