Latest news with #WildlifeConservationEnactment1997
Borneo Post
14-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Human-elephant conflict: Hope on the horizon
In Sabah, humans are often cast as villains in conflicts with Bornean elephants. Yet this perception is far from the truth. Here, both humans and elephants are victims in what appears to be a complex 'dance' for survival. This final in a two-part feature explores solutions to this age-old issue. KINABATANGAN: The sun beats down mercilessly as the boat ferrying Bernama writer Fadzli Ramli and cameraman Arjasneh Ahmad, and Bernama TV videographer Ahmad Jimmy cuts through the murky waters of the Kinabatangan River, infamous for housing Sabah's largest crocodile population. But the team is not there for the prehistoric predators. What draws them there is the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the endangered Bornean elephant, whose population has declined over the years due to habitat loss as a result of forest clearing for agriculture and development, resulting in a long-standing conflict between farmers striving to make an honest living and the displaced animals raiding crops in search of food. Accompanied by their guide Sharon Rahman, known locally as Mai, from RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust (RESPECT), they wait for almost four hours before the boatman's wireless radio crackles to life, relaying news that wild elephants have been spotted along the riverbank, near Tahini Kinabatangan, a nature lodge in Kampung Billit located about 50 kilometres from Kinabatangan town. Two adults emerge first from the forest, moving with a grace that makes one question everything they thought they knew about size and elegance. A curious kid follows, then two more adults join the party – in their natural habitat. Several boats with foreign tourists are there too. There is silence. No selfies, no chatter; just pure, unadulterated awe of the majestic giants. The population of the Bornean elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis), the smallest subspecies of the Asian elephant and endemic to the northern part of Borneo, is down to about 1,000, with the majority found in the Kinabatangan area on the east coast of Sabah and some in Kalimantan, Indonesia. The solution to ending or minimising Sabah's man-elephant conflict is not merely about building higher fences. It is about finding that sweet spot where both sides can coexist peacefully. POLICY The Bornean elephants are protected by law, including Sabah's Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. Also in place is the state government's Bornean Elephant Action Plan (2020-2029) to ensure the long-term survival of the species. Viewed as a pragmatic policy by experts, the 10-year plan focuses on habitat protection, research and, most importantly, human-elephant conflict mitigation. Elaborating on this, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew told Bernama in an interview that the essence of the policy lies in its objectives. 'We're talking about long-term survival strategies – not just paying lip service but making genuine attempts to prevent these gentle giants from joining the ranks of the disappeared (species),' she said before confessing, 'Actually, elephants are among the animals I'm most passionate about. We are very lucky in Borneo we've this particular species. So we must protect them.' Revealing a little nugget of information, she told Bernama that international zoos have been clamouring for Borneo's elephants, but 'I told them no, not for the time being'. In a world where conservation often amounts to little more than expensive documentation of extinction, the 10-year action plan outlines the state's various initiatives to mitigate conflict and foster coexistence so that both humans and elephants can share the shrinking landscape without one destroying the other. There is also the stark acknowledgment that some elephants will inevitably end up in human care, with the plan addressing the necessary strategies and measures for effective management of elephants kept in captivity – with an emphasis on treating them with dignity, not merely as sad exhibits in concrete enclosures. Other items in the plan – elephant corridors, habitat restoration, community engagement and enforcement – read like a conservationist's dream. Progress reports are already rolling in and Liew can barely contain her excitement. 'The impact of the action plan has been significant, with several key initiatives now underway,' she said. 3R PROGRAMME One of the key components of the Bornean Elephant Action Plan is the Captive Elephant Management Plan launched by Liew in April this year. The transition from 'free contact' to 'protected contact' management of captive elephants aims to enhance the safety of their handlers by minimising physical interaction with the tuskers while ensuring they are properly cared for. Meanwhile, the state's 3R programme – Rescue, Rehabilitation, Release –is not a conservation fantasy but the real deal. The Bornean Elephant Sanctuary in Kinabatangan and Lok Kawi Wildlife Park near Kota Kinabalu are not just tourist traps but evolutionary arks in a landscape where wildlife habitats are shrinking. 'When they (elephants) are hurt, we have to bring them to the sanctuary to treat them, to nurse them. When they are well enough and ready to return to the forest, we will do it when the time comes,' explained Liew. As this interview draws to a close, the minister, referring to the sanctuaries, said earnestly, 'This is it. Our final 'dance' for these magnificent creatures. And, failure? 'Failure isn't an option when extinction is waiting in the wings.' NAPIER GRASS Another key component of the action plan involves grass cultivation, particularly Napier grass, in designated elephant habitat areas as an alternative food source for wild elephants to prevent them from straying into oil palm estates or farmlands in search of food. In other words, these emerald green, long and slender leaves, which can grow over two metres tall, constitute 'peace offerings' to mitigate a conflict as old as agriculture itself. A nine-kilometre stretch of land along the banks of the Kinabatangan River is now blanketed with Napier grass, planted by non-governmental organisation (NGO) RESPECT with the help of the Australian-based Intrepid Foundation and local communities. What began as a modest 0.4-hectare experiment in March last year has blossomed into something extraordinary. RESPECT chairman Alexander Yee said by planting Napier grass, they are essentially creating a natural grazing area for elephants to forage, giving them a reason to stay in their habitat, away from the villages and plantations. 'It's not just about feeding them… it is about rewriting an age-old story of conflict into one of coexistence,' he said, explaining that the Napier grass they plant is sweeter than the variety commonly found on riverbanks. In the Kinabatangan area, the same villagers who once chased elephants away are now helping to plant Napier grass. Relating to Bernama about their initiative's first breakthrough moment, Yee said: 'Two months after planting, seven elephants, including a calf, discovered the grass and devoured half of it.' This served as confirmation that the wild elephants would consume grass cultivated by humans within designated feeding areas. The success has been nothing short of remarkable. By January this year, RESPECT expanded its Napier grass cultivation project to another 13.5 ha inland at the Kampung Billit riparian reserve along the Kinabatangan River, creating what they now call the Borneo Elephant Food Corridor. Just recently, more than 20 wild elephants were seen grazing on this Napier grass field, not far from the Tanini Kinabatangan resort. The herd arrived at dawn, 6.45 am to be precise, and stayed until dusk, longer than they have ever stayed before. This initiative is not just about feeding elephants. It is about creating harmony in a land where man-wildlife conflict has become all too common. The strategy is straightforward: just give them their own 'dining rooms', far away from the farms and palm oil plantations they are forced to raid. Besides Napier grass, elephants also favour barau and perupok grasses, though more research is needed to determine which type of grass works best. Elephants, it turns out, are master gardeners. As they move through the forest, they create natural clearings that allow sunlight to penetrate the canopy, fostering new growth. Yet challenges remain. Incidents of intrusions are still reported, like a case where a baby elephant wandered into a house in Kalabakan, Tawau, searching for food and water. But Yee and his team remain committed to their vision. 'We need long-term support from all parties, namely the government, NGOs and local communities,' he added. ELEPHANT PASTURE Meanwhile, in Lahad Datu, another similar grass-planting initiative has taken root – the 33-ha Malambabula elephant pasture, a project that is as ambitious as it is necessary. Initiated by Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA) and funded by The Hornbill Award of Climate Governance Malaysia, with plantation industry player Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd providing assistance in kind, the project got going in August 2021. The success behind this initiative lies in its simplicity: create an 'all-you-can-eat buffet' in elephant habitats, which the tuskers will find more appealing than the neighbouring oil palm plantations. 'Buffet', in this case, consists of tall, lush grasses, mostly Napier and a couple of other varieties. According to the observations of NGOs involved in planting Napier grass as an alternative food source for wild elephants, the animals have shown a particular fondness for Napier grass, especially just before it begins to flower — about a month after planting. The grass remains their preferred food until the third month when the stems are tender, juicy and sweet. Its height of less than two metres also makes it accessible to baby elephants. By the fourth month, the stems become harder and less sweet, making the grass less appealing to elephants. But the beauty of it is, the grass grows back again profusely after they have been consumed. BORA programme director Dr Zainal Zahari Zainuddin said the Malambabula pasture project architects have thought of everything these creatures need. There is ample fresh water flowing from the Malambabula River. There is even an artificial salt lick, complete with all the essential nutrients their massive bodies require. The results? While initial visits to the project site were sporadic, the breakthrough came in June 2023 when a herd of 70 elephants showed up for an 'extended feast'. They consumed about 20 tonnes of grass – six days without any incident of human-elephant conflict in the area. Interestingly, these elephants have developed their own eating schedule. They seek refuge in the forest during daylight hours, emerging for their evening meal around dusk and continuing until dawn. To the project initiators, the Malambabula elephant pasture represents more than just a feeding programme – it is a blueprint for coexistence. 'That's all we want. Even if the elephants stay in our area (elephant pasture) for just two days, that's two days of not disturbing people or entering plantations. 'Recently, they stayed there for three weeks… it was a bonus for us. But now they've moved to the far end of the pasture,' Zainal said, smiling. 'They might return (to our pasture) at the end of the year but we have to accept that we can't control these animals – they decide. What we're trying to capture is the attention of the young ones. If you look at the videos (of them grazing on the pasture), you can see the young elephants are happy here.' WORTHWHILE He said watching the playful antics of the calves makes the entire pasture experiment feel worthwhile. 'You should see these baby elephants out here – pure joy, pure life, discovering this sacred space we've carved out for them. It's beautiful, raw and real,' he said. 'We want them to remember… just like how I still remember my late father taking me to play by the beach, we want these young elephants to carry these memories into adulthood. So when they grow up, they'll lead their own herds back here, just like their mothers did before.' The team managing the pasture studies every elephant visit and feeding pattern, learning their habits and subtle preferences. Most people may not realise this but elephants are complex social creatures with intricate family dynamics. The matriarch, wise and watchful, leads her family through their daily feeding ritual. But while the adults can handle the tough, tall grass, the calves need something more tender and manageable. 'These giants are incredibly attentive parents,' Zainal said. 'If the little ones can't eat, the whole herd moves, searching for more suitable feeding grounds. No questions asked. It's all or nothing with them.' This insight has revolutionised how BORA manages the grass at the elephant pasture. To ensure the entire herd gets to eat, young Napier grass is also made available so that the calves can eat too. OIL PALM With Sabah having the second-largest oil palm cultivation in Malaysia after Sarawak, how is the industry stepping up to help reduce human-elephant conflict? How does the state strike a balance between conserving the environment and boosting its palm oil industry? A crucial step taken in this direction is the implementation of the Jurisdictional Certification of Sustainable Palm Oil (JCSPO) and the establishment of the Jurisdictional Certification Steering Committee (JCSC) in 2016. Central to JCSPO is the jurisdictional approach, seeking wider commitments from stakeholders to sustainable palm oil practices state-wide. The approach also seeks to align interests and coordinate the actions of the government, businesses, local communities and non-governmental organisations toward shared conservation, supply chain sustainability and green development goals to bring about a sustainable palm oil industry. Sabah chief forest conservator Datuk Frederick Kugan told Bernama it is not just about sustainable palm oil – 'it's about reimagining how we can coexist with nature'. 'We need to think bigger,' he continued, gesturing at the vast landscape beyond his office window. 'This isn't just about protecting a few patches of forest or managing a few herds of elephants. It's about creating a new model where both nature and industry can thrive.' RESPECT guide Sharon, meanwhile, believes they are on the right track towards mitigating human-elephant conflict. 'But we need more people to join in (the efforts), we need a lot more help to protect them (elephants),' he added.-Bernama
Barnama
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Sabah Human-Elephant Conflict: Hope On The Horizon
I n Sabah, humans are often cast as villains in conflicts with Bornean elephants. Yet this perception is far from the truth. Here, both humans and elephants are victims in what appears to be a complex 'dance' for survival. This final in a two-part feature explores solutions to this age-old issue. The sun beats down mercilessly as the boat ferrying Bernama writer Fadzli Ramli and cameraman Arjasneh Ahmad, and Bernama TV videographer Ahmad Jimmy cuts through the murky waters of the Kinabatangan River, infamous for housing Sabah's largest crocodile population. But the team is not there for the prehistoric predators. What draws them there is the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the endangered Bornean elephant, whose population has declined over the years due to habitat loss as a result of forest clearing for agriculture and development, resulting in a long-standing conflict between farmers striving to make an honest living and the displaced animals raiding crops in search of food. Accompanied by their guide Sharon Rahman, known locally as Mai, from RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust (RESPECT), they wait for almost four hours before the boatman's wireless radio crackles to life, relaying news that wild elephants have been spotted along the riverbank, near Tahini Kinabatangan, a nature lodge in Kampung Billit located about 50 kilometres from Kinabatangan town. Two adults emerge first from the forest, moving with a grace that makes one question everything they thought they knew about size and elegance. A curious kid follows, then two more adults join the party – in their natural habitat. Several boats with foreign tourists are there too. There is silence. No selfies, no chatter; just pure, unadulterated awe of the majestic giants. The population of the Bornean elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis), the smallest subspecies of the Asian elephant and endemic to the northern part of Borneo, is down to about 1,000, with the majority found in the Kinabatangan area on the east coast of Sabah and some in Kalimantan, Indonesia. The solution to ending or minimising Sabah's man-elephant conflict is not merely about building higher fences. It is about finding that sweet spot where both sides can coexist peacefully. POLICY The Bornean elephants are protected by law, including Sabah's Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. Also in place is the state government's Bornean Elephant Action Plan (2020-2029) to ensure the long-term survival of the species. Viewed as a pragmatic policy by experts, the 10-year plan focuses on habitat protection, research and, most importantly, human-elephant conflict mitigation. Elaborating on this, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew told Bernama in an interview that the essence of the policy lies in its objectives. 'We're talking about long-term survival strategies – not just paying lip service but making genuine attempts to prevent these gentle giants from joining the ranks of the disappeared (species),' she said before confessing, 'Actually, elephants are among the animals I'm most passionate about. We are very lucky in Borneo we've this particular species. So we must protect them.' Revealing a little nugget of information, she told Bernama that international zoos have been clamouring for Borneo's elephants, but 'I told them no, not for the time being'. In a world where conservation often amounts to little more than expensive documentation of extinction, the 10-year action plan outlines the state's various initiatives to mitigate conflict and foster coexistence so that both humans and elephants can share the shrinking landscape without one destroying the other. There is also the stark acknowledgment that some elephants will inevitably end up in human care, with the plan addressing the necessary strategies and measures for effective management of elephants kept in captivity – with an emphasis on treating them with dignity, not merely as sad exhibits in concrete enclosures. Other items in the plan – elephant corridors, habitat restoration, community engagement and enforcement – read like a conservationist's dream. Progress reports are already rolling in and Liew can barely contain her excitement. 'The impact of the action plan has been significant, with several key initiatives now underway,' she said. 3R PROGRAMME One of the key components of the Bornean Elephant Action Plan is the Captive Elephant Management Plan launched by Liew in April this year. The transition from 'free contact' to 'protected contact' management of captive elephants aims to enhance the safety of their handlers by minimising physical interaction with the tuskers while ensuring they are properly cared for. Meanwhile, the state's 3R programme – Rescue, Rehabilitation, Release –is not a conservation fantasy but the real deal. The Bornean Elephant Sanctuary in Kinabatangan and Lok Kawi Wildlife Park near Kota Kinabalu are not just tourist traps but evolutionary arks in a landscape where wildlife habitats are shrinking. 'When they (elephants) are hurt, we have to bring them to the sanctuary to treat them, to nurse them. When they are well enough and ready to return to the forest, we will do it when the time comes,' explained Liew. As this interview draws to a close, the minister, referring to the sanctuaries, said earnestly, 'This is it. Our final 'dance' for these magnificent creatures. And, failure? 'Failure isn't an option when extinction is waiting in the wings.' NAPIER GRASS Another key component of the action plan involves grass cultivation, particularly Napier grass, in designated elephant habitat areas as an alternative food source for wild elephants to prevent them from straying into oil palm estates or farmlands in search of food. In other words, these emerald green, long and slender leaves, which can grow over two metres tall, constitute 'peace offerings' to mitigate a conflict as old as agriculture itself. A nine-kilometre stretch of land along the banks of the Kinabatangan River is now blanketed with Napier grass, planted by non-governmental organisation (NGO) RESPECT with the help of the Australian-based Intrepid Foundation and local communities. What began as a modest 0.4-hectare experiment in March last year has blossomed into something extraordinary. RESPECT chairman Alexander Yee said by planting Napier grass, they are essentially creating a natural grazing area for elephants to forage, giving them a reason to stay in their habitat, away from the villages and plantations. 'It's not just about feeding them… it is about rewriting an age-old story of conflict into one of coexistence,' he said, explaining that the Napier grass they plant is sweeter than the variety commonly found on riverbanks. In the Kinabatangan area, the same villagers who once chased elephants away are now helping to plant Napier grass. Relating to Bernama about their initiative's first breakthrough moment, Yee said: 'Two months after planting, seven elephants, including a calf, discovered the grass and devoured half of it.' This served as confirmation that the wild elephants would consume grass cultivated by humans within designated feeding areas. The success has been nothing short of remarkable. By January this year, RESPECT expanded its Napier grass cultivation project to another 13.5 ha inland at the Kampung Billit riparian reserve along the Kinabatangan River, creating what they now call the Borneo Elephant Food Corridor. Just recently, more than 20 wild elephants were seen grazing on this Napier grass field, not far from the Tanini Kinabatangan resort. The herd arrived at dawn, 6.45 am to be precise, and stayed until dusk, longer than they have ever stayed before. This initiative is not just about feeding elephants. It is about creating harmony in a land where man-wildlife conflict has become all too common. The strategy is straightforward: just give them their own 'dining rooms', far away from the farms and palm oil plantations they are forced to raid. Besides Napier grass, elephants also favour barau and perupok grasses, though more research is needed to determine which type of grass works best. Elephants, it turns out, are master gardeners. As they move through the forest, they create natural clearings that allow sunlight to penetrate the canopy, fostering new growth. Yet challenges remain. Incidents of intrusions are still reported, like a case where a baby elephant wandered into a house in Kalabakan, Tawau, searching for food and water. But Yee and his team remain committed to their vision. 'We need long-term support from all parties, namely the government, NGOs and local communities,' he added. ELEPHANT PASTURE Meanwhile, in Lahad Datu, another similar grass-planting initiative has taken root – the 33-ha Malambabula elephant pasture, a project that is as ambitious as it is necessary. Initiated by Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA) and funded by The Hornbill Award of Climate Governance Malaysia, with plantation industry player Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd providing assistance in kind, the project got going in August 2021. The success behind this initiative lies in its simplicity: create an 'all-you-can-eat buffet' in elephant habitats, which the tuskers will find more appealing than the neighbouring oil palm plantations. 'Buffet', in this case, consists of tall, lush grasses, mostly Napier and a couple of other varieties. According to the observations of NGOs involved in planting Napier grass as an alternative food source for wild elephants, the animals have shown a particular fondness for Napier grass, especially just before it begins to flower — about a month after planting. The grass remains their preferred food until the third month when the stems are tender, juicy and sweet. Its height of less than two metres also makes it accessible to baby elephants. By the fourth month, the stems become harder and less sweet, making the grass less appealing to elephants. But the beauty of it is, the grass grows back again profusely after they have been consumed. BORA programme director Dr Zainal Zahari Zainuddin said the Malambabula pasture project architects have thought of everything these creatures need. There is ample fresh water flowing from the Malambabula River. There is even an artificial salt lick, complete with all the essential nutrients their massive bodies require. The results? While initial visits to the project site were sporadic, the breakthrough came in June 2023 when a herd of 70 elephants showed up for an 'extended feast'. They consumed about 20 tonnes of grass – six days without any incident of human-elephant conflict in the area. Interestingly, these elephants have developed their own eating schedule. They seek refuge in the forest during daylight hours, emerging for their evening meal around dusk and continuing until dawn. To the project initiators, the Malambabula elephant pasture represents more than just a feeding programme – it is a blueprint for coexistence. 'That's all we want. Even if the elephants stay in our area (elephant pasture) for just two days, that's two days of not disturbing people or entering plantations. 'Recently, they stayed there for three weeks… it was a bonus for us. But now they've moved to the far end of the pasture,' Zainal said, smiling. 'They might return (to our pasture) at the end of the year but we have to accept that we can't control these animals – they decide. What we're trying to capture is the attention of the young ones. If you look at the videos (of them grazing on the pasture), you can see the young elephants are happy here.' WORTHWHILE He said watching the playful antics of the calves makes the entire pasture experiment feel worthwhile. 'You should see these baby elephants out here – pure joy, pure life, discovering this sacred space we've carved out for them. It's beautiful, raw and real,' he said. 'We want them to remember… just like how I still remember my late father taking me to play by the beach, we want these young elephants to carry these memories into adulthood. So when they grow up, they'll lead their own herds back here, just like their mothers did before.' The team managing the pasture studies every elephant visit and feeding pattern, learning their habits and subtle preferences. Most people may not realise this but elephants are complex social creatures with intricate family dynamics. The matriarch, wise and watchful, leads her family through their daily feeding ritual. But while the adults can handle the tough, tall grass, the calves need something more tender and manageable. 'These giants are incredibly attentive parents,' Zainal said. 'If the little ones can't eat, the whole herd moves, searching for more suitable feeding grounds. No questions asked. It's all or nothing with them.' This insight has revolutionised how BORA manages the grass at the elephant pasture. To ensure the entire herd gets to eat, young Napier grass is also made available so that the calves can eat too. OIL PALM With Sabah having the second-largest oil palm cultivation in Malaysia after Sarawak, how is the industry stepping up to help reduce human-elephant conflict? How does the state strike a balance between conserving the environment and boosting its palm oil industry? A crucial step taken in this direction is the implementation of the Jurisdictional Certification of Sustainable Palm Oil (JCSPO) and the establishment of the Jurisdictional Certification Steering Committee (JCSC) in 2016. Central to JCSPO is the jurisdictional approach, seeking wider commitments from stakeholders to sustainable palm oil practices state-wide. The approach also seeks to align interests and coordinate the actions of the government, businesses, local communities and non-governmental organisations toward shared conservation, supply chain sustainability and green development goals to bring about a sustainable palm oil industry. Sabah chief forest conservator Datuk Frederick Kugan told Bernama it is not just about sustainable palm oil – 'it's about reimagining how we can coexist with nature'. 'We need to think bigger,' he continued, gesturing at the vast landscape beyond his office window. 'This isn't just about protecting a few patches of forest or managing a few herds of elephants. It's about creating a new model where both nature and industry can thrive.' RESPECT guide Sharon, meanwhile, believes they are on the right track towards mitigating human-elephant conflict. 'But we need more people to join in (the efforts), we need a lot more help to protect them (elephants),' he added.
Barnama
08-07-2025
- Barnama
Sabah Human-Elephant Conflict: A Heart breaking 'Dance' For Survival
I n Sabah, humans are often cast as villains in conflicts with Bornean elephants. Yet this perception is far from the truth. Here, both humans and elephants are victims in what appears to be a complex 'dance' for survival. This first of a two-part feature reveals both sides of the story. In the heart of Sabah's forested landscape here, where the morning mist clings to the dense foliage, a story unfolds that cuts to the core of humanity's relationship with nature. Not far from the natural habitat of the Bornean elephants lies the rustic village of Sukau, cradled by the mighty Kinabatangan River, where Md Ismail Radzi, 45, and fellow villagers dwell and whose lives embody the delicate 'dance' between human survival and wildlife conservation. Their story bespeaks a long-standing conflict – between impoverished farmers trying to make an honest living and displaced elephants, whose search for food often leaves a trail of damaged crops behind. 'When I see these gentle giants walking through my land, my heart is split in two. They are like old friends who have become unwanted guests. Last month, they came again… 10 (oil palm) trees gone, just like that,' says Md Ismail, his calloused hands gesturing toward his devastated oil palm smallholding. The Sabah Wildlife Department recorded 881 cases of human-elephant conflict from 2022 to 2024. Last year saw the highest number with 376 cases, compared to 248 cases in 2023 and 257 cases in 2022. During the same three-year period, the department documented 97 Bornean elephant deaths, with 38 deaths last year, 24 in 2023 and 35 in 2022. The deaths were attributed to various causes, including getting caught in snares; collisions with vehicles; entrapment in electric fences; falling into ditches, holes or muddy areas; poisoning; infection; disease; poaching; and natural causes. In this story from the Land Below the Wind, there are no villains or heroes – only victims, namely farmers trying to make ends meet and Bornean elephants looking for food. Both man and animal remain caught in a relentless struggle for survival, with no clear solution in sight that offers a peaceful path forward for both sides. PROTECTED SPECIES Md Ismail's story is not unique in this corner of Borneo. His modest five-hectare oil palm smallholding, along with patches of corn and fruit trees, represents not just his family's livelihood but a generational dream for a better living. Yet, these dreams are trampled under the feet of the endangered Bornean elephants, themselves fighting for survival in an increasingly fragmented habitat. The cruel irony is not lost on anyone here. The Bornean elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis), the smallest subspecies of the Asian elephant and endemic to northern Borneo, was classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as of June last year. This species is also protected by law, including Sabah's Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. According to IUCN, only 1,000 Bornean elephants are left in their natural habitats, with 399 of them being mature breeding adults. The majority can be found in Sabah, particularly in Kinabatangan on the state's east coast, with some populations in Kalimantan, Indonesia. But for smallholders like Md Ismail, the protected status of this species feels like a double-edged sword. 'We would never harm them, we love them full-heartedly. They are our heritage, our children's inheritance. But who will protect my family's livelihood and my children's future?' he asked, his voice breaking slightly. Last month's destruction was particularly devastating. Standing amid his crushed palm saplings and flattened corn stalks, the father of four said a herd of elephants destroyed crops belonging to him and other farmers worth thousands of ringgit in a single night. For a small farmer, it is a catastrophic loss that no insurance covers and no government fully compensates. Replanting can cost up to RM18 to RM20 per oil palm tree. The elephants are clever – they target oil palm trees less than five years old to reach the umbut, the tender young roots they especially enjoy eating. These mammals are merely following ancient migratory paths that now cut through farmland. It is a path that leads nowhere except into further conflict with humans. And while conservation laws protect these animals from harm, there is no protection for farmers whose livelihoods are in danger. 'Sometimes we stay up all night, trying to scare them away with lights and noise,' Md Ismail said, showing the makeshift hut he and the villagers built. He added grimly: 'But how do you choose between your love for these creatures and your duty to feed your family? There are no winners in this fight – only survivors.' LIVELIHOODS The story that is playing out in Kinabatangan echoes across multiple districts especially on the east coast of the state, from Tongod to Lahad Datu, Telupid and Kalabakan. Making matters worse, Kinabatangan, Tongod and Lahad Datu are ranked among the 10 poorest districts in Malaysia, with the human-elephant conflict further hampering local communities' efforts to improve their economic situation. 'Farmers are left helpless when these wild elephants encroach on their land. We can't shoot or harm them because it's a serious offence under the (state's) Wildlife Conservation Enactment,' explained Kuamut State Assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah. (Kuamut is one of the state seats under the Kinabatangan Parliamentary constituency.) In Tongod, one of the districts under his care, the scene is particularly heart-wrenching. The elephants regularly 'trespass' into plantations, leaving destruction in their wake. 'Our farmers depend on rice and oil palm as their economic lifeline. But before the rice is ready for harvest, the elephants get there first. Before the oil palms can bear fruit, the elephants have already torn them down,' Masiung said, adding this pattern of destruction has become an annual ritual over the past four years. The farmers, trapped between their respect for wildlife conservation and the need to survive, find themselves in a quandary. Masiung has raised this pressing issue several times in the state assembly, advocating assistance for farmers who fall victim to wildlife encounters. 'We need to establish a subsidy system to help these small-scale farmers who are facing disasters not of their own making. 'It's unfair to our community. They're only taught to drive the elephants away but if they harm these protected animals, they face arrest. We need the government to show genuine concern and provide subsidies to these affected farmers,' he added. HEARTBREAKING Meanwhile, asked for his thoughts on possible solutions to Sabah's perennial man-elephant conflict, retired wildlife ranger Hamzah Maulad, 68, said it is not as simple as building more electric fences to keep the wild creatures away. 'We need to address both sides of this equation – the elephants' need for habitat (and food) and the farmers' need for sustainable livelihoods,' he said, his eyes fixed on the distant treeline where elephants once roamed freely. Drawing from his decades of experience as a ranger, he pointed out that effective conservation efforts must adopt a holistic approach. 'When people talk about solutions, they often focus solely on the elephants alone. But what about the farmers? What about their children's future? We need economic alternatives, compensation schemes that work, and maybe even ways to turn this challenge into an opportunity. 'Until we find that balance, we'll keep seeing this heartbreaking dance between farmers and elephants. Both sides are fighting for survival, both sides deserve to live. But finding that middle ground – that's the real challenge we face today,' he added with a weary sigh. And, as long as the conflict persists, rangers will inevitably encounter the remains of Bornean elephants that die under suspicious or unexplained circumstances. Recalling a dark chapter of Sabah's elephant conservation history with painful clarity, Hamzah said the incident in Sabah's Gunung Rara Forest Reserve in 2013 haunts him to this day. 'When we found 14 elephants – 10 females and four males – dead within just four weeks, it felt like a personal failure. The post-mortem revealed severe haemorrhage and ulceration in their gastrointestinal tracts, with bleeding from their mouths and anus.' It was suspected that the elephants were poisoned by chemicals allegedly linked to plantation activities, raising concerns about habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. Recalling more recent tragedies, Hamzah said in January this year, a mutilated elephant was found on the Kalabakan-Sapulut road. 'The head and limbs were severed,' he said. Then in early April, another Bornean elephant was discovered decapitated near the Tibow-Sapulut road, close to Tawau. Both cases were linked to smugglers of wildlife parts. No arrests have been made in either case. UNITED HEARTS Meanwhile, for well-known elephant conservationist Dr Nurzhafarina Othman, conservation is not just about wildlife, it's about people. 'You can watch (and admire) these magnificent beasts all your life but if you're not listening to the people who share their backyard with these gentle giants, you're missing the whole show,' said the 41-year-old expert whose peers regard her as an elephant whisperer who has 'seen it all' in the last two decades of her career immersed in the study of Bornean elephants. Nurzhafarina, a senior lecturer at the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, received the prestigious Whitley Award 2025 (also known as the Green Oscar) from the United Kingdom-based Whitley Fund for Nature for her work in protecting Bornean elephants and fostering coexistence between them and local communities. The award came with a grant of £50,000 (about RM287,000). Speaking to Bernama about her elephant conservation work, Nurzhafarina, who hails from Kota Sarang Semut, Kedah, said humans are key players in such efforts. 'We can't focus only on the elephants. They're actually easier to learn about. They don't change their minds easily, so they're easier to understand. 'Humans, on the other hand, can be supportive one day and change the next. But they're not bystanders, they're key players… so, we're trying to balance both approaches to ensure we achieve meaningful conservation.' Nurzhafarina, founder of a non-profit organisation Seratu Aatai (which means 'united hearts' in the Orang Sungai language), said the primary goal of her initiative is to build support for conservation efforts among communities affected by elephant intrusions. 'Let me tell you, the Bornean elephant needs all the support it can get,' she said, adding that in Kinabatangan, only about 250 tuskers of this species are left. 'People are scared and don't know what to do when these massive creatures come knocking. These aren't just some small-time visitors. We're talking about giants showing up in your backyard, and your oil palm crops – your bread and butter – are their all-you-can-eat buffet,' she said. NOT AN EPIC BATTLE From her perspective, the conservation of Bornean elephants is not merely a government concern or an NGO initiative – it is everyone's responsibility, especially those living alongside them. 'It's about helping these people view the elephants as integral members of their community,' she stressed. 'Everyone discusses the human-elephant conflict as if it's some epic battle, but we're working to shift that perspective. Simply raising awareness isn't enough – you need to immerse yourself in the community, learn alongside them and truly understand their challenges.' She said Seratu Aatai's programmes help communities better understand elephants as well as their movements, behaviours and how to coexist with them safely. 'This isn't about passing responsibility around. It's about everyone taking ownership of the solution (to minimising human-elephant conflict),' she added. On the brighter side, Nurzhafarina and her team's ongoing studies have revealed that the Sabah people genuinely care about the Bornean elephants. But then, when these massive mammals appear at their doorsteps, theoretical appreciation meets harsh reality. 'What these communities need is practical support, namely tools and resources for protection but right now, they're struggling to cope (with wildlife intrusions),' she said. UNDERSTANDING THE GIANTS Explaining why elephants encroach into human territory, Nurzhafarina reiterated that they are not invaders but the original inhabitants of the land. 'They were there long before the people came. It was their ancestral 'food court'. It isn't random wandering… these are their ancient feeding grounds, etched into their collective memory. 'When they appear, they're simply following ancestral paths, searching for food in what was once their territory. It's a bittersweet dance of survival… these majestic creatures have become uninvited guests in their own ancestral home,' she said. Nurzhafarina explained that elephants do not just move in herds but create sophisticated social networks. They form strategic groups, especially in high-risk areas, and each elephant develops its own approach to meeting challenges. In Kinabatangan, she noted how pristine forest corridors – the elephants' age-old migratory paths – are now interrupted by vast oil palm plantations and villages, forcing the animals to navigate through oil palm trees, banana trees and corn fields where their ancestral feeding grounds once stood. 'Male elephants show particularly fascinating but risky behaviour. They're bold enough to take risks for food because they need to build body mass and increase testosterone for mating. 'This drive leads them to seek opportunities, even in dangerous situations,' she explained, noting how understanding these patterns is crucial for managing human-elephant interactions. Unlike their Indian 'cousins', who predictably raid crops during the harvest season, Bornean elephants move through the landscape with a different rhythm. They are constantly on the move, grazing where they can. Elephants, Nurzhafarina explained, possess an incredible mental GPS, a memory bank that would put any smartphone to shame. 'But like any smart local who knows where the best food is, they're practical creatures. Why wander far, when everything they need is right here in a nearby village or oil palm plantation?' THE STORY OF SANDI One such 'smart local', Nurzhafarina went on to tell Bernama, was her favourite pachyderm 'pupil' named Sandi, the Bornean elephant she tracked and studied for years. 'Amid the oil palm plantations here, where electric fences slice through ancient elephant paths like cruel reminders of progress, I witnessed something extraordinary,' she related, her eyes alive with the kind of passion one only sees in people who have found their life's calling. Describing Sandi as a 'battle-scarred warrior that turned an oil palm plantation in Kinabatangan into his kingdom', she said when she first met him in 2007, he was this majestic bull in his mid-twenties but life had already left its marks. He had a severed tail, torn ears and a body that read like a battlefield memoir – pellet gun scars telling stories of countless human encounters. 'But here's the thing, this wasn't your typical crop-raiding elephant. He made that oil palm plantation his home and became what we call a permanent resident. And get this… he never bothered anyone. Cool as a cucumber, that one.' Observing Sandi for years, Nurzhafarina realised one day that this magnificent bull had turned into something more than just a survivor – he became a teacher. This 'veteran' showed two younger elephants how to navigate an electric fence. 'Sandi, this remarkable being, didn't just brute-force his way through (the fence). No, he developed a technique so precise. He would curl his trunk into his mouth, lift it over his tusks, wait a few beats, and then, with the deliberate grace of a martial arts master, lift one foot at a time (to go through the fence). 'The younger elephants? They were like students watching a master at work. At first, they tried to dive under headfirst… imagine a beast weighing several tonnes attempting to do the limbo dance under an electric fence,' she chuckled. 'But Sandi, patient teacher that he was, showed them the way. Over time, these apprentices learned from the master. This wasn't just adaptation, this was genius at work. This was resilience in its purest form.' Sandi, sadly, died in 2021. While the exact cause of his death remains uncertain, he lived into his forties, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire both humans and elephants alike. Recollecting his final moments, Nurzhafarina said Sandi chose a quiet spot in a river to lie down. Two other elephants came to check on him. Within a few hours, he was no more. 'To me,' she continued, her eyes glistening with emotion, 'Sandi represents the ultimate symbol of elephant resilience. Here was this magnificent creature, forced to adapt to a world that wasn't meant for him, yet he did it with such grace. 'He was a testament to the extraordinary capacity of these beings to adapt and persist in a world that's increasingly less wild, less forgiving.'
Daily Express
28-06-2025
- Daily Express
Sun bear centre draws 79,362 visitors
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 Text Size: Liew, accompanied by Dr Wong, viewing the sun bears from an observation platform. SANDAKAN: The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment has nurtured the growth and development of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) since its inception in 2008. Its Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said BSBCC, the only one of its kind in the world for protection of this endangered species, is a partnership project with the Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL), an agency under the Ministry, and Sabah Forestry Department. Sun bears are a Class 1 Protected Species under the state's Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. 'Last year, we allocated RM228,420 for the construction of Phase 1 of the Entrance Foyer, which has since been completed. This year saw an additional allocation of RM250,000 for construction of Phase 2 of the Entrance Foyer. Work is expected to start this year,' Liew told reporters after a recent visit to the centre here. The Minister noted that this 17-year-old tourist attraction, which is home to 42 rescued sun bears, draws local and international visitors like a magnet. 'I was informed by its Founder and CEO Dr (Hon) Wong Siew Te that the Centre received 79,362 visitors in 2024, with an average of 6613 visitors per month. That year, there were international visitors from 115 countries with the United Kingdom, Australia and Italy being the top three international nationalities that visited the Centre. 'The peak season is from July to October generating the most number of visitors. In fact, we have more Malaysian visitors during the school holidays,' she said. Educationists, researchers, school children and teachers, wildlife conservationists, animal lovers, and the like make up the composition of visitors and tourists, the majority being nature lovers and nature-based tourists. Many may not be aware that the BSBCC is also the main implementing agency for the 10-Year State Sun Bear Action Plan, Liew said. The main attraction to visitors at BSBCC is watching the sun bears' natural behaviour in their natural habitat, the rainforest. 'Sometimes visitors can see the bears climbing and sleeping high on the trees. Random feedings enable the visitors to see them eating as well,' said Dr Wong. According to him, all the sun bears at the BSBCC have been rescued from illegal pet keeping after their mothers were brutally killed by poachers. Over the past 17 years, the Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL) has rescued 70 sun bear orphans and sent them to the conservation centre, he disclosed. Liew commended Dr Wong for his unwavering commitment, patience and perseverance in keeping the BSBCC afloat, despite the multiple challenges that came his way. In a guided tour, he drew the Minister's attention to sun bears kept in Pen B, C, and D, where visitors can view and learn about them. 'We regard them as ambassadors for their species to raise awareness among the general public, apart from being subjects of our research projects,' said the wildlife conservationist. Sharing his multitasking role as the founder and owner of BSBCC, Dr Wong said: 'Since founding the Centre 17 years ago, I have been running the place at all levels, from designing the facility, taking care of the bears, and conducting education and research programs to development of the Centre and fund-raising efforts. Everything that you can think of, even gardening and cleaning the toilets. 'We try our best to take good care of the bears and rehabilitate them. Thirteen rescued sun bears were successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. In addition, the latest two rescued sun bear cubs have been sent to Tabin Wildlife Reserve to undergo the 'soft-release' program.' Acknowledging the Ministry's contribution, Dr Wong said KePKAS has helped BSBCC a lot for the past 17 years. 'The Ministry even helped us to raise funds for the Centre to get off the ground in 2008, and gave us a grant for our operational cost in 2013. I hope the Ministry will continue to support our work in the future.' He said the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), an agency under KePKAS, has assisted him in many ways to promote the Centre to the local tourism market and internationally, too. 'On our part, our promotional efforts are through social media platforms (FB, Tiktok, X, YouTube) and websites.' In retrospect, Dr Wong said in the infant years (from 2008 to 2013), BSBCC survived on public donations and grants from various funders across the world, adding 'Since opening to the public on January 16, 2014, we have been depending heavily on ticketing fees and souvenir purchase revenue to run the centre. ' Admittedly, his greatest challenge in operating the Centre is the need to seek sufficient funds, not only to maintain the facility but also to expand it wherever necessary. 'Yes, finding competent staff to help me manage the Centre is also a big challenge.' On his future plans, the farsighted Founder and CEO envisions a third observation platform, an interpretation centre and new office building, and a captive breeding enclosure. 'For BSBCC, these construction plans need financing. I have an undying passion and boundless energy to work for another 30 years. By that time, I am sure I have a lot of successors who can take over my life mission,' Dr Wong quipped. He added that he still needs to raise RM1,000,000 to build the Field Office and staff house for the Tabin Sun Bear Project. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
27-06-2025
- Borneo Post
Sun Bear Sanctuary thrives, welcomes 79,000 tourists last year
Dr Wong (left) taking Liew and her entourage on a guided tour of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. SANDAKAN (June 27): The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) has nurtured the growth and development of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) since its inception in 2008. Its minister, Datuk Seri Christina Liew, said BSBCC, the only one of its kind in the world for protection of this endangered species, is a partnership project with the Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL), an agency under the ministry, and Sabah Forestry Department. Sun bears are a Class 1 Protected Species under the state's Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. 'Last year, we (KePKAS) allocated RM228,420 for the construction of phase one of the Entrance Foyer, which has since been completed. This year saw an additional allocation of RM250,000 for construction of phase two of the Entrance Foyer. Work is expected to start this year,' Liew told reporters after a recent visit to the centre here. The minister noted that this 17-year-old tourist attraction, which is home to 42 rescued sun bears, draws local and international visitors like a magnet. 'I was informed by its founder and CEO, Dr (Hon) Wong Siew Te, that the centre received 79,362 visitors in 2024, with an average of 6613 visitors per month. That year, there were international visitors from 115 countries with the nationalities from United Kingdom, Australia and Italy being the top three who visited the centre. 'The peak season is from July to October generating the most number of visitors. In fact, we have more Malaysian visitors during the school holidays,' she said. Educationists, researchers, school children and teachers, wildlife conservationists, animal lovers and the like make up the composition of visitors and tourists, the majority being nature lovers and nature-based tourists. Many may not be aware that the BSBCC is also the main implementing agency for the 10-Year State Sun Bear Action Plan, Liew said. The main attraction to visitors at BSBCC is watching the sun bears' natural behaviour in their natural habitat, the rainforest. 'Sometimes visitors can see the bears climbing and sleeping high on the trees. Random feedings enable the visitors to see them eating as well,' said Dr Wong. According to him, all the sun bears at the BSBCC have been rescued from illegal pet keeping after their mothers were brutally killed by poachers. Over the past 17 years, the Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL) has rescued 70 sun bear orphans and sent them to the conservation centre, he disclosed. Liew commended Dr Wong for his unwavering commitment, patience and perseverance in keeping the BSBCC afloat, despite the multiple challenges that came his way. In a guided tour, he drew the minister's attention to sun bears kept in Pen B, C and D where visitors can view and learn about them. 'We regard them as ambassadors for their species to raise awareness among the general public, apart from being subjects of our research projects,' said the wildlife conservationist. Sharing his multitasking role as the founder and owner of BSBCC, Dr Wong said: 'Since founding the centre 17 years ago, I have been running the place at all levels, from designing the facility, taking care of the bears, and conducting education and research programs to development of the centre and fund-raising efforts. Everything that you can think of, even gardening and cleaning the toilets. 'We try our best to take good care of the bears and rehabilitate them. Thirteen rescued sun bears were successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. In addition, the latest two rescued sun bear cubs have been sent to Tabin Wildlife Reserve to undergo the 'soft-release' program.' Acknowledging the ministry's contribution, Dr Wong said KePKAS has helped BSBCC a lot for the past 17 years. 'The ministry even helped us to raise funds for the centre to get off the ground in 2008, and gave us a grant for our operational cost in 2013. I hope the ministry will continue to support our work in the future.' He said the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), an agency under KePKAS, has assisted him in many ways to promote the centre to the local tourism market and internationally, too. 'On our part, our promotional efforts are through social media platforms (FB, Tiktok, X, YouTube) and websites.' In retrospect, Dr Wong said in the infant years (from 2008 to 2013), BSBCC survived on public donations and grants from various funders across the world, adding 'Since opening to the public on January 16, 2014, we have been depending heavily on ticketing fees and souvenir purchase revenue to run the centre. ' Admittedly, his greatest challenge in operating the centre is the need to seek sufficient funds, not only to maintain the facility but also to expand it wherever necessary. 'Yes, finding competent staff to help me manage the centre is also a big challenge.' On his future plans, the farsighted founder and CEO envisions a third observation platform, an interpretation centre and new office building, and a captive breeding enclosure. 'For BSBCC, these construction plans need financing. I have an undying passion and boundless energy to work for another 30 years. By that time, I am sure I have a lot of successors who can take over my life mission,' Dr Wong quipped. He added that he still needs to raise RM1,000,000 to build the field office and staff house for the Tabin Sun Bear Project.
