A male Bornean pygmy elephant was found dead with its head and tusks mutilated in the Pinangah/Sungai Pinangah Forest Reserve in Tongod, Sabah, on May 18, 2026. Estate staff had heard a loud explosion-like sound near the area the previous day on May 17 [1, 2].

The elephant’s head was cut in an L-shaped pattern and both tusks were missing. Officials believe the tusks were removed with sharp tools, indicating targeted ivory poaching. There were no gunshot wounds detected on the elephant’s body during initial inspections [3, 1, 2]. Sabah Wildlife Department director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said, “Based on initial observations, the elephant’s head was cut in the shape of an L, which suggests it was for its tusks” [3].

Heavy rain and muddy terrain delayed access to the site and investigation efforts following the discovery [3, 1, 2]. The carcass belonged to a large male measuring about 2.9 meters tall with footprints measuring 1.45 meters [1].

The Sabah Wildlife Department and police are investigating the incident as an ivory poaching and wildlife crime case. Authorities have closed multiple access routes, instituted roadblocks, and intensified forest patrols around the reserve to search for suspects and collect evidence [3, 1, 2]. Forensic teams recovered cigarette boxes and water bottles from the scene for analysis [2].

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said, “I wish to stress that if investigations confirm the involvement of poaching activities, illegal ivory removal or other wildlife offences, firm action without compromise must be taken against those responsible.” He added, “The Bornean elephant is one of Sabah’s most iconic and protected wildlife species and remains an important component of the state’s biodiversity and conservation efforts. Any act threatening its survival must be treated seriously” [1].

Separately, authorities are searching for another Bornean elephant in Kalabakan Selatan with a severe semi-severed trunk injury. The cause is still under investigation, with snaring and sharp objects considered possible factors. Minister Jafry said, “While snaring remains one of the possibilities being assessed, it has not been confirmed as the cause” [4].

The investigation and enforcement actions, including patrol intensification and roadblocks, were heightened on May 19 following the discovery [2].