Researchers are more worried than ever, given the drastic fall in the number of elephants on mainland Africa. A study, published this Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, attests to an impressive decline in the two African species.
The world's largest land mammal in decline
This is a large-scale work that the researchers have carried out. They brought together data collected between 1964 and 2016, on 475 sites, themselves spread across 37 countries. Within the sites selected for this research, savannah elephants (Loxodonta africana) would have lost around 70% of their workforce. For forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis), it is on average 90%.
The changing status of the African elephant gives scientists little hope: “Many extinct populations will not return, and many low-density populations face continued pressures. We will probably lose more populations in the future” regrets George Wittemyer, one of the directors of the study.
As early as 2016, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) warned of the growing plight of the African elephant. It estimated its population between 415,000 and 540,000 individuals, on a continental scale. In 2021, the organization placed it in “hazard extinction criticism”, on its red list of threatened species.
Extinction due to poaching and deforestation
In half a century, African elephants have seen their population gradually disappear for two reasons, the first being poaching. These mammals are hunted for their tusks, which are highly valuable on the black market. These attributes made of ivory are in high demand in Asian countries, particularly in China.
On the other hand, agricultural activities have degraded the habitat of the African elephant. This is the case in the Northern Sahel region, including Mali, Chad and Nigeria. “Heavy pressure and limited protection have led to the extinction of some populations” according to Professor George Wittemyer.
Bruno Oberle, Director General of IUCN, tried to draw attention to this situation: “We must urgently put an end to poaching and ensure that sufficient and suitable habitats for forest and savannah elephants are conserved.”
Scientists bet on the conservation of the African elephant
Nevertheless, the doctor testifies to his faith in the potential conservation of species. “Several African countries have led the way in recent years, proving that we can reverse the decline of elephants, and we must work together to ensure their example can be followed. he maintains.
In southern Africa, elephant species are experiencing a population resurgence, “with strong population growth in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia” according to Dr. Wittemyer. A resurgence which can be explained by “active management and stewardship by governments or outside groups”.
African elephants are essential to their environment, being a “incredibly important element of African ecosystems which structure the balance between forest and grasslands”. They serve as “Essential seed disperser and are a species on which a multitude of other species depend for their survival,” according to George Wittemyer.
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