Phylum
Chordata
Family
Elephantidae
Class
Mammalia
Genus
Elephas
Order
Proboscidea
Conservation Status
Critically Endangered
Size
2-2.5 m tall, 2-4 tons
Coloration
Grey, wrinkled skin
Adaptations
Trunk for feeding; small ears
Habitat
Rainforests, swampy areas
Diet
Herbivorous
Grasses, leaves, fruits (100-150 kg/day)
Geographic Range
Borneo (East Kalimantan, Indonesia)
Reproduction
Gestation 18-22 months, 1 calf
Threats
Habitat loss, human conflict
Interesting Facts
Pygmy Giants: The smallest Asian elephant subspecies, Borneo elephants have oversized ears and short tails, adapted for swampy forests. Their grazing prevents wildfires by controlling vegetation, sustaining biodiversity in Kalimantan's ecosystems.
Cultural Symbols: Revered in Borneo's indigenous cultures, they're seen as gentle spirits, with festivals celebrating their role in seed dispersal. Habitat loss from palm oil plantations threatens their ~1,000 remaining individuals, spurring community-led conservation.
Best Places to Sight
Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary
Danum Valley Conservation Area
Tabin Wildlife Reserve