KOTA KINABALU: Poisoning is suspected to be the cause of death of an adult female Borneo pygmy elephant at a settlement on Sabah's east coast as conservationists continue to grapple with the deaths of the endangered animal. Sources said that the elephant was likely to have consumed toxic substances before it was found dead in the area of Kampung Perpaduan Skim Bagahak at around 6.30am on Monday (Dec 9). They were awaiting toxicology tests to ascertain the cause of death of the elephant, which was found by villagers, with the carcass being surrounded by a few elephants. Lahad Datu Wildlife officer Sylvester Saimin said that they suspected poisoning as the cause of death of the elephant aged about 20 to 25. In January, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew had said that an action plan would be put in place, including the creation of an "Elephant Food Corridor" in the lower Kinabatangan area.

Source: The Star December 10, 2019 07:41 UTC