Case Studies in Conserving Large Mammals

Abstract

Reviews the combined effects of hunting and the destruction of the rain forest on the forest elephant populations in term of both their numbers and their survival. Notes that in West Africa although poaching is a problem elephants in this area are probably more affected by the loss of their forest habitat. Discusses: the nomenclature of the savanna and forest elephants and the undetermined presence of the pygmy elephant; the role of elephant in the forest as an important herbivore in terms of both the amount and type of foodstuffs it eats, as a seed disperser, and as a developer of trails and open spaces in the forest; the numbers and distribution of forest elephants; and poaching/illegal hunting for ivory. Assesses the threat of ivory poaching and that of land use conflict associated with increasing human population needs, which brings both direct confrontation between people and elephants and fragmentation of the forest habitat by roads, railways, and settlements. Concludes by reviewing aspects of management and conservation under four subheadings: control poaching, national parks, minimize damage to forest, and wildlife departments.