ELEPHANTS TODAY

The African and Asian elephants are the two major species whose populations are currently in danger due to human activities. However, due to the species and regional differences, the main reason behind each species’ declining population differs slightly. As only the males of Asian elephants have ivory tusks, the threat of poaching for ivory is greater for African elephants. In contrast, Asian elephants are captured more extensively for use in the tourism industry or in circuses and zoos.

CONSERVATION STATUS

African Elephant: Vulnerable

Asian Elephant: Endangered


POPULATION 

In the Great Elephant Census released in 2016, it showed that for African elephants, the current population is declining at a yearly rate of 8% – this translates to about 27,000 elephants slaughtered each year. In 15 of the African countries with elephants, about 144,000 elephants have been wiped off in less than 10 years. Just in 2013, the African and Asian elephant populations were estimated to be at 700,000 and 32,000 respectively. However three years on, the numbers for African elephants dropped to approximately 350,000, a 50% decline. The number of Asian elephants has remained relatively constant in the last few years, though it is still a drastic decrease from what was perhaps 200,000 in the 1900s.

The map below highlights the top 5 countries in Africa where the populations of elephants have been observed to be declining the most. Click on the pin of each country to find out more.

Data from National Geographic, 2016

HABITATS

In recent years, particularly due to agricultural revolution, the habitats of elephants have been severely affected and decimated. Current status of elephants’ habitats being affected is shown in the infographic below.

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