Animals in Brunei Darussalam

Q: Where in the World is Brunei Darussalam?

Called Negara Brunei Darussalam in the Malay language, this country’s name means Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace. It may be referred to simply as Brunei. This small country is located on the northern coast of the Island of Borneo , north of Australia and southeast of Asia. The land area of Brunei is only 5,765 square kilometers or 2,226 square miles. It is a land of mountains and coastlines, lowland rain forests, and mountain rain forests.

Below you can find a complete list of Bruneian animals. We currently track 188 animals in Brunei Darussalam and are adding more every day!

Brunei Darussalam has a rich diversity of wildlife within its rain forests and along its ocean coasts. Birds, monkeys, rare creatures, mammals that swim and fly – Brunei has it all for a wildlife watcher with a taste for adventure.

Brunei Darussalam Animal Summary

Brunei Darussalam is home to all types of animals – birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects. Some live there year-round, and others use Brunei’s rain forests as a stop to their seasonal migrations.

Brunei shares much of its unique wildlife with nearby Borneo and other islands of Southeast Asia. It is home to many endangered species as well as a few dangerous ones.

When someone calls Brunei’s wildlife unique, they’re not exaggerating. Read on to discover lizards that glide on “wings,” monkeys with comical noses, and more.

The Official National Animal of Brunei Darussalam

The white-bellied sea eagle or fishing eagle is the national animal of Brunei. As its name suggests, it is an adept hunter of fish.

Where to Find the Top Wild Animals in Brunei Darussalam

There are two places to find Brunei’s top animals: snorkeling the coastal waters or trekking the rain forests.

The one-stop region for discovering many of Brunei’s famous and unique animals is the Ulu Temburong National Park. There, you may see hornbills, proboscis monkeys, and horned frogs.
The Labi Forest Reserve is the largest stretch of preserved rainforest in the country. Other key locations include the Paradayan Recreational Forest and parts of Kuala Balai. In these areas, you may catch a glimpse of the rhinoceros hornbill.
Snorkeling or scuba diving the oceanic reefs will reveal colorful fish, sharks, and the slow-moving, peaceful dugongs, one of the most unique mammals in the world. These sea cows spend their entire lives in the water, grazing on seaweed and algae with the help of prehensile lips.

Endangered Wildlife in Brunei Darussalam

Habitat destruction has threatened many species of the island of Borneo with becoming extinct. The intact forests of Brunei serve as a refuge for these endangered species.

The proboscis monkeys may be the most endangered animals in Brunei. They are named for their large, comical noses. The proboscis monkey is sought after by sightseers due to its strange appearance.
Brunei considers another strange animal – the pangolin or scaly anteater – to be a “threatened treasure.” These anteaters have long tongues, sharp claws, and large, fleshy scales all over their body. The scales resemble a suit of armor. Public campaigns currently call to protect pangolins from the illegal wildlife trade and the tropical forests they call home from destruction.
The Sunda clouded leopard is one of the most elusive Brunei species. It was not recognized as a distinct species until 2006. It has been infrequently spotted near Sungai Ingei Forest and the Belait district.
Other species endangered of becoming extinct include the black hornbill bird, the painted batagur turtle, a fish similar to the familiar betta called Betta macrostoma, a primate called the Borean slow loris, the highfin coral grouper, coral trout, spiny terrapin, the dugong, and seep frog.
Brunei was the first nation in Asia to place a complete ban on the practice of shark finning. What is shark finning? The fins of sharks are prized for food and medicine. Fishermen catch sharks, remove their fins, and dispose of the rest of the animal. Brunei’s stand against shark finning helps protect the 110 species of sharks known to reside in the South China Sea from becoming endangered or extinct.

Most Dangerous Animals in Brunei Darussalam Today

The saltwater crocodile is the most dangerous animal in Brunei today. They are the largest crocodilians in the world, reaching up to 7 meters in length. “Salties” are rare in the area, but be careful. They are known for exploding out of the water to take prey – occasionally humans – from the banks of rivers.

Flag of Brunei Darussalam

The national flag of Brunei features a bright yellow background, which represents royalty in many southeast Asian countries. Across the flag lie two diagonal stripes, one black, one white. The white stripe stands for the First Chief Minister, while the black stripe beneath represents the Second Chief Minister.

Bruneian Animals

Admiral Butterfly

Stunningly beautiful wings

Ant

First evolved 100 million years ago!

Antelope

Renew their horns every year!

Archerfish

Archerfish can shoot a stream of water up to five feet with amazing accuracy.

Armyworm

They are so named because they "march" in armies of worms from one crop to another in search of food

Asian Palm Civet

It mainly eats mangos and coffee!

Atlas Moth

Adult atlas moths do not eat - they live off fat they stored as larvae.

Aurochs

Extinct ancestor of all domesticated cattle!

Banana Spider

People spin clothing and fishing nets out of these spiders’ silk.

Banded Palm Civet

Markings give it camouflage!

Barb

There are over 1768 known species!

Barn Owl

Found everywhere around the world!

Bat

Detects prey using echolocation!

Bear

There are 8 different species!

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs feed for 4-12 minutes.

Bee

Rock paintings of bees date back 15,000 years

Beetle

There are more than 350,000 different species

Binturong

Also known as the Asian Bearcat!

Bird

Not all birds are able to fly!

Black Widow Spider

They typically prey on insects!

Borneo Elephant

The smallest species of elephant!

Brazilian Treehopper

“Mild-Mannered Minimonsters”

Bumblebee

The most common species of bee!

Butterfly

There are thought to be up 17,500 species!

Camel Cricket

The camel crickets that are found in the USA are light brown in color. They also have dark streaks all over their body.

Cat

May have been domesticated up to 10,000 years ago.

Caterpillar

The larvae of a moth or butterfly!

Catfish

There are nearly 3,000 different species!

Centipede

There are about 3,000 documented species!

Chicken

First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!

Cockroach

Dated to be around 300 million years old!

Codling Moth

Pupae are able to undergo diapause to survive poor fruit yield years and winter.

Common Buzzard

The most common raptor in the UK!

Common House Spider

House spiders have the ability to eat most insects in a home.

Common Spotted Cuscus

Has a long, strong prehensile tail!

Cormorant

They can fly 35 mph and dive 150 feet below water.

Cow

There are nearly 1.5 billion worldwide!

Cow Reticulated Python

Cow reticulated pythons hatch solid white, then develop spots as they mature.

Crab

There are 93 different crab groups

Crab-Eating Macaque

Found throughout the South-East Asian jungles!

Crab Spider

Crab Spiders can mimic ants or bird droppings

Crane

Many are critically endangered species!

Cricket

Male crickets can produce sounds by rubbing their wings together

Crocodile

Have changed little in 200 million years!

Crocodylomorph

Crocodylomorphs include extinct ancient species as well as 26 living species today.

Cuckoo

Deer

There are around 40 different species!

Dog

First domesticated in South-East Asia!

Donkey

First domesticated 5,000 years ago!

Dormouse

Found in Europe, Africa and Asia!

Dragonfly

It's larvae are carnivorous!

Duck

Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!

Dung Beetle

The dung beetle can push objects many times its own weight

Eagle

Has exceptional eyesight!

Earthworm

They are hermaphrodites, which means they have male and female organs

Earwig

There are nearly 2,000 different species!

Eel

Eels can be a mere few inches long to 13 feet!

Elephant

Spends around 22 hours a day eating!

Falcon

The fastest creatures on the planet!

Fire-Bellied Toad

Found across mainland Europe and Asia!

Firefly

The firefly produces some of the most efficient light in the world

Fishing Cat

Scoops fish out of the water using it's paw!

Fly

There are more than 240,000 different species!

Flying Squirrel

Can glide up to 90 meters!

Fox

Only 12 species are considered "true foxes"

Frog

There are around 7,000 different species!

Fruit Fly

Fruit flies are among the most common research animals in the world

Gazelle

Named for the Arabic word for love poems

Gecko

There are thought to be over 2,000 species!

Gerbil

Originally known as the Desert Rat!

German Cockroach

The most common type of urban roach

Gibbon

Found in dense jungles and tropical forests!

Glass Lizard

Can grow up to 4ft long!

Glowworm

Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!

Goat

Most closely related to the Sheep!

Golden Oriole

Migrates between Europe and Asia!

Goose

There are 29 different species!

Grasshopper

There are 11,000 known species!

Green Bee-Eater

Mainly eats honeybees!

Green Rat Snake

The green rat snake catches its meals in midair!

Hamster

Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!

Hawk Moth Caterpillar

Many hawk moth caterpillars eat toxins from plants, but don’t sequester them the way milkweed butterflies do. Most toxins are excreted.

Hedgehog

Thought to be one of the oldest mammals on Earth!

Heron

Inhabits wetlands around the world!

Honey Bee

There are only 8 recognized species!

Hoopoe

Stunning bird with a stinky way to deter predators!

Horse

Has evolved over 50 million years!

Horsefly

Horseflies have been seen performing Immelmann turns, much like fighter jets.

Housefly

The fly has no teeth

Human

Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!

Ibis

Found in swamps, marshes and wetlands!

Insects

There are an estimated 30 million species!

Jumping Spider

Some can jump 50 times the length of their bodies

Junglefowl

The term "pecking order" comes from junglefowls' hierarchies among both sexes

Kinabalu Giant Red Leech

Comes out only during a rainstorm or just afterward

King Quail

Females look similar to males but don’t come in shades of blue

Kingfisher

Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!

Ladybug

There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!

Leopard Cat

There are 11 different species!

Liger

The offspring of a lion and tiger parents!

Lizard

There are around 5,000 different species!

Long-Eared Owl

Ear tufts make it look bigger!

Long-Tailed Tit

Often hangs upside down while feeding!

Magpie

They are found across Europe, Asia and Africa!

Malayan Civet

Also known as the Oriental Civet!

Masked Palm Civet

Found throughout Asia, India and China!

Mayfly

There are 2,500 known species worldwide!

Mealybug

They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.

Millipede

Some species have a poisonous bite!

Mole

Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!

Mongoose

Range in size from just 1 to 3 foot!

Mongrel

Has characteristics of two or more breeds!

Monitor Lizard

Some species are thought to carry a weak venom!

Monkey

There are around 260 known species!

Moorhen

Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!

Moth

There are 250,000 different species!

Mouse

Found on every continent on Earth!

Mule

The offspring of a horse and donkey parents!

Neanderthal

Roamed Asia and Europe for around 100,000 years!

Nematode

Nematodes range in size from 1/10 of an inch to 28 feet long

Newt

Able to regrow lost or damaged limbs!

Nightingale

Named more than 1,000 years ago!

Orb Weaver

Females are about four times the size of males

Osprey

They reuse nesting sites for 70 years!

Otter

There are 13 different species worldwide

Owl

The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees

Ox

Parrot

Can live for up to 100 years!

Peacock

Most commonly found on the Indian mainland!

Pheasant

Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!

Pig

Thought to have been domesticated in 9,000 BC!

Pika

Found in mountainous regions and rocky areas

Pond Skater

There are 500 different species!

Porcupine

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Praying Mantis

The mantis can turn its head 180 degrees.

Proboscis Monkey

Natively found on the island of Borneo!

Quail

Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!

Rabbit

There are more than 300 different species!

Rat

Omnivores that eat anything!

Redback Spider

The redback spiders found in New Caledonia differ from other populations in that they don’t practice sexual cannibalism and don’t bite people as much.

Reticulated python

These popular pets can get big enough to kill their owner.

Rhinoceros

It's horns are made from keratin!

River Turtle

Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!

Robin

There are more than 45 species in Australia alone!

Rodents

The capybara, the world’s largest rodent, likes to be in and around bodies of water. Because of this, the Catholic Church in South America decided that it was a fish, and people were allowed to eat it during Lent and First Fridays.

Rooster

Will mate with the entire flock!

Salamander

There are more than 700 different species!

Scorpion

There are around 2,000 known species!

Sea Eagle

The sea eagle tends to mate for life with a single partner

Seahorse

Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!

Sheep

Around 35 million in the English countryside!

Short-Eared Owl

The short-eared owl is one of the most widespread owl species in the world, covering five continents.

Shrimp

There are 2,000 different species worldwide!

Slow Worm

Found widely throughout British gardens!

Smokybrown Cockroach

Has up to 45 eggs per egg case

Snail

There are nearly 1,000 different species!

Snake

There are around 4,000 known species worldwide

Sparrow

There are 140 different species!

Spiny Hill Turtle

The shell serves as both a defense and camouflage!

Spotted Garden Eel

Males battle each other over females and territory

Squirrel

Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!

Stick Insect

There are more than 3,000 different species!

Stoat

Average adults weigh about 200 grams!

Sunbeam Snake

Sunbeam snakes have two lungs instead of just a single lung like most snake species.

Swallowtail Butterfly

N/A

Swan

Populations have been affected by pollution!

Tarantula Hawk

Tarantula hawks are excellent pollinators, especially for milkweed.

Tarsier

Each eye weighs more than their whole brain!

Termite

Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!

Tiger

The largest feline in the world!

Tiger Beetle

The adult tiger beetle is one of the fastest land insects in the world

Tortoise

Can live until they are more than 150 years old!

Tree Frog

Found in warmer jungles and forests!

Turtles

Some species of aquatic turtles can get up to 70 percent of their oxygen through their butt.

Vinegaroon

Vinegaroons can spray 19 times before the glands are depleted

Viper

Vipers are one of the most widespread groups of snakes and inhabit most

Vulture

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Wasp

There are around 75,000 recognised species!

Water Buffalo

Has been domesticated for thousands of years!

Water Dragon

Spends most of it's time in the trees!

Weasel

The smallest carnivorous mammal in the world!

White Tiger

None have been seen in the wild for 50 years!

Wild Boar

Males have a top tusk to sharpen the bottom one!

Wolf

Thought to date back more than 300,000 years!

Wolf Spider

Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.

Woodlouse

This animal can roll up into a ball

Woodpecker

There are 200 different species!

Zebu

There are around 75 different species!

Bruneian Animals List

About the Author

A-Z Animals Staff

AZ Animals is a growing team of animals experts, researchers, farmers, conservationists, writers, editors, and -- of course -- pet owners who have come together to help you better understand the animal kingdom and how we interact.

Animals in Brunei Darussalam FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Where in the World is Brunei Darussalam?

Called Negara Brunei Darussalam in the Malay language, this country’s name means Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace. It may be referred to simply as Brunei. This small country is located on the northern coast of the Island of Borneo, north of Australia and southeast of Asia.

The land area of Brunei is only 5,765 square kilometers or 2,226 square miles. It is a land of mountains and coastlines, lowland rain forests, and mountain rain forests.

What Animals Live in Brunei Darussalam?

Great varieties of animals live in Brunei. Various species of hornbills sport large, colorful beaks. Other birds include the crested fireback, a colorful pheasant resembling a small peacock; the grey-headed fishing eagle or tank eagle; and the white-breasted waterhen or ruak-ruak, named for the sound it makes when it gives a warning call.

The Bornean horned frog is known for its intelligence and camouflage. The flying lizard leaps from trees, using flaps of skin as “wings.” This small lizard may even show up in your hotel room!

Mammals are also found in abundance. These include the sun bear, the wide-eyed Bornean slow loris, the proboscis monkey, several small spotted cats, the binturong (which smells like popcorn), flocks of enormous flying fox bats, and the aquatic dugong or sea cow.

Are There Tigers in Brunei Darussalam?

Yes, there are tigers in Brunei. Bengal tigers are held in the private zoo of the Suntan of Brunei, a favorite of the Queen. A successful breeding program has increased its numbers from nine individuals to 30. Wild tigers do not live in Brunei.

Are There Orangutans in Brunei Darussalam?

Orangutans live throughout the island of Borneo. The neighboring state of Sabah, Malaysia is considered the best place in the world to see orangutans in the wild.