Researchers document huge drop in African elephants in a half century
- November 14, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
Researchers document huge drop in African elephants in a half century
Sub : Env
Sec : Species in news
Context:
- African elephants, Earth’s largest land mammals, are known for their remarkable intelligence and complex social behavior. However, they are under severe threat, as highlighted in a comprehensive new study that tracks the status of both species — the savanna elephant and the forest elephant — across the African continent.
Key Findings of the Study:
- Population Decline:
- The study, conducted at 475 sites across 37 countries between 1964 and 2016, showed drastic declines in elephant populations.
- Savanna elephants experienced an average population decrease of about 70% at surveyed sites.
- Forest elephants faced an even steeper decline, with populations dropping by 90% on average at surveyed sites.
- Overall, there was a 77% population decline across all sites for both species combined.
- Main Threats:
- Poaching: Illegal killing of elephants for their tusks, driven largely by ivory demand in China and other parts of Asia, is a major factor behind the decline.
- Habitat Loss: Agricultural expansion and human encroachment have significantly reduced elephants’ natural habitats, particularly affecting the forest elephant.
- Regional Differences:
- Northern and eastern Africa, including countries like Mali, Chad, and Nigeria, have seen severe population losses, with some areas experiencing complete local extinctions (extirpation).
- In contrast, southern Africa showed positive trends, with elephant populations increasing at 42% of the surveyed sites, particularly in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Effective conservation measures, including active management by governments and conservation groups, have been key to this success.
Conservation Efforts and Challenges:
- Despite the grim statistics, there are success stories. In parts of southern Africa, strong conservation policies have led to population growth, demonstrating that targeted management can make a significant difference.
- However, many low-density populations continue to face intense pressures, and recovery is unlikely for many lost populations due to ongoing threats.
- The lack of a consistent methodology across various population surveys made it impossible to provide a precise, continent-wide population count. The most recent estimate from conservationists places the combined population of both African elephant species between 415,000 and 540,000 as of 2016.
Ecological Importance of Elephants
- Elephants are not only highly intelligent and sentient but also play a crucial role in African ecosystems:
- They help maintain the balance between forests and grasslands, influencing the landscape.
- Elephants are key seed dispersers, aiding in plant reproduction and biodiversity.
- Many other species depend on elephants for their survival, making them a keystone species in their habitats.
Comparison with Asian Elephants:
Feature | African Elephant | Asian Elephant |
Species | – Savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) – Forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) | – Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) |
Size | Largest land animals on Earth – Height: Up to 4 m (13 ft) – Weight: 4,000-7,000 kg (8,800-15,400 lbs) | Smaller than African elephants – Height: Up to 3.5 m (11.5 ft) – Weight: 3,000-6,000 kg (6,600-13,200 lbs) |
Ears | Large, fan-shaped ears – Help with heat regulation | Smaller, rounded ears |
Tusks | Both males and females may have tusks (though rare in females) – Often large and prominent | Only males have tusks (and not all males) – Females usually have small “tushes” or none |
Head Shape | Single, rounded dome | Twin-domed head with an indentation in the middle |
Skin Texture | Rough, wrinkled, and less hairy | Smoother, more hairy than African species |
Trunk Features | Two “fingers” at the tip of the trunk (for precise grasping) | One “finger” at the tip of the trunk |
Diet | Primarily grazers (savanna elephants) and browsers (forest elephants) | Browsers and grazers, with a preference for browsing |
Habitat | – Savanna elephants: Grasslands, savannas, woodlands – Forest elephants: Dense rainforests | Forests, grasslands, scrublands, and agricultural areas |
Geographic Range | Across sub-Saharan Africa (southern, eastern, central, and western Africa) | Across 13 countries in South and Southeast Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia) |
Social Structure | Large, complex family groups (matriarch-led) – Savanna elephants have larger groups; forest elephants are more solitary or in smaller groups | Smaller family groups (matriarch-led) – Males often solitary or in temporary “bachelor” groups |
Reproduction | Gestation: Around 22 months – Calves weigh up to 120 kg (265 lbs) at birth | Gestation: Around 18-22 months – Calves weigh around 100 kg (220 lbs) at birth |
Conservation Status | – Savanna elephant: Endangered – Forest elephant: Critically Endangered | Endangered (facing habitat loss and poaching threats) |
Population Trends | Decreasing overall – Savanna: Populations stable or increasing in protected areas – Forest: Sharp decline due to poaching | Decreasing due to habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, and poaching |
Primary Threats | Poaching (for ivory), habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict | Habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, illegal logging, and poaching (for skin and tusks) |