Animals in Indonesia

Updated: March 7, 2023
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Below you can find a complete list of Indonesian animals. We currently track 286 animals in Indonesia and are adding more every day!

Indonesia contains some of the most diverse and unique wildlife on the planet. Covered in lush rainforests, dry volcanic terrain, alpine forests, coastal forests, and wetlands, the country consists of thousands of different islands, including the largest: Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, and parts of Borneo and western New Guinea.

The rainforests of Borneo alone are a source of immense biodiversity. Many of its native species are found nowhere else on the planet.

The Official National Animal of Indonesia

Apex predator: Komodo dragon

The Komodo Dragon is a large species of lizard that is only found on a handful of islands in the Indonesian archipelago.

©iStock.com/photomaru

The Komodo dragon, which holds the distinction of being the largest species of lizard in the world, is the official animal of Indonesia. However, the national emblem of Indonesia actually contains a mythical bird called a Garuda.

Rarest Animals Found in Indonesia

Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Sondaicus)

Another rare species in Indonesia is the Javan rhino, also known as a rhino with one horn. In the island of Java, you might find the majority of these rhinos.

©Novena Assen/Shutterstock.com

On the Indonesian island of Sumatra, there is a population of Panthera tigris sondaica that are recognized as the Sumatran tiger.

The Sunda Islands, where the tigers of Bali and Java are extinct, are home to the only surviving tiger population.

Additionally, one of the many endangered species protected by the Indonesian government is this species of Sumatran tiger.

Furthermore, here are three of the rarest animals calling Indonesia home:

Largest Animals Found in Indonesia

Sumatran elephant and baby

In the world, there are between 2,400 and 2,800 Sumatran elephants left.

©dindaariztha/Shutterstock.com

Komodo Dragons, the largest reptiles on earth and stealthy hunters, are the main supporter of Indonesian tourism. Mostly on the islands of Komodo and Rinca, they are seen mostly on the islands of Rinca and Komodo.

There are two species of elephant in the globe, and the Sumatran Elephant is a subspecies of the Asian Elephant. They inhabit the Sumatran lowland forest. Sadly, the majority of this is not within a protected area. These areas are in the provinces of Riau, West Sumatra, and Lampung.

The Indonesian island of Java is home to the Javan leopard a subspecies of the leopard. Since 2021, it has been classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The population is thought to consist of 188-571 adult individuals spread among 22 dispersed subpopulations with a declining territory. 

Where to Find the Top Wild Animals in Indonesia

Crocodile with open mouth

In many regions in Indonesia, particularly the coastal districts of East Nusa Tenggara, saltwater crocodiles can be found.

©Audrey Snider-Bell/Shutterstock.com

The island’s national parks, including Tanjung Puting National Park in the rich rainforests of Borneo, the Baluran National Park near the eponymous volcano in Java, and the Kerinci Seblat National Park near a volcanic peak in Sumatra, are the best places to find Indonesian wildlife.

The Most Dangerous Animals in Indonesia Today

Banded Sea Krait (Snake)

This sea snake is highly venomous and can strike and deliver a dangerous neurotoxin if bitten.

©Rich Carey/Shutterstock.com

Because people have been forced to explore areas that may otherwise be the animals’ native habitat, Indonesian wildlife is known to coexist with humans. That is why it is very important to be cautious when visiting the Indonesian region.

Indonesia is home to many venomous animals, including:

  • Sea Wasp – This species of box jellyfish, which is native to the oceans near Indonesia, can deliver an intense, burning sting that only rarely results in death.
  • Saltwater Crocodile – As the largest living reptile on the planet, the dangerous saltwater crocodile also has a tendency to attack humans as prey.
  • Yellow-Lipped Sea Krait – This sea snake can deliver a powerful and dangerous neurotoxin that severely affects nerve function.

The Flag of Indonesia

At the Indonesian Declaration of Independence on August 17, 1945, the flag was raised for the first time before the entire country. 

©iStock.com/Vector

The flag of Indonesia is one of the simplest flag designs of any country in the world. It is made up of two horizontal stripes of red and white.

The red on the flags represent bravery and blood, while the white symbolizes spirit and purity. The flag’s official name, Sang Merah-Putih, which translates to “the Red and White,” is used.

Endangered Animals in Indonesia

Western Black Rhinoceros

The Sumatran rhino, prized for its two large horns, originally inhabited a vast territory that extended as far north as China, but it is now totally extinct on the Asian continent.

©iStock.com/EcoPic

Many of Indonesia’s most iconic species are now threatened by urbanization and deforestation, particularly from agriculture.

  • Sumatran Tiger – This subspecies of the tiger is one of the most powerful carnivores on the planet. Less than a thousand Sumatran tigers remain in the wild.
  • Sumatran Rhino – Prized for its two massive horns, the Sumatran rhino was once native to a massive range as far north as China, but it is now completely gone from the Asian mainland.
  • Orangutans – All three living species of orangutan which occupy the wild forests of Indonesia – the Sumatran orangutan, the Borneo orangutan, and the Tapanuli orangutan – are in critical danger of becoming extinct.

Indonesian Animals

Admiral Butterfly

Stunningly beautiful wings

Amethystine Python (Scrub Python)

Their milky-iridescent scales have a purplish hue in the light, reminiscent of the gemstone.

Ant

First evolved 100 million years ago!

Antelope

Renew their horns every year!

Arafura File Snake

These snakes have rough, file-like skin.

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 Arowana

The male Asian arowana raises the eggs in its mouth

Asian Elephant

Domesticated for hundreds of years!

Asian Palm Civet

It mainly eats mangos and coffee!

Assassin Snail

The snail-eating snail.

Atlas Beetle

Male Atlas beetles have prominent horns that are three times that of females. 

Atlas Moth

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

Aurochs

Extinct ancestor of all domesticated cattle!

Bamboo Rat

They make a "boop, boop, boop" sound when danger draws near their burrow.

Banana Spider

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

Banded Krait

What often prevents more people from falling victim is that the banded krait does not always inject venom in a defensive bite. It saves the venom for hunting prey instead.

Banded Palm Civet

Markings give it camouflage!

Barb

There are over 1768 known species!

Barn Owl

Found everywhere around the world!

Barn Swallow

Older offspring help care for new hatchlings.

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!

Biscuit Beetle

The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast

Black Dragon Lizard

Their black color is due to a genetic mutation!

Black Widow Spider

They typically prey on insects!

Blind Snake

The blind snake is often mistaken for a worm.

Blood Python

Blood pythons are so called because of the blood red markings on their skin.

Boelen’s python

A single hatchling can go for over $5,000 as a pet.

Box Jellyfish

Venomous marine animals

Brahminy Blindsnake

These snakes have been introduced to all continents, except Antarctica!

Brazilian Treehopper

“Mild-Mannered Minimonsters”

Bronze-winged Jacana

Fathers pick up their young and carry them under their wings

Brown Dog Tick

Can live its entire life indoors

Brown Tree Snake

People have reported seeing these snakes in Texas, Oklahoma, and Hawaii, but this has never been proven!

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.

Carpenter Ant

Carpenter ants can lift up to seven times their own weight with their teeth!

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!

Chromodoris Willani

Their skin is toxic

Cockroach

Dated to be around 300 million years old!

Coconut Crab 

The largest terrestrial arthropod in the world

Codling Moth

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

Comb-crested Jacana

They are busy foragers, always on the move

Common Buzzard

The most common raptor in the UK!

Common Furniture Beetle

The common furniture beetle feeds exclusively on wood

Common Green Magpie

Magpies are aggressive when threatened, often “dive-bombing” at intruders

Common House Spider

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

Common Spotted Cuscus

Has a long, strong prehensile tail!

Coral Snake

There are over 80 species of coral snake worldwide.

Corella

Corella birds are noisy, especially during the early morning or late evening.

Cormorant

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

Cosmic Caterpillar

Cosmic caterpillars have spots on their back that look like eyes to scare off predators.

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.

Crow

A group of these birds is called a Murder.

Deer

There are around 40 different species!

Dhole

Only 2,000 left in the wild!

Dog

First domesticated in South-East Asia!

Dog Tick

Dog ticks feed on dogs and other mammals

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!

Emerald Tree Monitor

They lay their eggs in termite nests!

Equatorial Spitting Cobra

Its hood is actually made of many elongated ribs.

Falcon

The fastest creatures on the planet!

False Widow Spider

False spiders actually prey on black widow spiders and other hazardous spiders

Fiddler Crab

The fiddler crab gets its name from the motion the males make with their over-sized claw during the mating ritual.

Fire-Bellied Toad

Found across mainland Europe and Asia!

Fire Eel

Fire Eels are not true eels.

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!

Flea

Adult fleas can jump up to 7 inches in the air

Fly

There are more than 240,000 different species!

Flying Lemur

The second pair of upper incisors in a flying lemur has a double root, which is unique for mammals.

Flying Snake

Flying snakes are the only gliding limbless vertebrates or animals with a backbone!

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 Bat

Among the largest bats in the world

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

Giant Trevally

The largest fish in its genus

Gibbon

Found in dense jungles and tropical forests!

Glass Lizard

Can grow up to 4ft long!

Glowworm

Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!

Gnat

Males form large mating swarms at dusk

Goat

Most closely related to the Sheep!

Golden Oriole

Migrates between Europe and Asia!

Goose

There are 29 different species!

Gourami

Gourami fishes show parental care for their young

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!

Green Tree Python

Green tree pythons are non-venomous, so to subdue their prey, they have a couple of very unique and highly successful hunting techniques.

Gypsy Moth

One of the most invasive species in the world

Hamster

Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!

Hare

Can reach speeds of over 50 mph!

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!

Huntsman Spider

Some huntsman spiders have an interesting way of moving around. Some cartwheel while others do handsprings or backflips.

Ibis

Found in swamps, marshes and wetlands!

Insects

There are an estimated 30 million species!

Javan Leopard

Deathly afraid of water

Jumping Spider

Some can jump 50 times the length of their bodies

Junglefowl

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

Keelback

The checkered keelback of the east Indies can detach its tail and grow it back, much like a lizard.

Kinabalu Giant Red Leech

Comes out only during a rainstorm or just afterward

King Cobra

They are the longest venomous snake in the world.

King Quail

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

Kingfisher

Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!

Komodo Dragon

Only found on five Indonesian islands

Ladybug

There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!

Leatherback Sea Turtle

They are the largest living turtle and the only sea turtle without a hard shell!

Leech

Has 10 pairs of eyes!

Leopard Cat

There are 11 different species!

Liger

The offspring of a lion and tiger parents!

Lizard

There are around 5,000 different species!

Locust

Each locust can eat its weight in plants each day.

Long-Eared Owl

Ear tufts make it look bigger!

Long-Tailed Tit

Often hangs upside down while feeding!

Lorikeet

The lorikeet has a long brush-like tongue with fine hairs on it

Magpie

They are found across Europe, Asia and Africa!

Malayan Civet

Also known as the Oriental Civet!

Malayan Krait

It's called the five-step snake because if a person is bitten, they can walk about five steps before dying.

Mangrove Snake

Mangrove snakes have small fangs that are more like enlarged teeth at the back of their jaw.

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.

Milkfish

Females lay up to 5 million eggs at one time in warm, shallow and salty waters

Millipede

Some species have a poisonous bite!

Mole

Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!

Monarch Butterfly

During migration, Monarch Butterflies may travel 250 or more miles each day.

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!

Mosquito

Only the female mosquito actually sucks blood

Moth

There are 250,000 different species!

Mouse

Found on every continent on Earth!

Mule

The offspring of a horse and donkey parents!

Muntjac

The muntjac is the smallest type of deer in the world

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

Neptune Grouper

The largest recorded specimen ever caught was 17" long

Newt

Able to regrow lost or damaged limbs!

Nightingale

Named more than 1,000 years ago!

No See Ums

There are more than 5,000 species.

Oranda Goldfish

Oranda goldfish are one of the most popular fancy goldfish breeds

Orangutan

Shares 97% of its DNA with humans!

Orb Weaver

Females are about four times the size of males

Otter

There are 13 different species worldwide

Owl

The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees

Pangolin

Bad eyesight, but great sense of smell

Paradise Flying Snake

Paradise Flying Snakes can glide over 100 yards!

Parrot

Can live for up to 100 years!

Peacock

Most commonly found on the Indian mainland!

Peregrine Falcon

Fastest animal on Earth

Pheasant

Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!

Pheasant-tailed Jacana

The pheasant-tailed jacana is the only species in its family that migrates long distances.

Pig

Thought to have been domesticated in 9,000 BC!

Pigeon

They can find their way back to their nests from up to 1300 miles away.

Pika

Found in mountainous regions and rocky areas

Pink-Necked Green Pigeon

They make whistling and quacking noises

Pit Viper

Pit vipers's fangs fold up into their mouths when they don't need them.

Platinum Arowana

The male broods the eggs and baby fish in his mouth.

Pompano Fish

They are bottom-feeders

Pond Skater

There are 500 different species!

Porcupine

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Praying Mantis

The mantis can turn its head 180 degrees.

Quail

Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!

Rabbit

There are more than 300 different species!

Rat

Omnivores that eat anything!

Rat Snakes

Rat snakes are constrictors from the Colubridae family of snakes.

Red-Eared Slider

Sliders spend lots of time basking in the sun. As cold-blooded animals, they need the sun to heat up.

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!

Sable Ferret

Ferrets were used during the Revolutionary War to keep down the rat population.

Salamander

There are more than 700 different species!

Sambar

Male sambars will compete for mates by clashing together with their antlers

Sand Crab

The sand crab burrows beneath the sand with its tail

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!

Shrew

The spinal column of the shrew Scutisorex somereni is so strong and reinforced that it can support the weight of an adult human.

Shrimp

There are 2,000 different species worldwide!

Skink Lizard

Some skinks lay eggs in some habitats while giving birth to skinklets in other habitats.

Slow Worm

Found widely throughout British gardens!

Slug

They glide around on one foot, which is aided by the slime they produce

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!

Spider Wasp

They prey on spiders to feed their larvae or they parasitize other spider wasps.

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!

Stork

They can’t sing like other birds.

Strawberry Hermit Crab

When strawberry hermit crabs find shells that are larger than their own, they gather in a line from biggest to smallest. Once the biggest one sheds its shell, the next one in line will claim it, which is repeated down the line.

Sumatran Elephant

Less than 2,000 left in the wild!

Sumatran Orangutan

Known to make mental maps of the forest!

Sumatran Rhinoceros

The smallest species of rhino!

Sumatran Tiger

The smallest species of tiger!

Swan

Populations have been affected by pollution!

Tapanuli Orangutan

Inhabits an isolated mountain range in northwestern Sumatra!

Tapir

Most closely related to horses and rhinos!

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!

Thrush

The American robin is called the robin because its red breast reminded European settlers of the robin back in the old country.

Tick

They inject hosts with a chemical that stops them from feeling the pain of the bite

Tiger

The largest feline in the world!

Tiger Beetle

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

Tokay Gecko

The Tokay gecko gets its onomatopoeic name from its "To-kay!" barking call.

Tortoise

Can live until they are more than 150 years old!

Tree Cricket

They make music with their wings

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.

Ulysses Butterfly

Ulysses butterflies have come back from endangered status to just "threatened."

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!

Walking Catfish

The walking catfish can move on land while breathing air

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 Ferret / Albino Ferrets

There are two different types of white ferrets!

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 Snake

Harmless, but with fangs like a wolf.

Wolf Spider

Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.

Woodlouse

This animal can roll up into a ball

Woodpecker

There are 200 different species!

Worm

Doesn’t have eyes.

Yellow Crazy Ant

One of the top 100 worst invasive species!

Zebu

There are around 75 different species!

Indonesian Animals List

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About the Author

Rebecca is an experienced Professional Freelancer with nearly a decade of expertise in writing SEO Content, Digital Illustrations, and Graphic Design. When not engrossed in her creative endeavors, Rebecca dedicates her time to cycling and filming her nature adventures. When not focused on her passion for creating and crafting optimized materials, she harbors a deep fascination and love for cats, jumping spiders, and pet rats.

Animals in Indonesia FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What are some extinct animals in Indonesia?

The list of extinct animals includes the Sulawesi dwarf elephant, giant rats, a giant boar, and a few subspecies of the tiger.

What is the largest animal in Indonesia?

The largest animal is the Sumatran elephant, which also happens to be endangered.