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SPECIES PROFILE
Borneo Elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis)
Elephas
IUCN STATUS
Critically Endangered
CONSERVATION STATUS
Critically Endangered
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Borneo (East Kalimantan, Indonesia)
DIET
Herbivorous
HABITAT
Rainforests, swampy areas
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Proboscidea
FAMILY
Elephantidae
GENUS
Elephas
📋 Description
SIZE
2-2.5 m tall, 2-4 tons
COLORATION
Grey, wrinkled skin
ADAPTATIONS
Trunk for feeding; small ears
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Rainforests, swampy areas
DIET
Herbivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Borneo (East Kalimantan, Indonesia)
REPRODUCTION
Gestation 18-22 months, 1 calf
DIET DETAILS
Grasses, leaves, fruits (100-150 kg/day)
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss, human conflict
💡 Interesting Facts
1
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.
2
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.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary
Danum Valley Conservation Area
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
April-October. Dry season concentrates elephants near rivers for drinking.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Take boat safaris at dusk to see elephant herds bathing.
