Trapped young jumbo found dead at plantation

KOTA KINABALU: A young elephant has been found dead at the Low Woo Thien oil palm plantation area in Ulu Segama Lahad Datu after it apparently stepped on snare traps.

Sabah Wildlife Department public relations officer Siti Nur’Ain Ampuan Acheh said the carcass of the male juvenile jumbo was discovered by plantation workers at about 5.10pm on Monday.

She said a team of rangers from the Lahad Datu Wildlife Office was immediately sent out to check.

“Upon inspection, the team found that the elephant only had an injured foot, believed due to stepping on snare traps,” she said in a statement.

There were no signs of foul play, she added.

The elephant, said to be between four and five years old, is believed to have succumbed to its infected wound and parasitic infection.

At least eight elephants have been reported dead due to various reasons in Sabah, including in the east coast and Lok Kawi Wildlife Park here between April and this month.