Bornean Pygmy Elephant (Elephas borneensis).
There are currently three subspecies of the Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) recognized. Recent genetic work has raised the question of the Bornean Pygmy Elephant & it could merit full species status. Body size, ear size, tusk straightness & size & the number of ribs among the various subspecies all support genetic & maybe even full species status.
The origin of this population is open to speculation, as no fossil evidence of Elephants has to date been found on Borneo. One opinion is that this population originally derived from the island of Java. They were a gift from one royal to another. The Java population has long been extinct but this population appears to be thriving.
They are really tiny & very different
from other populations of Asian Elephants.
One thing is for certain, this little family group of Bornean Elephants was a very special sighting for me & one of the highlights of this trip.
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