Will Elephants Soon Disappear from West African Savannahs?
Author Information
Author(s): Bouché Philippe, Douglas-Hamilton Iain, Wittemyer George, Nianogo Aimé J., Doucet Jean-Louis, Lejeune Philippe, Vermeulen Cédric
Primary Institution: Unité de Gestion des Ressources Forestières et des Milieux Naturels, Université de Liège
Hypothesis
What are the population trends of African elephants in the Sudano-Sahelian range over the past 40 years?
Conclusion
The study found that elephant populations in the Sudano-Sahelian range have declined by at least 50% over the past four decades.
Supporting Evidence
- Elephant populations in Central Africa have experienced a decline of at least 76%.
- Half of the surveyed elephant populations number less than 200 individuals.
- Most of the historic range is now devoid of elephants.
- Two refuge zones retain elephants, one in West and the other in Central Africa.
- Connectivity between the two zones is permanently cut by human land use.
Takeaway
Elephants in West Africa are disappearing fast, and we need to help them by connecting their habitats.
Methodology
The study analyzed aerial and ground surveys conducted over the past 40 years to assess elephant population trends.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from relying on expert opinion for areas where elephants are extirpated or in low density.
Limitations
The study only surveyed the best protected areas, which may not represent the overall population status.
Participant Demographics
The study covered various countries in West and Central Africa, including Senegal, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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