KOTA KINABALU: The remains of a decomposing Borneo pygmy elephant was found at a plantation in Sabah’s east coast Tungku on Christmas Day.
Sabah Wildlife Department rangers have started investigations into the cause of death of the female elephant, aged between four and five years.
Initial investigations found no bullet casings or projectiles at the scene where the elephant was discovered.
It understood that the elephant had died over a week ago and the area had been cordoned off to facilitate further investigations.
When contacted Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin confirmed that he had received a report on the incident from the state Wildlife Department.
The death of the elephant was discovered by plantation workers who reported it to the plantation’s chief security officer. A report was lodged with the Tungku police station and the case was referred to the Lahad Datu Wildlife Department.
The latest case highlights ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the Lahad Datu area where several elephant deaths had occurred this year.
