# Bornean elephant

> A northern Borneo population of Asian elephant shared by North Kalimantan and Sabah. Its future depends on a connected cross-border landscape and reducing conflict with people.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/bornean-elephant/ · Updated 7 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/gajah-kalimantan/
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**Review status:** Approved by team on 2026-10-07. Approval covers this version’s narrative, facts, quick answers and recorded locations in both languages.

## Quick answer

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).

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| 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](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/), [Freshwater Wetlands](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/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)](https://iucn.org/press-release/202406/bornean-elephant-endangered-iucn-red-list) |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · [Regulation P.106/2018](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) · 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)](https://news.mongabay.com/2026/08/only-1325-1648-wild-elephants-left-in-indonesia-government-says/) |
| Total population | About 1,000 Bornean elephants in the wild; IUCN Endangered since 2024 · [IUCN — Bornean elephant Endangered (press release, 27 June 2024)](https://iucn.org/press-release/202406/bornean-elephant-endangered-iucn-red-list) |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — eats many kinds of plants: grasses, leaves, bark, roots and fruit · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Elephas_maximus/) |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/) |
| Observance days | [World Elephant Day (12 August)](https://panduanhewan.org/en/animal-days-calendar/#world-elephant-day) |
| 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](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Elephas_maximus/) |

## 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](https://iucn.org/press-release/202406/bornean-elephant-endangered-iucn-red-list) · [WWF Indonesia (2018) — transboundary Bornean elephant range](https://www.wwf.id/en/blog/bornean-pygmy-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](https://www.wwf.id/en/blog/bornean-pygmy-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](https://www.wwf.id/id/blog/pelestarian-gajah-borneo-melalui-pendedikasian-koridor-di-utara-jantung-borneo) · [IUCN (27 June 2024) — first subspecies assessment of Bornean elephant](https://iucn.org/press-release/202406/bornean-elephant-endangered-iucn-red-list)

## 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](https://www.wwf.id/en/blog/bornean-pygmy-elephant-range) · [WWF Indonesia — Tulin Onsoi occupancy surveys](https://wwf.id/id/learn/forest-wildlife/kalimantan)

## 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](https://iucn.org/press-release/202406/bornean-elephant-endangered-iucn-red-list) · [WWF Indonesia — Tulin Onsoi occupancy surveys](https://wwf.id/id/learn/forest-wildlife/kalimantan)

## Scientific classification of the Bornean elephant

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Proboscidea |
| Family | Elephantidae |
| Genus | *Elephas* |
| Species | *Elephas maximus* |
| Subspecies | *Elephas maximus borneensis* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## 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](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/), [Freshwater Wetlands](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/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](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Elephas_maximus/).

### How does the Bornean elephant reproduce?

The Bornean elephant reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/).

### 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](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Elephas_maximus/).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### 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)](https://news.mongabay.com/2026/08/only-1325-1648-wild-elephants-left-in-indonesia-government-says/). 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](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), 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)](https://iucn.org/press-release/202406/bornean-elephant-endangered-iucn-red-list).

This global category is separate from national legal protection. [Is the Bornean elephant protected in Indonesia?](#protected)

### 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](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) (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](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

### 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](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

## Sources & references

1. [IUCN (27 June 2024) — first subspecies assessment of Bornean elephant](https://iucn.org/press-release/202406/bornean-elephant-endangered-iucn-red-list)
2. [WWF Indonesia (2018) — transboundary Bornean elephant range](https://www.wwf.id/en/blog/bornean-pygmy-elephant-range)
3. [WWF Indonesia (2018) — Bornean elephant corridor](https://www.wwf.id/id/blog/pelestarian-gajah-borneo-melalui-pendedikasian-koridor-di-utara-jantung-borneo)
4. [WWF Indonesia — Tulin Onsoi occupancy surveys](https://wwf.id/id/learn/forest-wildlife/kalimantan)
5. [Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf)
6. [Mongabay — Only 1,325-1,648 wild elephants left in Indonesia, government says (Aug 2026)](https://news.mongabay.com/2026/08/only-1325-1648-wild-elephants-left-in-indonesia-government-says/)
7. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Elephas_maximus/)
8. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/)
9. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Further reading

[Borneo pygmy elephant: facts, threats and conservation](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/wildlife-guides/borneo-pygmy-elephant/) — World Animal Rescue Network.

_Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network._

## Keep exploring

- [Sumatran elephant](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/sumatran-elephant/)
- [Bornean orangutan](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/bornean-orangutan/)
- [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/)
- [Freshwater Wetlands](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/freshwater-wetlands/)
- [Binturong](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/binturong/)
- [Asian small-clawed otter](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/asian-small-clawed-otter/)
- [Smooth-coated otter](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/smooth-coated-otter/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Bornean elephant. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/bornean-elephant/