African elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, known for their intelligence and social nature, but their populations are shrinking. A new study reveals that elephant numbers have significantly decreased across many parts of Africa in the past 50 years. The research, covering 475 sites in 37 African countries from 1964 to 2016, focused on two species: savanna and forest elephants. The study found a 70% drop in savanna elephant numbers and a 90% decrease in forest elephants. On average, elephant populations have fallen by 77%, largely due to poaching and habitat loss.

Poaching, driven by the illegal tusk trade, mainly targets elephants in Asia, while expanding agriculture destroys their habitats. Forest elephants, with smaller populations, are hit hardest. In some regions, such as Mali, Chad, and Nigeria, elephants have vanished. However, there are positive outcomes too. In southern Africa, elephant populations have increased in 42% of studied areas, particularly in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, thanks to effective conservation programs. The study did not estimate the total population, but a 2016 figure suggested between 415,000 and 540,000 African elephants remain. Elephants are vital for African ecosystems, helping maintain balance in forests and grasslands, making their protection crucial for the environment.