KOTA KINABALU: An endangered pygmy elephant was found dead at an estate in Lahad Datu on Friday (July 16) morning.

       The adult male, believed to be between five and seven years old, was discovered by Felda Sahabat I estate workers at around 8am.

       State Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin, said on Sunday (July 18) that according to information from the Sabah Wildlife Department, the elephant was believed to have died about three days ago.

       He said external examination found that there were no wounds to the carcass.

       There was, however, blood on the trunk, mouth and anus and it had an inflamed rectum with mild prolapse as well as a moderate to severely decomposed tongue, he said.

       Jafry said post-mortem results found that all organs were in a moderate to severely decomposed state.

       "The preliminary cause of death is due to respiratory failure as a result of various reasons and triggers following toxicity, which means suspected poisoning," he said.

       Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga said although initial investigations show the elephant died due to poisoning, they are unsure whether this was deliberate or accidental.

       "Elephants wander in search of food and sometimes consume toxic materials accidentally," said Tuuga, adding that investigations were ongoing.