Animals Only Found in Indonesia: The Complete List

Indonesia’s islands host an extraordinary mix of habitats — lowland rainforest, montane cloud forest and remote islets — that have shaped wildlife found nowhere else. Isolation across the archipelago creates pockets where unique species evolved, so a single trip can cross multiple entirely different ecosystems.

There are 20 Animals Only Found in Indonesia, ranging from the Bali myna to Wilson’s bird‑of‑paradise. For each species the list shows Scientific name, Island range and IUCN status, and you’ll find the full details below.

How were these 20 species determined to be endemic to Indonesia?

Endemism here is based on current range data from taxonomic literature and conservation sources (including IUCN assessments and field studies), meaning their known breeding populations occur only within Indonesia’s political boundaries; occasional vagrants or uncertain records are excluded, and ranges can change with new research so check the cited sources for updates.

Can I see animals like the Bali myna or Wilson’s bird‑of‑paradise in the wild?

Seeing them is possible but often requires planning: many are restricted to specific islands or protected areas, some (like the Bali myna) have small, managed populations and active reintroduction programs, so travel with reputable local guides, respect protected-area rules, and consider seasonality and habitat access for the best chance to observe them.

Animals Only Found in Indonesia

Images and Descriptions

Komodo dragon

The world’s largest lizard, up to 3 m long; lives in dry lowland scrub and savanna on a few Lesser Sunda islands. Powerful predator and scavenger with keen smell—restricted island range makes it a true Indonesian endemic.

Javan rhinoceros

A compact, solitary rhino about 2–3 m long that inhabits lowland rainforest and coastal plains. With fewer than a few dozen animals, it survives only in Ujung Kulon, making it one of Indonesia’s most imperiled endemics.

Sumatran rhinoceros

Small, hairy rhino about 2–3 m long found in dense mountain and lowland forest. Once widespread, remaining wild populations are confined to Sumatra and Kalimantan within Indonesia, making it nationally endemic and highly threatened.

Sumatran tiger (subsp.)

A smaller tiger subspecies (body 1.6–2.4 m) adapted to Sumatran forests and peat swamp. Forest loss and poaching have pushed it to the brink; its entire wild range is restricted to Indonesia’s Sumatra.

Javan leopard (subsp.)

A leopard subspecies, roughly 1–1.5 m body length, living in Java’s remaining forests and plantations. Elusive and threatened by habitat loss and conflict, its native wild range is confined to Java.

Sumatran orangutan

Large arboreal ape with adults reaching ~1.2–1.5 m shoulder height; inhabits lowland and hill rainforests. Distinct from other orangutans, it is endemic to northern Sumatra and severely threatened by deforestation.

Tapanuli orangutan

A recently described orangutan species, similar in size to other orangutans (~1.2–1.5 m); lives in fragmented montane and hill forest in Batang Toru. Its tiny range makes it Indonesia-only and critically endangered.

Celebes crested macaque

Black macaque about 45–60 cm body length with a distinctive crest; occupies lowland forest and agricultural edges. Hunting and habitat loss confine it to Sulawesi, making it an iconic endemic primate.

Lowland anoa

A dwarf buffalo standing ~70–90 cm at the shoulder; shy browser in Sulawesi’s lowland rainforest. Small range and hunting pressure make it an endemic ungulate of conservation concern.

Mountain anoa

Slightly stocky dwarf buffalo ~70–90 cm tall living in Sulawesi’s montane forests. Quiet and elusive, it’s restricted to Sulawesi highlands and faces habitat fragmentation and hunting.

Celebes babirusa

Odd-looking wild pig ~50–100 kg with upward-curving canine tusks and sparse hair; inhabits Sulawesi forests and swamps. Unique morphology and island restriction make it a signature Indonesian endemic.

Maleo

A large, grouse-like bird ~55 cm long that buries eggs in hot sand or geothermal soil; chicks emerge highly precocial. Its specialized breeding and Sulawesi-only range make it a conservation flagship.

Bali myna

Striking white starling ~25 cm long with blue bare facial skin; nests in dry forest and savanna. Once widespread on Bali, the tiny wild population makes it a high-profile Indonesian endemic.

Javan hawk-eagle

A medium raptor ~60–75 cm long with distinctive crest; requires tall, undisturbed montane rainforest. National emblem of Indonesia, it’s restricted to Java and vulnerable to logging and persecution.

Javan green magpie

Vivid green corvid about 28–30 cm long with a black eye mask; inhabits dense montane forest. Extremely rare in the wild and restricted to Java, it’s a highly threatened endemic.

Wilson’s bird‑of‑paradise

A dazzling 15–19 cm bird‑of‑paradise with ornate plumage and courtship displays; occupies lowland forest on two Raja Ampat islands. Its tiny island range makes it a charismatic Indonesian endemic.

Indonesian coelacanth

A rare deep‑water lobe‑finned fish reaching ~1.5–2 m; lives in volcanic slope caves. Discovered near Manado, this “living fossil” is known only from Indonesian waters.

Bawean deer

Small deer about 50–80 cm at the shoulder that lives in Bawean’s forest and scrub. With a tiny island range and heavy hunting pressure, it is one of Indonesia’s most threatened endemics.

Wakatobi flowerpecker

Tiny nectar‑feeding bird ~9–11 cm long found in lowland and coastal forest on the Wakatobi archipelago. Its extremely restricted island range makes it vulnerable and uniquely Indonesian.

Sulawesi palm civet

A slender, arboreal civet around 50–60 cm body length inhabiting Sulawesi’s forests. Nocturnal and diet‑flexible, it’s confined to Sulawesi and its conservation depends on forest protection.

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