Natural
Parc du Kinabalu
Malaisie
Photo : Mike Prince from Bangalore, India (CC BY 2.0)
Located in the Malaysian state of Sabah on the island of Borneo, this natural site encompasses Mount Kinabalu and its surrounding protected area. The park is characterized by exceptional biological diversity, featuring distinct ecological zones that transition from lowland rainforest to alpine meadows as elevation increases. The mountain itself, which dominates the landscape, rises significantly above the surrounding terrain and supports numerous endemic plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. The region's steep topography, combined with high rainfall and varied soil conditions, creates multiple microhabitats that contribute to its rich biodiversity. The park serves as a critical watershed and provides important ecosystem services for the surrounding region. Its ecological significance and the concentration of unique species justify its recognition as a natural heritage site of global importance.
