Quick answer
IUCN status: EndangeredBornean elephant at a glance
The Bornean elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis) is a mammal in the family Elephantidae. Range in Indonesia: North Kalimantan (Nunukan, near the Sabah border). Diet: eats many kinds of plants: grasses, leaves, bark, roots and fruit; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Endangered — subspecies, 2024 assessment. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Elephas maximus borneensis |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Gajah Kalimantan |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Elephantidae |
| Range in Indonesia | North Kalimantan (Nunukan, near the Sabah border) |
| Linked habitats | Tropical Rainforests, Freshwater Wetlands |
| Name used by WWF | Elephas maximus borneensis |
| Indonesian range | North Kalimantan near the Sabah border |
| Context | Cross-border forest landscape |
| IUCN status | Endangered — subspecies, 2024 assessment · IUCN — Bornean elephant listed as Endangered (press release, June 2024) |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 51 |
| Population in Indonesia | Only 5–13 individuals in Indonesia (Indonesian government 2026–2036 action plan) · Mongabay — Only 1,325-1,648 wild elephants left in Indonesia, government says (Aug 2026) |
| Total population | About 1,000 Bornean elephants in the wild; IUCN Endangered since 2024 · IUCN — Bornean elephant Endangered (press release, 27 June 2024) |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — eats many kinds of plants: grasses, leaves, bark, roots and fruit · Animal Diversity Web |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · Animal Diversity Web |
| Observance days | World Elephant Day (12 August) |
| Active | Cathemeral (active irregularly by day and night) — The Asian-elephant account describes feeding by day and night and reduced activity in the hottest hours; this is not a measurement of each population. · Animal Diversity Web — Asian elephant: behaviour |
In this guide (11)
What is the Bornean elephant?
The Bornean elephant is a northern Borneo population of Asian elephant, named Elephas maximus borneensis by WWF. IUCN first assessed it separately as a subspecies in June 2024, listing it as Endangered. That assessment concerns Bornean elephants; Sumatran elephant status and population figures should not be substituted for it.
Evidence: IUCN (27 June 2024) — first subspecies assessment of Bornean elephant ↗ · WWF Indonesia (2018) — transboundary Bornean elephant range ↗
Where does it live?
WWF places the Indonesian habitat around Nunukan in North Kalimantan, close to Sabah, Malaysia. The landscape crosses the international border, so a country-only map can hide important movement routes. A habitat area is not a promise that elephants will be seen at every forest location.
Evidence: WWF Indonesia (2018) — transboundary Bornean elephant range ↗
Why does forest connectivity matter?
Elephants move across large areas as they use food and water sources. WWF’s work emphasizes cross-border forest corridors that keep those routes available. Roads, land conversion and fragmentation can interrupt movement and increase encounters with farms or settlements.
Evidence: WWF Indonesia (2018) — Bornean elephant corridor ↗ · IUCN (27 June 2024) — first subspecies assessment of Bornean elephant ↗
How should conflict be understood?
WWF describes cross-border cooperation and community discussions about crop damage and habitat. Its Tulin Onsoi programme also uses occupancy surveys to inform land-use and conservation decisions. These approaches emphasize understanding the shared landscape. During an encounter, our advice is to keep your distance and seek guidance from local conservation authorities.
Evidence: WWF Indonesia (2018) — transboundary Bornean elephant range ↗ · WWF Indonesia — Tulin Onsoi occupancy surveys ↗
What should be checked before quoting numbers?
IUCN reported an estimate of about 1,000 wild elephants in its 2024 assessment announcement. This is neither a new census this year nor an Indonesia-only count. WWF describes occupancy surveys in Tulin Onsoi: evidence of habitat use does not automatically count every individual. Always retain the date, area and method with a population figure.
Evidence: IUCN (27 June 2024) — first subspecies assessment of Bornean elephant ↗ · WWF Indonesia — Tulin Onsoi occupancy surveys ↗
Explore related habitats
These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.
Scientific classification of the Bornean elephant
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Proboscidea |
| Family | Elephantidae |
| Genus | Elephas |
| Species | Elephas maximus |
| Subspecies | Elephas maximus borneensis |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Bornean elephant
What is the scientific name of the Bornean elephant?
The scientific name of the Bornean elephant is Elephas maximus borneensis, in the family Elephantidae. In Indonesian it is called Gajah Kalimantan.
What kind of animal is the Bornean elephant?
The Bornean elephant is a mammal in the family Elephantidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a eats many kinds of plants: grasses, leaves, bark, roots and fruit.
Where does the Bornean elephant live in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, this guide records the Bornean elephant in: North Kalimantan (Nunukan, near the Sabah border).
Source-supported habitats: Tropical Rainforests, Freshwater Wetlands.
What does the Bornean elephant eat?
The Bornean elephant is a eats many kinds of plants: grasses, leaves, bark, roots and fruit. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
How does the Bornean elephant reproduce?
The Bornean elephant reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
Is the Bornean elephant nocturnal?
The cited source records the Bornean elephant as cathemeral (active irregularly by day and night). The Asian-elephant account describes feeding by day and night and reduced activity in the hottest hours; this is not a measurement of each population. Source: Animal Diversity Web — Asian elephant: behaviour.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
How large is the population of the Bornean elephant?
Only 5–13 individuals in Indonesia (Indonesian government 2026–2036 action plan). Source: Mongabay — Only 1,325-1,648 wild elephants left in Indonesia, government says (Aug 2026). Wild population figures are estimates and can differ between surveys.
What is the scientific classification of the Bornean elephant?
Scientific classification of the Bornean elephant: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Proboscidea, family Elephantidae, genus Elephas, species Elephas maximus, subspecies Elephas maximus borneensis.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Bornean elephant endangered?
Yes. The global conservation status of the Bornean elephant: Endangered — subspecies, 2024 assessment. In the IUCN system, this category means it is considered to face a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: IUCN — Bornean elephant listed as Endangered (press release, June 2024).
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the Bornean elephant protected in Indonesia?
Is the Bornean elephant protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The Bornean elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis) is a protected species in Indonesia under Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species (annex, entry 51); the annex lists it as Elephas maximus.
The annex lists Elephas maximus (Asian elephant) without distinguishing subspecies, so it covers the elephants of Sumatra and Kalimantan.
Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.
If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the local BKSDA office.
Can the Bornean elephant be kept as a pet?
No. Because the Bornean elephant is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.
If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the local BKSDA office.
Compare with similar animals
Sources & references
- IUCN (27 June 2024) — first subspecies assessment of Bornean elephant ↗
- WWF Indonesia (2018) — transboundary Bornean elephant range ↗
- WWF Indonesia (2018) — Bornean elephant corridor ↗
- WWF Indonesia — Tulin Onsoi occupancy surveys ↗
- Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi ↗
- Mongabay — Only 1,325-1,648 wild elephants left in Indonesia, government says (Aug 2026) ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Related causes and news
Help from outside Indonesia
If you live outside Indonesia, you can help elephants with World Animal Rescue Network.
Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network. PanduanHewan itself does not accept donations, and this invitation is not directed at people in Indonesia.
Further reading
Borneo pygmy elephant: facts, threats and conservation ↗ — World Animal Rescue Network.
Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network.
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Bornean elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis). Last substantive update: 7 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/bornean-elephant/