AS we observe World Elephant Day and Orangutan Day, it is a moment to reflect on the majestic creatures that have roamed our planet for millennia. These days, celebrated on Aug 12th and 19th every year, serve as a global call to action to protect elephants and orangutans from the numerous threats they face. 

While the African and Asian elephants often dominate the conversation, there is another subspecies that deserves our attention and protection: the Bornean Pygmy elephant, a unique and endangered inhabitant of the island of Borneo. Similarly, the Bornean orangutan, with its striking red fur and incredible intelligence, is another iconic species of Borneo facing dire threats. 

The Bornean Pygmy elephant is the smallest of the Asian elephant subspecies, standing at just eight to ten feet tall. These gentle giants are known for their docile nature and are believed to have distinct characteristics, such as longer tails and larger ears, that set them apart from their mainland cousins. Meanwhile, the Bornean orangutan, one of the most intelligent primates, plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the rainforest.  

As keystone species, both the Bornean Pygmy elephants and the orangutan are crucial to the health of Borneo’s forest ecosystems. The elephants help maintain the forest by dispersing seeds over vast areas, supporting the growth of various plant species. Similarly, the orangutan contributes to the forest’s biodiversity by spreading seeds as it forages, ensuring the regeneration of key tree species that are essential to the forest’s survival. 

Unfortunately, the Bornean Pygmy elephant and the orangutan are facing significant threats, primarily due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and illegal logging. This not only disrupts their natural behaviours and migratory patterns but also increases the likelihood of human-wildlife conflict, which can be devastating for both wildlife creatures and local communities. 

Fortunately, there are many players in Malaysia that are aware of these challenges and responsive to ensure the protection of these endangered species.  

I have read of the Malaysian Palm Oil Council’s (MPOC) restoration of the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a crucial habitat for the Bornean Pygmy elephant, and the reforestation efforts here aim to enhance the area’s ecological integrity.  

In protecting orangutans, the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) in 2023 alone reforested 151,444 trees in Lower Kawag, Sabah. These efforts are crucial for the survival of the orangutan, a species that is also under severe threat from habitat loss due to illegal logging. 

Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable palm oil production also plays a crucial role in mitigating deforestation. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices and working closely with local communities and stakeholders, Malaysia is fostering a balance between economic development and environmental conservation.

An essential part of this commitment is adherence to the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, which guarantees that palm oil production meets stringent environmental and social standards. 

Moreover, these reforestation projects have significant socio-economic benefits for local communities. Involving indigenous and local people in reforestation activities provides them with sustainable livelihoods and fosters a sense of stewardship towards the environment, while also ensuring the long-term success of these initiatives. 

World Elephant Day and World Orangutan Day serve as a reminder of the responsibility we all share in protecting these incredible animals. At TRADA, we are committed to playing our part to safeguard the future of the Bornean Pygmy elephant and orangutan.

By engaging and empowering the youth, we aim to foster a new generation of environment stewards who will continue to protect these magnificent creatures and ensure that they thrive in the forests of Borneo for generations to come, embodying the rich natural heritage of Malaysia that we are all so proud of. - Aug 18, 2024

Joseph Janting is the president of Dayak Transformation Association (TRADA).
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. 

https://focusmalaysia.my/protecting-borneos-wildlife-reforesting-for-the-future-of-elephants-orangutans/