Second headless carcass of pygmy elephant found in Sabah

 

Only 1,500 to 2,000 pygmy elephants, found only in Borneo, are left in the wild, according to the wildlife department. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

A second headless carcass of a Borneo pygmy elephant has been found in Tawau, leading the Sabah wildlife department to believe poachers were responsible.

Wildlife director Soffian Abu Bakar said in Kota Kinabalu that the discovery was the second within a short period, indicating the possibility of poaching activities in the state, Bernama reported.

An immediate investigation is being conducted, he said. “Any cruel acts and poaching of protected wildlife in Sabah will not be tolerated. We will do our best to identify the perpetrators and then prosecute them and impose severe punishments according to the law.”

Sabah tourism, culture and environment minister Christina Liew said those found responsible would be charged and severely punished. She said the ministry was very concerned by the discovery of the headless carcass.

Soffian said enforcement measures had been enhanced and integrated operations with other security agencies carried out, including the setting up of roadblocks at key locations.

Liew said the incident showed an urgent need for cooperation between state and federal enforcement agencies, local communities and the public. She urged anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation.

Soffian said Sabah has an estimated population of only 1,500 to 2,000 Borneo pygmy elephants left in the wild. The species, which is native to Borneo, is fully protected under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment. - FMT