By Olivia Miwil
A BORNEAN elephant has been spotted here recently with injuries to its trunk.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jaffry Ariffin said the sighting came amid heightened scrutiny of the species after a male elephant was found with its tusks removed in Tongod.
The elephant with apparent injuries to its trunk was captured on video, which has gone viral.
The footage was believed to have been recorded in Felda Kalabakan Selatan.
Following a complaint last week, search and field monitoring operations were mounted on May 13 and 14 to locate the elephant, but it could not be found.
"Feedback from the veterinary team indicates that the injuries are highly complex and rescue efforts would involve much more than immediate wound treatment," said Jaffry.
"At this stage, there is no evidence of severe infection that could immediately threaten the elephant's survival.
"Veterinary intervention is, therefore, not required for now."
If the team finds the elephant, he said, surgery might be required to remove damaged tissue or reconstruct torn trunk muscles.
He said this would need to be followed by intensive post-surgical care, daily treatment, feeding management, temporary holding arrangements and continuous monitoring for up to two weeks.
Jaffry said further action would depend on whether there is new information, fresh sightings or additional reports from the field.
The cause of the injuries was under investigation, he said.
"Snaring remains one of the possibilities, but it has not been confirmed. Authorities are considering other causes, including sharp objects."
He said other possibilities include accidental contact with oil palm harvesting tools.
"The Bornean elephant is one of Sabah's most iconic wildlife species and an important part of our environmental heritage."
There are an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 elephants in Sabah.
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