Bornean pygmy elephants
There has long been a debate as to the origin of the pygmy elephant on Borneo (Elephas maximus borneensis). Some argue the elephants were introduced from Sumatra or Java to northeast Borneo by the Sultan of Sulu in the 18th Century. Regardless, genetic analyses have shown the subspecies diverged from the mainland Asian elephant approximately 300,000 years ago. As implied by the name, many of the Bornean pygmy elephants' features are smaller in size than their mainland relatives. This species is of particular conservation concern due to its restricted range, habitat degradation, and poaching. Recently, poachers have been poisoning watering holes, tragically killing entire herds. Only an estimated 1000-2000 individuals remain in the wild. Here are an adult and calf of this elusive species, which I saw recently in one of their last remaining rainforest habitats on Borneo.
