The latest in-depth study of growth rates shows that African elephant populations in their southern core regions have reached a stable level, following significant declines in the past hundred years.
The most recent analysis presents compelling evidence that connected protected areas are significantly more effective than isolated parks in preserving stable elephant populations. This is due to the ability for elephants to freely migrate between areas, mimicking their natural behavior in the past.
As the population of animals increases in heavily guarded central regions, pathways to less guarded buffer zones enable them to spread out. They may also relocate if there is an increase in poaching or a period of drought. If the numbers decrease in the central areas later on, or if conditions improve, elephants can return. However, there is a larger human population living in the buffer zones and experts emphasize the importance of careful planning to prevent conflicts with the elephants. These animals have the potential to harm humans and damage crops.
On the other hand, the researchers discovered that separated parks, where animals are contained and humans are restricted, can cause unmanageable spikes in population. This can result in widespread mortality or deliberate killing.
Dr. Robert Guldemond from the University of Pretoria in South Africa, who is part of the research team, stated that for many years, the focus on news from southern Africa was primarily on the issue of poaching and other dangers. However, there has been significant progress made in addressing these issues, which has shifted the narrative and has not been given enough recognition.
Dr. Ryan Huang, from the University of Pretoria, expressed positive sentiments about the recent development: “This is a great success for many elephants. Our focus has shifted from simply stopping the decline to striving for long-term stability.”
According to Professor Stuart Pimm, a member of the team from Duke University, it is crucial to both protect and connect elephants. He believes that our actions have divided the world and it is now necessary to unite it once again.
A study reported in the journal Science Advances utilized 713 surveys of populations in 103 protected areas spanning from Tanzania to the south, to determine the change in numbers from 1995 to 2020. This included data from over 290,000 savannah elephants, accounting for 70% of the entire population in Africa.
In the last 25 years, it has been discovered by scientists that populations have been growing at a rate of 0.16% annually. Pimm stated, “Conservation efforts have effectively stopped the decrease of elephant populations in southern Africa.”
The most steady populations were primarily located in extensive, well-preserved territories that were linked to surrounding areas. According to Pimm, elephant populations in surrounding areas were at a higher risk of decreasing due to inadequate habitat or human interference, but they play an important role in maintaining a natural balance: “It is an attempt to restore a more natural and sometimes harsh environment.”
Protected parks with limited access experienced significant growth rates and population growth in certain instances. However, this dense population can be detrimental to the environment if they have nowhere to spread out, leading to expensive relocations or damage to the habitat. In the past, culling has been used as a means of controlling unsustainable population numbers.
According to Huang, the 2020 incident of 350 elephants dying in northern Botswana may have been due to their inability to migrate. He suggested that this was possibly caused by toxic algal blooms in the water, leaving the elephants with no other option but to drink it. The ability to move and disperse is crucial in maintaining a stable population in these areas.
The scientists also discovered that certain regions in southern Africa continue to experience significant decreases due to illegal hunting, particularly in south Tanzania, northern Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The levels of poaching in east and west Africa, which were not included in the study, are believed to be similarly high.
Katherine Elliott, the senior program advisor for Africa at WWF, expressed that she finds it hopeful that the populations of southern savannah elephants have reached a stable state. This is a reflection of the hard work and commitment put into conservation efforts. However, there have been noticeable decreases in certain populations and we must not become too comfortable or satisfied.
“According to her, it is crucial to enhance the connectivity between different landscapes for the benefit of elephants and other species. Human actions, such as building roads, fences, and engaging in agriculture and mining, are causing disruptions to this connectivity. As the climate crisis poses a growing threat, maintaining habitat connectivity is even more critical to allow species to relocate from areas that are becoming less suitable for them.”
According to Guldemond, while researchers have identified possible links among elephant populations in southern Africa, effectively addressing conflicts between humans and elephants requires thorough examination of specific factors and is still in progress.
“If the individuals within the environment are neglected, any efforts made towards protecting elephants would be futile.” The savannah, which makes up nearly half of Africa, is inhabited by a population of 500 million people.
The current estimated population of African elephants is 415,000. In the past, there may have been over 25 million of them living on the plains, but due to the growth of human populations, it is unlikely that these numbers will ever be reached again.
Source: theguardian.com
