Ecosystem

Elaeis guineensis, Oil Palms, are not native to Borneo but Africa. Massive palm oil plantations are snuffing out millions of species in Borneo and Sumatra, but our demand for palm oil only increases as our population grows. We use palm oil for cooking, lotion, lip balm, and a variety of household goods. Palm oil plantations and poaching are the leading causes of Orangutans, and other species in Borneo and Sumatra, being critically endangered from habit loss and destruction.

Kingdom: Plantae

The majestic Sundaland Clouded Leopard, Neofelis diardi, is considered endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as of 2008. Originally thought of as one species, Sundaland clouded leopards are different from the well-known Neofelis nebulosa "Mainland Clouded Leopard." Mainland leopards reside in the mainland of Southeast Asia, while Sunaland leopards dwell in Borneo and Sumatra.

Presbytis rubicunda are vulnerable with numbers decreasing. Their babies are born white, but they grow into their famous auburn red fur as they age. Their life span is about 20 years and they can weigh up to 15lbs.

The Rhinoceros Hornbill, Buceros rhinoceros, is Sarawak's state bird and Malaysia's national bird. These birds travel in pairs and have a loud barking-like call, and they are vulnerable, with individual numbers slowly decreasing. This species of Hornbill are hunted for their feathers and down feathers.

Lophura ignita are considered vulnerable as of 2020 due to logging and habitat loss. They are a magnificent blue with red tail feathers and white tips. Their diet is primarily nuts, fruits, and small animals.

Three nematodes can appear in Varanid lizards in Borneo, Tanque tiara, Amplicaecum varai, and Abbreviata borneensis. Not threatened in the wild, nematodes occupy various habitats.

The Borneo Birdwing, Triodes andromache, is a species of butterfly that only exists in Borneo. This arthropod has a wingspan of up to 6 inches, and the body is black with yellow marks. The Borneo Birdwing, is vulnerable due to habit loss and quality of habitat.

Omphalotus olearius is orange in color during the day but lights up the tropical rainforest of Borneo at night, hence the name Jack-O'-Lantern mushroom. They are not endangered and quickly form on the base of trees and stumps or buried wood. They are toxic to humans but are not lethal if ingested; instead, they induce vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea. Jack-O'-Lantern mushrooms are a part of the Basidiomycota division of fungi.

This fungus is considered endangered by the IUCN Red List, with only 500 mature individuals. Spongiforma squarepantsii has been new to science since discovered only 11 years ago. The name of this fungus is derived from the beloved Nickelodeon show Spongebob Squarepants.