Horrible news - the first in Borneo wildlife history. Within 30 days, thirteen endangered Borneo pygmy elephants were found dead near a logging camp and an oil palm plantation not far from the
Gunung Rara Forest Reserve, about 130km from Tawau. Two highly decomposed Pygmy carcasses were found in early January this year while eleven were found a few days ago.
However, a calf was still alive and trying to wake up the dead mother when an investigation team arrived at the scene.
There were more than seven females and three males ranging from four to twenty years old, believed to be from the same family group according to the wildlife department's senior veterinarian.
It was believed that all of them died after consuming poisonous substances as postmortems showed that they suffered severe haemorrhages and ulcers in their gastrointestinal tracts. Poaching has been ruled out as none of them had gunshot injuries. "We highly suspect that it might be some form of acute poisoning in something they had eaten." said the senior veterinarian.
Who could have done such a cruel act ? Could it be the owner of the Oil palm plantation or those working in the logging camp or some outside intruders? I hope that the "task force" set up by the relevant authorities in Sabah could do a comprehensive investigation and bring the culprits to book. It's high time that they recommend some action to prevent further loss as there are
now fewer than 1,500 Borneo pygmy elephants left in the wild.
These Pygmy elephants are listed as rare and endangered as a result of losing their natural habitat to deforestation and human encroachment.
I had some memorable experience with these Pygmy elephants when I visited Tabin Wildlife Reserve and the lower Kinabtagan river in the past.
A herd seen roaming in an Oil palm plantation near the river bank of lower Kinabangan river.
These lovely animals must be protected at all cost. The Sabah state Government should completely stop any further deforestation by withdrawing all logging licences and stop opening of new Oil palm plantations.
There were more than seven females and three males ranging from four to twenty years old, believed to be from the same family group according to the wildlife department's senior veterinarian.
It was believed that all of them died after consuming poisonous substances as postmortems showed that they suffered severe haemorrhages and ulcers in their gastrointestinal tracts. Poaching has been ruled out as none of them had gunshot injuries. "We highly suspect that it might be some form of acute poisoning in something they had eaten." said the senior veterinarian.
These Pygmy elephants are listed as rare and endangered as a result of losing their natural habitat to deforestation and human encroachment.
I had some memorable experience with these Pygmy elephants when I visited Tabin Wildlife Reserve and the lower Kinabtagan river in the past.
Watching them at Tabin Wildlife Reserve,
These lovely animals must be protected at all cost. The Sabah state Government should completely stop any further deforestation by withdrawing all logging licences and stop opening of new Oil palm plantations.
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