10 Fun Facts About Indonesian Animals 

Selamat siang! Today, we are visiting one of the most biologically diverse places in the world - Indonesia. Come with us and meet incredible Indonesian animals while exploring landmarks such as the Wallace Line, Sumatran rainforests and the Sibau river. 

10 Fun Facts About Indonesian Animals

Indonesia is home to all three species of orangutan, all of which are critically endangered.

Indonesia is now the only place you can find wild Sumatran orangutans and the Tapanuli orangutans. See their range here. 

Sulawesi views the Maleo as a symbol of fertility and renewal.

The maleo also has a unique way of hatching its eggs. They choose volcanic soil or warm sand to aid incubation. 

The real Iron Teeth clan.

Komodo dragons' teeth are coated in iron to keep them sharp.

Where frogs fly (sort of). 

Wallace's flying frogs glide through the rainforest to escape predators. Their specially adapted feet, with webbing and large sticky toes, help them glide over 50 feet and land without causing injury.  Watch one in action here.

A fish that predicts a windfall.

Found in rivers and swamps in Indonesia (and a popular aquarium species), legend has it that the golden arowana acts strangely before someone comes into money. 

Sea wasp is a fearsome predator with no brain.

This box jellyfish is believed to be one of the world’s most venomous animals. Each tentacle has millions of stinging cells that inject venom into prey. 

A crown fit for a king.

Wilson's bird-of-paradise has a featherless bright blue crown that is so vibrant, it can be seen at night. 

Borneo elephant populations have declined by 50% over three generations.

These friendly elephants are suffering from habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment.  

The epaulette shark can walk on land. 

Eqaulette sharks have two amazing adaptations. The first allows them to use their fins to move on land, the second, to survive for a limited time without oxygen. 

Indonesia holds the Guinness World Record for the longest snake.

The title is held by a 7.22 m reticulated python in 2025, who is thought to be the longest wild snake ever recorded.

Interested in hearing more about amazing animals and where they live? Ask us about our ‘Habitats’, ‘Rainforest’ or ‘Oceans’ workshops.