TONGOD: A male Borneo Pygmy Elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis) was found dead in the Sungai Pinangah Forest Reserve with part of its head removed
(pic), believed for the tusks of the protected animal.
On May 17 several workers of a nearby plantation heard a loud explosion coming from the forest. Severe weather conditions prevented an immediate inspection. The following day, a team from the plantation entered the area and discovered the elephant’s carcass.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) subsequently conducted an initial investigation in collaboration with Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), community rangers and the plantation management.
“The investigation revealed injuries to the head, believed caused by a sharp object. However, no gunshot wounds have been found so far and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident and identify those responsible,” he said in a statement, Tuesday.
Jafry said cigarette packets and water bottles were found strewn at the scene. Joint roadblock operations have been set up with the police, and forest patrols stepped up to hunt down the perpetrators.
He said the State Government takes the incident seriously, as the Borneo elephant is an iconic and increasingly endangered species in Sabah.
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“The State Government will not compromise on any poaching activities or wildlife crimes.”
Borneo Pygmy Elephant is a totally protected animal under Schedule 1 of the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. It is designated as an endangered species by the IUCN Red List.
