Borneo's pygmy elephants are rather small in size compared to other elephants. They are chubbier than other Asian elephants, but feature bigger tails and ears. The Asian pygmy elephant's tail almost reaches the ground. These elephants grow tusks that protrude straight out from the skull instead of curl outwards like other elephant varieties. The average male pygmy elephant will grow to an average maximum height of only 8.2 feet. Borneo pygmy elephants are brown to dark grey in appearance like other Asian elephants.
Pygmy elephants are found exclusively on Borneo, the world's third largest island. More specifically, the Borneo pygmy elephant inhabits the northeastern tip of Borneo island. Forests that are close to grasslands and accessible water sources are ideal environments for this elephant. Less than 1,000 pygmy elephants are estimated to exist in the wild. The rainforests of Sabah, Malaysia host a large number of pygmy elephants.
The Borneo elephant is a forest herbivore; it feeds on plants. The average full-grown adult pygmy elephant can consume over 300 pounds of vegetation on a daily basis. These mammals typically feed on wild bananas, various species of palm trees and grasses. They can also feed on leaves, sugar cane and roots. Pygmy elephants depend on river water for drinking and to maintain health.
Pygmy elephants can live as long as 80 years in captivity. In the wild, the average pygmy elephant's life expectancy is around 60 years. Mature female pygmy elephants give birth about once every 4 to 6 years. The average female pygmy elephant will have around 7 calves in its lifetime. Gestation periods can last for anywhere between 19 to 22 months.
Loss of habitat is the largest contributor to the decline of Asian elephants, such as the pygmy elephant. A considerable amount of space is needed to sustain an elephant population. When humans develop in areas where pygmy elephants thrive, the elephants retreat to uninhabited areas. Logging operations also displaces pygmy elephant populations by cutting off pathways to food and water sources. There are several conservation groups involved in setting up pygmy elephant sanctuaries throughout Borneo including the World Wide Fund WWF.org.