Elephants.
Elephants.
Against the tide of poaching, habitat loss and ivory trade the tusked giants make a comeback
This is a story of resilience, adaptation, and -bet you didn’t see this word pairing coming- interconnected landscapes.
The elephant is back, baby! Yes, it’s true. Elephant populations in southern Africa have stabilized after enduring immense losses (and horrible predictions of doom) over the past century.
This heartening news comes primarily from the efforts of good conservationists.
Let’s start with connected landscapes. Unlike isolated "fortress" parks, vast regions that are linked by passages and corridors have proven vital for maintaining stable populations. These corridors allow elephants to roam freely, just as they did naturally in the past. They also allow the herds or parades to flee poaching or drought more easily and, conversely, freely return when conditions improve, fostering a dynamic flow that promotes long-term stability.
"We must protect elephants, but also connect them. We've fragmented their world, and it's time to stitch it back together." - Professor Stuart Pimm
Katherine Elliott, a senior program advisor for WWF Africa, acknowledges the progress but urges continued vigilance: "Stabilization in the south <of Africa> is heartening, but several populations face immense challenges. We cannot afford complacency."
Looking ahead, scientists and observers anticipate the focus shifting to securing and enhancing these vital connections. Human activity, through roads, fences, and agriculture, poses a significant threat to connectivity. But with careful planning and community engagement, these challenges can be addressed, safeguarding not just elephants, but a multitude of species that depend on healthy, interconnected landscapes.
These findings came from over 700 surveys from over 100 areas in and around Tanzania, and accounts for more than 70% of the savannah elephant population in Africa. These populations had grown at 0.16% a year for the past quarter of a century. “Conservation has halted the decline of elephants in southern Africa over the last 25 years,” said Pimm.
More elephants are good.