Capital

Dili

Official Language(s)

Tetum & Portuguese

Fun Fact

The island is shaped like a crocodile, which locals consider a sacred, foundational creature

National Animal

Saltwater Crocodile

National Bird

Yellow-crested Cockatoo

Add a PDF file and cover image

Animal Laws of Timor-Leste

The Animal Laws of Timor-Leste PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for Timor-Leste. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of Timor-Leste

Yellow-crested Cockatoo

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

The Yellow-crested Cockatoo is a striking parrot found on several islands in Indonesia and Timor-Leste. It is recognized by its white plumage, bright yellow crest, and dark beak. Highly intelligent and social, it feeds on seeds, fruits, nuts, berries, and flowers while living in small flocks. Illegal trapping for the pet trade and habitat loss have made the Yellow-crested Cockatoo critically endangered.

Saltwater Crocodile

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Saltwater Crocodile is the world's largest living reptile, found in rivers, estuaries, mangrove swamps, and coastal waters from India across Southeast Asia to northern Australia. Recognized by its massive body, powerful jaws, and thick armored scales, it is an apex predator that hunts fish, birds, reptiles, and mammals. An excellent swimmer, the Saltwater Crocodile can travel long distances across the ocean between islands. Its strength and adaptability have made it one of the most successful predators on Earth.

Spotted Cuscus

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Spotted Cuscus is a tree-dwelling marsupial found in the rainforests of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and nearby islands. It is recognized by its thick woolly fur, large eyes, and distinctive cream-colored coat covered with reddish-brown spots in males. Mostly active at night, the Spotted Cuscus feeds on leaves, fruits, flowers, and young shoots while moving slowly through the forest canopy. Habitat loss and hunting threaten some populations across its range.

Javan Rusa

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The Javan Rusa is a large deer native to the forests, grasslands, and wetlands of Indonesia and nearby regions. It is recognized by its dark brown coat and the impressive three-tined antlers of mature males. Javan Rusa feed on grasses, leaves, shoots, and fruits and are most active during the early morning and evening. Habitat loss and hunting have caused declines in parts of their native range, although the species has been introduced to several other countries.

Timor green pigeon

Conservation Status: Endangered

The Timor Green Pigeon is a colorful fruit-eating bird found in the forests and woodlands of Timor-Leste and nearby islands in Indonesia. It is recognized by its bright green plumage, soft gray head, and patches of maroon and yellow on its wings. Feeding mainly on figs and other fruits, the Timor Green Pigeon plays an important role in dispersing seeds and maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. Habitat loss poses a growing threat to some local populations.

Long-tailed Macaque

Conservation Status: Endangered

The Long-tailed Macaque, also known as the Crab-eating Macaque, is a highly adaptable primate found in forests, mangroves, wetlands, and coastal areas across Southeast Asia. Recognized by its gray-brown fur and long tail, it lives in large social groups and feeds on fruits, seeds, leaves, insects, crabs, and other small animals. An excellent swimmer, it is often seen foraging along riverbanks and shorelines. Its intelligence and adaptability have allowed it to thrive in both natural habitats and areas close to people.