KINABATANGAN: In the heart of Kinabatangan, a quiet revolution is unfolding. A small community project centred on elephant conservation is making a big impact, not just for the endangered pygmy elephants but also for the people who share their habitat.
At the forefront of this initiative is the Responsible Elephant Conservation Trust (Respect), led by Alexander Yee.
AdvertisementThe project, which began earlier this year in Kampung Bilit, focuses on planting Napier grass to provide an alternative food source for the elephants.
“In May 2024, the entire one-acre site was planted near Tanini Kinabatangan (Yee’s lodge), and two months later, a herd of seven elephants, including a baby, came and ate half of the grass.