In good news for elephants, Africa’s largest savanna elephant population is stable

Key takeaways

While the data suggests a slight increase and stable overall elephant population, elephant numbers and mortality rates varied both between and within countries in the region. We now have a relatively precise estimate of the current number of live elephants, elephant carcasses, and other large wild and domestic herbivores in the region. This can serve as baseline data for future monitoring and adds to recent advances in our understanding of elephant movements and connectivity in KAZA, based on analysis of long-term monitoring data from elephant satellite collars in the landscape.

Populations

The number of elephants in Angola increased, but the number of elephants in Zambia decreased. On the other hand, populations in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia increased slightly. These differences could stem from historical management approaches and differing ecological factors, many of which are influenced by humans.

Elephant mortality

An overall high carcass ratio was found, indicating a high elephant mortality. Angola, Botswana, and the Sebungwe region of Zimbabwe had the highest carcass ratios, which are likely a combination of various factors such as poaching, habitat loss and associated human-elephant conflict, disease, aging populations, and additional natural causes. More investigation and analysis are needed to better understand the drivers behind the high mortality rates and to ensure that appropriate interventions are implemented.