The number of African elephants in their southern territories has become stable after experiencing significant declines in the past hundred years, as reported by the most thorough examination of population growth rates to date.
The most recent examination also presents the most compelling evidence to date, indicating that protected regions connected to other regions are much more effective at sustaining stable elephant populations compared to isolated parks acting as “fortresses.” This is due to the ability for elephants to migrate between areas, as they did naturally in the past.
When there is an increase in population within well-protected central regions, pathways into less secure buffer zones provide opportunities for animals to spread out. In cases of heightened poaching or drought, they may also migrate. If the population decreases in the central areas later on, or conditions improve, elephants can return once again. However, the buffer zones have a higher human population and scientists emphasize the importance of careful planning to reduce conflicts with elephants, who have the potential to harm people and damage crops.
The researchers discovered that isolated parks, where animals are contained and humans are restricted, can result in unstable increases in population. This can ultimately lead to widespread deaths or the need for population control measures.
Dr. Robert Guldemond from the University of Pretoria in South Africa, who was a member 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 towards addressing these challenges and this positive narrative has not received enough attention.
Dr. Ryan Huang, from the University of Pretoria, expressed that this is a positive development for many elephants. Instead of simply stopping their population decline, the focus is now on achieving long-term stability.
According to Professor Stuart Pimm, a member of the Duke University team, it is crucial to both protect and connect elephants. He suggests that our actions have divided the world, and it is now necessary to unite it once more.
The study, which was published in Science Advances, utilized data from 713 population surveys in 103 protected areas spanning from Tanzania to the south, in order to determine the rates of increase or decrease in numbers between 1995 and 2020. This encompassed a population of over 290,000 savannah elephants, which accounts for 70% of the entire African population.
According to the researchers, over the past 25 years, there has been a 0.16% annual increase in population growth among certain groups. Pimm stated that conservation efforts have successfully stopped the decline of elephants in southern Africa.
The most stable populations were mostly found in large, well-protected lands that were connected to buffer areas. Elephant populations in buffer areas were more likely to decline as a result of less suitable habitat or being killed, but they serve a useful function, said Pimm: “It is about trying to restore a sort of natural dynamic, and natural dynamics can be brutal.”
In certain instances, isolated and well-protected parks experienced significant growth and a rise in population. However, when these populations become too dense, it can harm the environment or require costly relocation efforts. In the past, extensive population control measures, such as culling, have been implemented to address unsustainable numbers.
According to Huang, the reason for the death of 350 elephants in northern Botswana in 2020 could be due to their inability to migrate. He stated that this was likely caused by toxic algal blooms in the water, leaving the elephants with no other option but to drink it. Huang also noted that the ability to move and disperse is crucial for maintaining a stable population in this region.
The study revealed that certain regions in southern Africa continue to experience significant decreases in wildlife due to poaching, particularly in areas like south Tanzania, northern Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Additionally, it is believed that poaching is also prevalent in east and west Africa, although this was not included in the study.
According to Katherine Elliott, the senior program advisor for Africa at WWF, it is positive news that the populations of southern savannah elephants have reached a stable point. This is a reflection of the committed conservation work being done. However, there have been notable decreases in some populations and we must not become too relaxed in our efforts.
“Improved connections across landscapes are essential for elephants and other species,” she said. “Human activity is increasingly disrupting connectivity, including roads, fences, agriculture and mining. With increasing threats from the climate crisis, habitat connectivity is more important than ever so species can move away from places where conditions are becoming less favourable.”
According to Guldemond, although researchers have identified potential links among elephant populations in southern Africa, effectively addressing conflicts between humans and elephants will require thorough evaluation of specific factors and is still in progress.
“If individuals in the environment are not tended to, any efforts made for the well-being of elephants are rendered irrelevant.” The savannah spans nearly half of the African continent and provides a habitat for approximately 500 million individuals.
The estimated population of African elephants is 415,000. In the past, there may have been over 25 million roaming the plains, but due to the growth of human populations, such high numbers are unlikely to be seen again.
Source: theguardian.com
