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 “Understanding these elephants on their own terms and not through the lens of outdated myths , is key to effective conservation efforts,” she said.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 story of the Bornean elephant should be one of pride and preservation, free from confusion and misrepresentation,” she concluded.

--BERNAMA