The animals of the Asia Pacific “Big Five” are some of the most iconic creatures in all of Asia Pacific, and they are only found in this part of the world.
Here are five animals you'll want to add to your bucket list:
1. Bengal Tiger from India
The Bengal tiger is one of the largest cats in the world, with fur that can vary from orange to yellowish orange. They live in forests and grasslands throughout India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.
2. Asian Elephant from Thailand
Elephants are one of the most intelligent creatures on earth, but also the largest land animal on earth - that's why they have been domesticated by humans since ancient times! Asian elephants can be found roaming freely in Thailand and Sri Lanka.
3. Kangaroo from Australia
Kangaroos are marsupials that live in Australia as well as New Guinea and Tasmania. They have long tails and large hind legs with powerful muscles that allow them to jump as high as nine meters (30 feet)!
4. Orangutans from Indonesia
Orangutans only come from Indonesia; however, they can also be found in Malaysia and Borneo where their numbers have been reduced due to deforestation and poaching for their meat or body parts which are sold on the black market as trophies to wealthy hunters from other countries who pay dearly for them even though they are a species that is highly endangered. endangered.
Orangutans play an important role in their ecosystem, because they have the ability to absorb CO2 and release oxygen in the middle of the forest. With all these important functions, the orangutan is a symbol of Indonesia's natural wealth that should not be forgotten
5. Giant Panda from China
The Giant Panda is a bear that lives in the mountains of central China. Its thick coat ranges from black to brown, but its distinctive white facial markings and large size make it easy to spot. This panda eats bamboo almost exclusively, and due to its special diet, it must consume large amounts of bamboo leaves, stems and shoots every day to meet its nutritional needs.