Articles

Pygmy elephants

A year 2003 DNA analysis carried out by WWF and Columbia University found that the Borneo's pygmy elephants were genetically distinct from other Asian elephants, thereby recognizing it as a likely new subspecies and emphasizing its conservation priority.

According to the DNA evidence these elephants were isolated about 300,000 years ago from their cousins on mainland Asia and Sumatra. During that period, they became smaller with relatively larger ears, longer tails and straighter tusks.

The evolutionary history of Borneo's elephants justifies their recognition as a separate evolutionary significant unit (ESU).

Why not we go for a separate endemic species :BORNEAN PYGMY ELEPHANT, Elephas borneensis? This will make all elephants worldwide more unique and will help their conservation. Sabah needs all the land that about 600-1000 of them are roaming now, mostly next to oil palms in Sabah.

Let us all do our best and our part to make sure they will survive forever in the wilderness of Northeast Borneo - their natural and own home.