Myanmar

Myanmar also known as Burma is a Southeast Asian country. It is the biggest country by area in Mainland Southeast Asia. The capital is Naypyidaw and the largest city is Yangon, formerly called Rangoon. With more than 16 000 species of plants, 314 species of mammals, 1131 species of birds, 293 species of reptiles and 139 species of amphibians, Myanmar is a biodiverse country with 64 terrestrial ecosystems, ranging from tropical and subtropical vegetation, seasonally flooded wetlands, coastal and tidal systems, and alpine ecosystems. In Myanmar are some of the largest intact natural ecosystems in Southeast Asia, but those that remain are threatened by intensification of land use and overexploitation. Since 1995, heavy logging has severely reduced forest area and wildlife habitat. All types of tropical fruits are grown in coastal areas, which once had extensive mangrove plantations, although many of the protective mangroves are now gone. Jungle animals, especially tigers, are rare in Myanmar. Upper Myanmar is home to rhinos, Wild Water Buffalo, Clouded Leopards, wild boars, deer, antelope and elephants, which are also domesticated or bred in captivity to be used as work animals, especially in the lumber sector. There are also many smaller mammals, from gibbons and monkeys to flying foxes. The abundance of birds is also remarkable, with more than 800 species, among them parrots, myna, peafowl, Red Junglefowl, weaverbirds, crows, herons, and Barn Owl. Reptile species include crocodiles, geckos, cobras, Burmese Pythons and turtles.