Myanmar Nature and Wildlife

Wildlife found in Myanmar is a mixture of species from North, South and Southeast Asia. There are approximately 300 known mammal species, 300 reptiles and 100 birds found throughout the country. In Myanmar’s jungles, tigers and leopards are quite common. The country’s highlands are home to elephants, rhinoceros, wild buffalo, wild boars as well as various deer species. Myanmar also houses varying monkey species including gibbons.

Reptiles that are found in Myanmar include crocodiles, pythons, cobras and geckos. There are 27 different species of turtles located in the country with seven of them being endemic to Myanmar. Birds are quite common with species from the exotic parrot to the common crow, from pheasants to peafowls to the widespread paddy bird.

There are two different types of forests found in Myanmar - monsoon forests and rainforests. Monsoon forests are dry for at least three months of the year and are made up of deciduous trees (trees or shrubs that lose their leaves seasonally). In contrast, rainforests are dominated by broadleaf evergreens and endure a rainy season that lasts around nine months. Forests along the beaches of Myanmar are made up of palm trees and other tree species that can withstand storms.

The Northern Forest complex in northern Myanmar is one of the largest contiguous forests in Southeast Asia. This immense forest goes across lowland areas, wetlands and snow-covered mountains. While other Southeast Asia countries have witnessed the shrinking of their natural landscapes, Myanmar still has quite large areas of forest and wetlands.

Hunting is the biggest threat to Myanmar’s natural habitats. Commercial hunting provides animals for the local market and for international customers like China. Myanmar’s tigers and turtles are targeted most often. Conservation groups are working around the country to protect these animals and to raise public awareness of the problems commercial hunting poses. They are also safeguarding turtle nesting beaches as well as establishing captive breeding colonies in an attempt to raise the turtle population.

Many groups are working to protect the freshwater population of Irrawaddy dolphins found in the Irrawaddy River. A protected area spans 69 km (43 mi) and is helping to boost public awareness. This awareness is aided by the interesting role that the dolphins play in the fishing industry on the Irrawaddy. They voluntarily herd fish into nets which has the potential to increase the size of the catch threefold!

There are nine national parks throughout the country with Alaungdaw Kathapap National Park in Sagaing Region being the largest at 160,500 hectares. This park is home to a large population of wild elephants as well as other rare species like the Clouded Leopard, jungle cats, the Himalayan Brown Bear and the Sun Bear among others.

ELEPHANTS

There are approximately 10,000 Asiatic elephants (1/3 of all in the world) distributed throughout Myanmar. Among these are roughly 6,000 working elephants, most of which are used in logging and agriculture.

WHITE ELEPHANTS

Possession of a sacred white (albino) elephant supposedly ensured Burmese Kings a prosperous reign.

There are 90 nerve centres to use to control an elephant or get it to do something. There are at least 5 one shouldn't press as it will infuriate them.

Myanmar Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Myanmar.

Learn about the history and culture of Myanmar, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Myanmar's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Myanmar for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Myanmar tours today!

Extend Your Trip

After your Myanmar tour considers taking the time to visit other destinations. Goway offers exciting China vacation packages, India tours and Thailand vacation packages plus a comprehensive selection of vacation packages in many other Asian countries.

Book your Myanmar tour with Goway! 

ASIA by Goway is an exclusive division that specializes in planning and organizing Myanmar tours and experiences. Choose from a small group tour, a cruise through the heart of Myanmar, an independent travel module, and much more. We want to be your first choice when next you go globetrotting to Myanmar.