Latest news with #Nurzhafarina
Sinar Daily
a day ago
- Science
- Sinar Daily
Bornean elephants are not pygmies, expert clarifies
Bornean elephants are smaller than other Asian elephant subspecies, but calling them pygmy elephants is inaccurate. 27 Jun 2025 09:05am A Bornean elephant was seen grazing on wild napier grass along the Kinabatangan River, which serves as its migration route, during a recent survey. Photo by Bernama KINABATANGAN - The idea that Bornean elephants are related to the ancient pygmy elephants is a misconception, says elephant conservationist Dr Nurzhafarina Othman, who clarifies that no such pygmy species ever existed in Sabah. "The term 'pygmy' was popularised through a scientific publication in 2003, likely to attract public interest. However, it needs to be corrected to prevent confusion,' she told Bernama. Dr Nurzhafarina, a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, explained that the Bornean elephants are indeed smaller than other Asian elephant subspecies, but noted that calling them pygmy elephants is inaccurate. "True pygmy elephants were much smaller, about waist-high to humans and are long extinct,' she said. She urged the public and media to stop using the term 'pygmy' when referring to Bornean elephants, stressing that this misnomer overshadows their unique status as a distinct subspecies. Some tourists were seen observing several Bornean elephants foraging along the banks of the Kinabatangan River, which serves as their migration route, during a recent survey. Photo by Bernama "The Bornean elephant, classified as Elephas maximus borneensis, is a special treasure unique to Sabah. Mislabeling them risks undermining their conservation,' Dr Nurzhafarina added. Currently, the species is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with an estimated 250 individuals remaining in the Kinabatangan area. Dr Nurzhafarina noted that ongoing research into the elephants' genetics, behaviour and habitat needs is critical for their protection. "Understanding these elephants on their own terms and not through the lens of outdated myths, is key to effective conservation efforts,' she said. The conservationist also highlighted efforts to address human-elephant conflicts through habitat restoration and experimental food corridors but emphasized that education and accurate information are just as important to securing the elephants' future. "The story of the Bornean elephant should be one of pride and preservation, free from confusion and misrepresentation,' she concluded. - BERNAMA
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Science
- Borneo Post
Bornean elephants not pygmies, expert clarifies
Nurzhafarina Othman KINABATANGAN (June 22): The idea that Bornean elephants are related to the ancient pygmy elephants is a misconception, says elephant conservationist Dr Nurzhafarina Othman, who clarifies that no such pygmy species ever existed in Sabah. 'The term 'pygmy' was popularised through a scientific publication in 2003, likely to attract public interest. However, it needs to be corrected to prevent confusion,' she told Bernama. Dr Nurzhafarina, a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, explained that the Bornean elephants are indeed smaller than other Asian elephant subspecies, but noted that calling them pygmy elephants is inaccurate. 'True pygmy elephants were much smaller, about waist-high to humans and are long extinct,' she said. She urged the public and media to stop using the term 'pygmy' when referring to Bornean elephants, stressing that this misnomer overshadows their unique status as a distinct subspecies. 'The Bornean elephant, classified as Elephas maximus borneensis, is a special treasure unique to Sabah. Mislabeling them risks undermining their conservation,' Dr Nurzhafarina added. Currently, the species is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with an estimated 250 individuals remaining in the Kinabatangan area. Dr Nurzhafarina noted that ongoing research into the elephants' genetics, behaviour and habitat needs is critical for their protection. 'Understanding these elephants on their own terms and not through the lens of outdated myths , is key to effective conservation efforts,' she said. The conservationist also highlighted efforts to address human-elephant conflicts through habitat restoration and experimental food corridors but emphasized that education and accurate information are just as important to securing the elephants' future. 'The story of the Bornean elephant should be one of pride and preservation, free from confusion and misrepresentation,' she concluded. -Bernama
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Science
- New Straits Times
Bornean elephants are not pygmies
KINABATANGAN: The idea that Bornean elephants are related to the ancient pygmy elephants is a misconception, says elephant conservationist Dr Nurzhafarina Othman, who clarifies that no such pygmy species ever existed in Sabah. "The term 'pygmy' was popularised through a scientific publication in 2003, likely to attract public interest. However, it needs to be corrected to prevent confusion," she told Bernama. Dr Nurzhafarina, a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, explained that the Bornean elephants are indeed smaller than other Asian elephant subspecies, but noted that calling them pygmy elephants is inaccurate. "True pygmy elephants were much smaller, about waist-high to humans and are long extinct," she said. She urged the public and media to stop using the term 'pygmy' when referring to Bornean elephants, stressing that this misnomer overshadows their unique status as a distinct subspecies. "The Bornean elephant, classified as Elephas maximus borneensis, is a special treasure unique to Sabah. Mislabeling them risks undermining their conservation," Dr Nurzhafarina added. Currently, the species is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with an estimated 250 individuals remaining in the Kinabatangan area. Dr Nurzhafarina noted that ongoing research into the elephants' genetics, behaviour and habitat needs is critical for their protection. "Understanding these elephants on their own terms and not through the lens of outdated myths , is key to effective conservation efforts," she said. The conservationist also highlighted efforts to address human-elephant conflicts through habitat restoration and experimental food corridors but emphasised that education and accurate information are just as important to securing the elephants' future." The story of the Bornean elephant should be one of pride and preservation, free from confusion and misrepresentation," she concluded.– BERNAMA
Barnama
6 days ago
- Science
- Barnama
Bornean Elephants Are Not Pygmies, Expert Clarifies
KINABATANGAN, June 22 (Bernama) -- The idea that Bornean elephants are related to the ancient pygmy elephants is a misconception, says elephant conservationist Dr Nurzhafarina Othman, who clarifies that no such pygmy species ever existed in Sabah. 'The term 'pygmy' was popularised through a scientific publication in 2003, likely to attract public interest. However, it needs to be corrected to prevent confusion,' she told Bernama. Dr Nurzhafarina, a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, explained that the Bornean elephants are indeed smaller than other Asian elephant subspecies, but noted that calling them pygmy elephants is inaccurate. "True pygmy elephants were much smaller, about waist-high to humans and are long extinct,' she said. She urged the public and media to stop using the term 'pygmy' when referring to Bornean elephants, stressing that this misnomer overshadows their unique status as a distinct subspecies. 'The Bornean elephant, classified as Elephas maximus borneensis, is a special treasure unique to Sabah. Mislabeling them risks undermining their conservation,' Dr Nurzhafarina added. Currently, the species is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with an estimated 250 individuals remaining in the Kinabatangan area. Dr Nurzhafarina noted that ongoing research into the elephants' genetics, behaviour and habitat needs is critical for their protection. 'Understanding these elephants on their own terms and not through the lens of outdated myths , is key to effective conservation efforts,' she said. The conservationist also highlighted efforts to address human-elephant conflicts through habitat restoration and experimental food corridors but emphasized that education and accurate information are just as important to securing the elephants' future.
The Star
09-06-2025
- Science
- The Star
Recognised for work on elephants
Nurzhafarina showing the skeleton of an elephant that died in Kinabatangan, now on display at UMS Tropical Biology and Conservation Institute gallery in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. — Bernama FOR over two decades, Dr Nurzhafarina Othman's life has been inextricably linked with the Bornean elephant, particularly in Sabah's Lower Kinabatangan. What began in 2003 as a conservation biology degree at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) evolved into a profound mission to understand and conserve South-East Asia's largest land mammal. Now a senior lecturer at UMS Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Nurzhafarina dedicates her life to studying every aspect of these gentle giants, whose future faces increasing threats. Her unwavering commitment to elephant conservation, especially through her leadership as founder and director of non-profit Seratu Aatai, recently garnered global recognition. In April, Nurzhafarina was honoured with the prestigious Whitley Award, widely known as the 'Green Oscar', as testament to her impactful work. Speaking to Bernama, she shared the unique and powerful bond that formed between her and the elephants during her fieldwork. These encounters revealed their sensitive, affectionate and intelligent nature, challenging common misconceptions. 'There's a feeling that we chose each other. It's as if I was meant to be part of their story,' she mused, recalling how her initial academic pursuit transformed into a deeper calling. Nurzhafarina recounts never experiencing aggression from the pachyderms. Instead, her presence was met with calm, as if they recognised her role as a protector, not an intruder. 'The elephants gave me their time,' she said, detailing how she came to know 50 individual females by sight, even naming them, over four years. The Sabah-based lecturer from Kedah emphasised that elephants don't 'attack' or 'invade'; rather, humans have encroached into their territories. This fundamental truth fuels her lifelong mission: to foster harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants. Founded in 2018, Seratu Aatai, which means 'united in heart' in the Sungai language, actively works with local communities through education and outreach. It aims to promote empathy and awareness for elephants and all wildlife. Seratu Aatai remains the only conservation group in Sabah solely dedicated to protecting the Bornean elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis) in Lower Kinabatangan, a rich biodiverse region also home to the orang utan, sun bear and proboscis monkey. Witnessing the elephants' struggle to navigate their fragmented natural habitats surrounded by human activity was a pivotal moment for her. It ignited her resolve to be a voice for these creatures, bridging the gap between human development and animal preservation. Receiving the Whitley Award 2025 was an emotional experience. Presented by the UK-based Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN), the award is highly competitive and globally recognised. On April 30, she accepted the £50,000 (RM287,000) award from WFN patron Princess Anne at the Royal Geographical Society in London, England. This award validates her efforts to protect the estimated 300 remaining Bornean elephants in eastern Sabah. It also acknowledges her innovative approach of engaging the palm oil industry in Lower Kinabatangan to adopt elephant- friendly practices and establish safe corridors for the world's smallest elephant species. 'This award comes with great responsibility,' said Nurzhafarina expressing gratitude for the platform it provided to highlight the elephants' plight and affirm the work of those in the field. For her, conservation is a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the opportunity to protect these endangered species. While acknowledging the challenges of uniting all parties, she hopes local communities will join her in this mission, believing Kinabatangan can symbolise human-wildlife harmony. 'Sabah and Borneo are renowned for their natural wealth. So we must find a balance between development and environmental conservation,' she added.
