Saving Borneo’s Tiny Giants: A Conservationist’s Mission

The Bornean elephant, the smallest subspecies of the Asian elephant, may be smaller in stature but faces some of the biggest survival challenges on the planet. These elephants, which grow up to nine feet tall, are found only on the island of Borneo, primarily in the Malaysian state of Sabah. Today, fewer than 1,000 remain in the wild, and their population continues to dwindle.

Over the past four decades, massive deforestation due to logging and palm oil cultivation has destroyed approximately 60% of their natural habitat in Sabah. Between 1980 and 2000, Borneo exported more timber than both Africa and the Amazon combined. The remaining elephant herds now survive in fragmented patches of forest, isolated within agricultural landscapes like those of the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.

Determined to turn the tide, Malaysian elephant ecologist Dr. Farina Othman has committed herself to reconnecting these fragmented habitats. In 2018, she founded Seratu Aatai, a conservation organization whose name translates to “solidarity.” Her mission: to reduce human-elephant conflict and raise awareness about the species’ plight.

As palm oil plantations expanded, elephants increasingly came into contact with people, often damaging crops and property. This has resulted in rising tensions, with 131 elephants reportedly killed between 2010 and 2020 — many due to accidental poisoning or retaliation by locals. While some recognize elephants as important to ecosystems, others remain wary of their presence nearby.

Othman, deeply connected to her homeland and its wildlife, is working hard to shift this mindset. “If we don’t take action ourselves, who will?” she said in an interview. Her goal is to foster understanding and cooperation between communities and conservationists.

Recently, her work earned international recognition. Othman received the 2025 Whitley Award — a prestigious conservation prize — along with a £50,000 grant. With this support, she aims to expand a network of forest corridors across Sabah by working directly with plantation owners. These corridors, made of native vegetation, allow elephants to safely move between isolated forest patches.

However, the first step was the hardest: building trust with palm oil farmers. Initially hesitant, some planters now see the mutual benefit in preserving biodiversity. Healthier ecosystems can enhance soil quality and contribute to the longevity of their crops.

In collaboration with Othman’s team, several plantations have agreed to grow native tree species alongside oil palms. These include “food chests” of plants that elephants prefer, designed to encourage the gentle giants to follow designated corridors rather than wander into farmlands.

Training programs are now being rolled out to teach farmers how to recognize individual elephants, monitor herd behavior, and apply sustainable farming practices. In addition, Othman has recruited local rangers to monitor elephant populations and provide on-the-ground education for communities and plantation workers.

Edward Whitley, founder of the Whitley Fund for Nature, praised Othman’s approach, noting how her connection with local people and wildlife has helped build a conservation model rooted in mutual respect.

Othman hopes that by encouraging coexistence, aggressive encounters between elephants and humans can be avoided. She believes the animals are capable of sensing human intent. “I’ve had close calls,” she said, “but they’ve never harmed me. I think they can sense what’s in your heart.”

Her work is a reminder that with compassion, education, and collaboration, even the most endangered species still have a chance.