Seratu Aatai

DNA evidence proves that Bornean elephants are genetically different from other Asian elephants after being isolated about 300,000 years ago from their cousins in mainland Asia and Sumatra. This makes Sabah a very important stronghold for this unique elephant species.

Seratu Aatai has been instrumental in the development of the Sabah State Bornean Elephant Action Plan 2020-2029 for the Sabah Wildlife Department. They are also the only NGO in the area with a mission focused specifically on Bornean elephants.

After more than 15 years working with the Bornean elephant, Dr. Nurzhafarina “Farina” Othman, Founder of Seratu Aatai, realized that short-term mitigation measures which are implemented opportunistically by individuals, groups, or organizations without a collaborative process are not effective enough to mitigate human-elephant conflict. In response, Seratu Aatai began working with different stakeholders involved in elephant conservation at an international level, while balancing local socio-economic contexts and benefits.

Seratu Aatai improves the protection of elephants through a network of Honorary Wildlife Wardens, by implementing insurance plans to reduce conflict, by improving habitat connectivity for the highest density elephant pathways, and continuing to monitor elephant behavior to influence their conservation actions. Seratu Aatai also delivers educational videos using 360-degree virtual reality technology shared at schools and local communities.