Elephant Food Corridor Project Achieves Success as Herd Returns to Napier Grass Plantation

1 March 2025

KINABATANGAN: A herd of over 20 elephants has once again visited the napier grass plantation managed by the RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust (RESPECT) in Tanini, Kinabatangan, highlighting the effectiveness of ongoing conservation efforts.

The elephants were observed feeding on the napier grass while tourists at a nearby lodge watched. The sighting began at 6:45 AM and continued until 5:00 PM, marking a prolonged presence in the area. This is the second recorded visit since RESPECT established the site in April 2024 as part of efforts to create a sustainable food corridor for Borneo’s elephants. The first visit occurred in July last year, when a smaller group of eight elephants entered the area.

RESPECT Chairman Alexander Yee expressed his optimism, stating, “This initiative is not only yielding results but also proving to be a viable solution to mitigate human-elephant conflict in Kinabatangan. However, for long-term success, we require continued collaboration and support from all stakeholders.”

The 1-acre plantation in Tanini was originally developed as a pilot project in collaboration with Intrepid Travel. Encouraged by its success, Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, launched a broader initiative in January 2025, expanding the project to 33.35 acres.

This has created the Borneo Elephant Food Corridor along the Riparian Reserve of Kampung Bilit—a larger, dedicated feeding zone aimed at keeping elephants within safe areas and reducing conflicts with plantations and villages.

The concept behind the food corridor is straightforward: by providing sufficient food sources in designated areas, elephants are less likely to venture into farmlands, oil palm plantations, or residential areas in search of food.

Despite these efforts, isolated incidents still occur. Just three days ago, a baby elephant was spotted entering a house in Kalabakan, reportedly in search of water and food.

Such incidents underscore the urgent need to expand the food corridor, providing sustainable alternatives for wild elephants while protecting local communities.

The return of the herd to the site is a promising sign that conservation-driven solutions are making a difference. RESPECT remains committed to collaborating with government agencies, conservation partners, and local communities to ensure the long-term success of this initiative for the survival of Borneo’s elephants.