Home to Indigenous Peoples, wild orangutans, and the largest flower on Earth
1. 1,200+ ethnic groups live in Southeast Asia
An estimated 2/3 of the total 450 million population of Indigenous Peoples and local communities worldwide live in Asia. More than 660 million people depend on the region’s biodiversity for their livelihoods and welfare.
2. More coral reefs than anywhere else in the world
ASEAN countries are home to the most biodiverse coral reefs on Earth, over 600 species of reef-building coral live here, ⅓ of the world’s coral reef species. That's more than anywhere else in the world!
3. The only place to observe orangutan in the wild
The corpse flower, also known as Rafflesia arnoldii or giant padma, is the largest individual flower on Earth. It can grow up to 3 feet wide and weigh up to 20 pounds. The flower has a strong and unpleasant odor of decaying flesh, which it uses to attract pollinating flies.
Mangrove trees are instrumental in mitigating the effects of climate change and have the capacity to absorb and store carbon dioxide, effectively stopping greenhouse gasses from entering the atmosphere.
7. Home to 1/3 of world's coastal and marine habitats
But this incredible biodiversity is under threat. Habitat loss, climate change, and illegal wildlife trade are all taking their toll. The ASEAN Center for Biodiversity is a response to this challenge. It is important to raise awareness of the region's biodiversity and inspire people to take action to protect it.
The ASEAN region is home to over 1,000 mammal species
Get up close and personal
Visit a critical nesting ground
The Lake With Thousands of Birds
Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary Myanmar is home to over 800 species
It is the largest inland lake in ASEAN and the third largest lake in the world.
Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1999 to protect local waterfowl and their habitats and neighboring catchment areas.
Considered a birdwatcher’s paradise, the sanctuary is home to hundreds of ruddy shelduck, bar-headed goose, tufted duck, openbill, common crane, and brown-headed gull.
Rare species include the red-crested pochard, grey-headed lapwing, sarus crane, lesser adjutant, black-necked stork, woolly-necked stork, white-rumped vulture, slender-billed vulture, blue-bearded bee-eater and brahminy kite.
The lake is a major stop for migratory birds and attracts thousands from December to March. Even for those who aren’t enthusiasts, the sight of thousands of birds on the lake, and flying in flocks over it, is something to behold.
Recorded species
• 350 species of forest birds • 99 species of waterbirds • 88 species of amphibians and reptiles • 85 species of trees • 70 species of orchids • 66 species of fish • 56 species of medicinal plants • 50 species of butterflies • 37 species of mammals
