KOTA KINABALU: The reported killing of an adult Bornean elephant, suspected of being killed for its ivory, in Sabah’s Sungai Pinangah Forest Reserve is a warning of the continued wildlife threats in the state, says WWF-Malaysia.
WWF-Malaysia executive director and CEO Sophia Lim called the act organised crime.
“It is a stark warning that wildlife in Sabah is continuously under threat
“This is especially concerning as it took place in a forest reserve that should provide safety for wildlife,” said Lim.
She urged collaborative action and faster coordination to prevent recurrence.
Lim said elephants are a keystone species that maintain forest biodiversity.
WWF-Malaysia Wildlife Protection Unit lead Sharon Koh said the vast, complex Sabah forests hindered constant monitoring and created gaps that syndicates exploited.
“We call on all to report any suspicious activities in their areas,” said Koh
She said with only an estimated 1,000 Bornean elephants remaining in Sabah, every loss is significant.
On May 17, an adult Bornean elephant was found killed with its head hacked off in an L-shape, with its tusks missing.
