Elephas Maximus Borneensis
The Elephas maximus borneensis, commonly known as the Bornean elephant, is a subspecies of the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). It is native to the island of Borneo and is found primarily in the northeastern region of the island, particularly in the Malaysian state of Sabah.
Bornean elephants are smaller than their mainland Asian counterparts and are known for being more gentle and less aggressive, which has earned them the nickname "pygmy elephants."
Bornean elephants inhabit tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, lowland forests, and river valleys and are listed as endangered due to habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, and poaching for their ivory. Estimates suggest that there are fewer than 1,500 individuals remaining in the wild. Their fragmented populations are under severe pressure from agricultural expansion, particularly palm oil plantations.
DNA studies reveal that genetic research has shown Bornean elephants are genetically distinct from other Asian elephants, suggesting they may have been isolated for over 300,000 years.
Efforts to conserve the Bornean elephant are crucial to preserving this unique subspecies and maintaining the biodiversity of Borneo's ecosystems.
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