Independent Photographer
The Island of Kalimantan, part of the greater Borneo region and known as one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world, is a vital habitat for thousands of species of flora and fauna.
This region is estimated to be home to around 222 species of mammals, with 44 of them being endemic species—species found only in Kalimantan and nowhere else on Earth. In addition, Kalimantan hosts around 420 species of birds, including 37 endemic species, making it a highly significant area for ornithological research and bird conservation.
Kalimantan’s biodiversity extends beyond mammals and birds. The island is also home to 100 species of amphibians and approximately 394 species of freshwater fish, 19 of which are endemic. This high level of endemism establishes Kalimantan as one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in Southeast Asia and a global priority for conservation efforts.
However, Kalimantan’s biological wealth is under significant threat due to deforestation, plantation expansion, habitat fragmentation, and climate change. The rapid loss of forest cover not only endangers the survival of endemic species but also diminishes the island’s ecological capacity to support climate balance and the hydrological cycle.
Therefore, science-based conservation efforts, the revitalization of local wisdom, and sustainable development policies are crucial to maintaining Kalimantan’s ecological functions. Understanding the unique biological richness of Kalimantan is essential not only from an ecological standpoint but also within the framework of ecologically and socially just sustainable development.