The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially designated the Kinabatangan River in Sabah as Malaysia’s latest biosphere reserve, reports BERNAMA, a partner of TV BRICS.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability welcomed the recognition, calling it a testament to the commitment of the state government and local communities to protecting biodiversity.

Covering 413,866 hectares, the Kinabatangan Biosphere Reserve is home to 315 bird species, 100 reptiles, 33 amphibians, 127 mammals and more than 1,000 vascular plant species, including several endangered icons such as the Bornean orangutan, pygmy elephant, proboscis monkey, sun bear and all eight hornbill species found in Sabah.

With this designation, Malaysia now has four UNESCO biosphere reserves: Kinabatangan and Crocker Range in Sabah, Tasik Chini in Pahang and Penang Hill in Penang.

Photo: Wirestock / iStock