Two female adult elephants found dead

SANDAKAN: Two female adult Bornean elephants were found dead at oil palm plantations in Sukau, Kinabatangan and Deramakot Forest Reserve, near here.

In confirming the deaths of the mammals, Sabah Wildlife Department ( SWD) director, Augustine Tuuga said the first carcass at Ladang Sentosa in Sukau was discovered last Saturday ( Feb 8), while the other was discovered yesterday at Ladang Tangkulap IOI, that borders the Deramakot Forest Reserve.

“A post- mortem has been conducted on the carcass in Sukau, while a team of veterinarians is on the way to the second location ( to conduct a post- mortem). The cause of death of the first elephant is yet to be determined, but there are no signs of external wounds,” he said when contacted, here.

These two latest discoveries are the second and third case this year after reports of another elephant carcass, allegedly buried by an oil palm plantation company in Lower Kinabatangan sometime before Jan 20.

The case is currently being investigated by the SWD which last year, recorded a total of 25 elephant deaths. — Bernama