Hutan

An introduction to the spectacular rainforests of Malaysia with their amazing diversity of animal, bird and plant life, living in these apparently impenetrable, steamy, equatorial jungles.

What happens to the forest flora and fauna, normally used to a wet climate when suddenly faced with drought? Forest clearances as well as El Nino are to blame for these extreme climatic changes.

When the giant strangler fig trees bear fruit, it triggers two weeks of feeding for a wide variety of birds and animals. First come the hornbills, then giant squirrels, orang utans and finally the small Barbet birds.

This episode studies the Asian elephant and its role in the life of the jungle. We also meet the Orang Asli, the native tribes of Malaysia. Two of the most endangered species are the jungle tiger and the Asian rhinoceros, found in the Taman Negara National Park.

The best known and best loved animal is the fabled ‘Man of the Forest’, the orang utan. Their future depends on man’s behaviour towards them and their habitat. We also see the work of the Sepilok Rehabilitation centre where orphaned oranges are prepared for their return to the wild.