Located in northern Borneo, the Deramakot Forest Reserve is one of the finest wildlife locations on the island. The species that can be seen here range from Sunda clouded leopard to colugo and Malay sun bear.
The Deramakot Forest Reserve is a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast, and is a perfect example of how sustainable forest management can promote the protection and conservation of wildlife. The reserve itself is split into sections, some are completely protected for conservation whereas others are designated for sustainable and reduced impact logging. Despite being logged in places, it is one the finest places to see many of Borneo’s rare and endangered mammals.
Some of species that can be seen here are: leopard cat, binturong, slow loris, pygmy elephant, flat-headed cat, colugo, otter civet and Bornean gibbon. These species are not only seen here, but they are thriving in Deramakot.
For many, the most iconic mammal species found here is the Sunda clouded leopard. The world's rarest cat, it is thought that the Sunda clouded leopard population in Sabah ranges between 1,500 and 3,000 individuals, and the Deramakot Forest Reserve has arguably the largest remaining population on Earth. Relatively little is known about its behaviour, but recent studies have shown that it has a range of terrestrial and arboreal prey species. They are known to hunt mouse deer, bearded pigs, fish, porcupines and proboscis and green leaf monkeys. Sunda clouded leopards can either stalk their prey on the ground or ambush them from the air. Other than Borneo, the only other location to see these animals is Sumatra, but their population density is much lower making them harder to see compared to Deramakot.
A dedicated small group mammal watching holiday to Borneo’s rainforests in pursuit of the region's rarest mammal species, including the iconic Bornean orangutan, Asian elephant, the secretive Malay sun bear and the majestic Sunda clouded leopard, alongside a fabulous variety of reptiles, amphibians and birds.
Find out more about Borneo’s Rare Mammals
A unique and comprehensive exploration, by day and by night, of Borneo’s wildlife, including endemic birds and mammals and a host of rarely seen nocturnal species. Visiting Mount Kinabalu, Deramakot Forest Reserve, the Kinabatangan River and Tabin Wildlife Reserve, it offers the very best of wild Borneo.
Find out more about Wild Borneo
