ASIAN ELEPHANT (Elephas maximus)

The elephant is the largest land mammal in Sabah and is restricted to the north-eastern part of the state only. This species is much smaller compared to the African elephant. Asian elephants can grow to about 3 meters in height and can weigh up to 4,000 kg. Elephants are characterised by its long trunk used for fnding food, drinking and smelling and its large ears. Tusks are only seen in adult male elephants.

The main threat to the elephant population in Sabah are habitat disturbance due to vast land clearing for plantation and hunting pressure for its tusks and other parts of its body. Habitat destruction affects the most important source of life - FOOD. Therefore, we must understand why we encounter problems of elephants rampaging into plantation areas for food!

Source : Wildlife of Sabah In Danger, Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Sabah Wildlife Department, 1993.