One of my most cherished wildlife encounters occurred on the Kinabatagan River in Malaysian Borneo. While cruising on a small boat in search of wildlife, a large herd of elephants suddenly emerged, crossing the river. Witnessing mother elephants guiding their calves to safety on the opposite bank amidst an approaching thunderstorm was truly awe-inspiring. The cacophony of over 60 majestic animals added to the surreal atmosphere.
Initially, I questioned whether these elephants were pygmies due to their size, but after further investigation, I am confident they are indeed pygmy elephants. The location of the sighting, along the northeast of Borneo at the Kinabatagan River, is exclusively inhabited by pygmy elephants. Additionally, their distinct features, such as longer tails, larger ears, and slightly smaller stature compared to Asian elephants, confirm their classification.
Although their tusks may appear straighter, and encounters may suggest smaller sizes, it’s important to note that Sabah pygmy elephants are not significantly smaller. Males can reach heights of up to 7 feet, while females are slightly shorter. While they are smaller than their Asian counterparts, they remain the largest land animals in Borneo.