Reptiles and Amphibians

The reptiles and amphibians of Malaysia comprise members of the crocodile, turtle, snake, lizard and frog families. They range in size from the minute frogs to crocodiles measuring several metres long. Very much unchanged since prehistoric times, the estuarine crocodile is carnivorous and sometimes attacks humans. On the other hand, the gharial which lives on fish is considered harmless.

The majority of the 140 or so species of land snakes found in Malaysia are harmless. Of the 17 poisonous snake species, the king cobra (ular tedung selar) is the largest and most venomous snake in the world. Its bite can quickly prove fatal. The world’s second longest snake, the reticulated python (ular sawa) kills by constricting prey as large as a cow or goat before swallowing it whole.

There is a wide range of lizard species in Malaysia, from the small insect-eating geckos found on the walls and ceilings of houses to the largest of the four monitor lizards species, the water lizard which is killed for its skin.

There are 18 species of non-marine turtles, tortoises and terrapins in Malaysia, some of which are wholly terrestrial, some wholly aquatic, and yet others amphibious. Some species are kept at temples as a symbol of longevity, while others are eaten as a nourishing food. The great leatherback turtles of Terengganu emerge from the South China Sea at the dead of night to lay their eggs in the sand.

Of the 165 species of frogs and toads found in Malaysia, some live in deep jungle while others inhabit cultivated areas including paddy fields.