The Conservation of African Forest Elephants: A Fight Against Time

African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) are one of the most elusive and least understood of the world’s elephant species. Inhabiting the dense rainforests of Central and West Africa, they play a critical role in maintaining the biodiversity of these ecosystems. However, these gentle giants are facing an unprecedented crisis—relentless illegal killings, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict have driven their populations to dangerously low levels. Urgent and co-ordinated conservation efforts are needed to ensure their survival.

The Unique Role of Forest Elephants

Unlike their savanna counterparts, forest elephants are smaller, with straighter tusks and more rounded ears. But their physical differences are just the beginning of what makes them unique. As “gardeners of the forest,” they disperse seeds across vast areas, shaping the structure and composition of their rainforest homes. They consume a variety of fruits, whose seeds pass through their digestive system and are deposited in different locations, enabling new trees to grow. Some species of trees rely almost entirely on elephants for seed dispersal, making forest elephants indispensable for maintaining rainforest biodiversity.

Moreover, studies show that forest elephants help mitigate climate change. By consuming smaller trees and promoting the growth of larger, carbon-storing trees, they contribute to the carbon sequestration capacity of the forests they inhabit. Losing them would have cascading effects on the ecosystem and the global fight against climate change.

The Threats Facing Forest Elephants

Despite their ecological importance, African forest elephants are critically endangered. Over the past three decades, their population has declined by more than 80%, with illegal killings and habitat loss as the primary culprits.

1. Illegal Killings for Ivory The illegal ivory trade has decimated forest elephant populations. Unlike savanna elephants, forest elephants have denser, pinkish-tinted tusks that are highly valued in the black market. Illegal killings, fuelled by international demand for ivory, have pushed these animals to the brink. Even in protected areas, armed groups continue to target them, using increasingly sophisticated methods to evade law enforcement.

   
   
   
   

   

   
   
   
   

2. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation Logging, agriculture, and infrastructure development are rapidly encroaching on forest elephant habitats. As vast tracts of forest are cleared for plantations and settlements, elephants are forced into smaller, fragmented areas, reducing their access to food and water. This also brings them into closer contact with humans, increasing the risk of conflict.

   
   

3. Human-Elephant Conflict As elephants venture into farms in search of food, they often damage crops, leading to retaliatory killings by local communities. With limited alternative livelihoods, many people see elephants as a threat rather than an asset. Without effective mitigation strategies, such as elephant corridors and community-based conservation programmes, these conflicts will continue to escalate.

Conservation Strategies and Success Stories

Despite the grim outlook, there are promising conservation efforts underway. Organisations, governments, and local communities are working together to protect forest elephants and their habitats.

1. Strengthening Anti-Killing Measures Enhanced patrols, surveillance technologies, and increased penalties for illegal killings have helped curb elephant deaths in some areas. The use of drone monitoring and AI-assisted tracking has provided rangers with better tools to detect threats before they strike.

   
   

2. Expanding Protected Areas and Corridors Designating new national parks and creating elephant corridors between fragmented habitats have proven effective in some regions. The transboundary Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas in the Congo Basin are an example of successful international collaboration in conservation.

   
   

3. Community Involvement and Sustainable Livelihoods Involving local communities in conservation efforts is key to long-term success. Programmes that promote ecotourism, agroforestry, and alternative income sources help reduce reliance on illegal killings and deforestation. The engagement of local people, who have coexisted with elephants for centuries, is particularly crucial.

   
   
   
   

   

   Bee keeping is an alternative livelihood for communities. Bees deter elephants and produce honey for farmers to sell.

   
   
   
   

4. International Policy and Advocacy Stronger enforcement of international agreements, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), has led to bans on the ivory trade in key markets. Continued diplomatic pressure and consumer awareness campaigns are essential to reducing global demand for ivory products.

   
   

The Road Ahead

The future of African forest elephants depends on immediate action. Conservation is not just about protecting a single species—it is about preserving entire ecosystems and the services they provide to communities. Governments, conservationists, and individuals must work together to safeguard these animals before it is too late.

We all have a role to play. Supporting conservation organisations, advocating for stronger policies, and promoting sustainable consumer choices can contribute to the survival of this keystone species. With commitment and collaboration, we can ensure that forest elephants continue to roam the forests of Africa for generations to come.