Critically Endangered African Forest Elephant Is a Big Gardener

There are two species of African elephants currently in existence: the African bush elephant and African forest elephant. The latter is scientifically known as Loxodonta cyclotis and roams the dense rainforests of central Africa.

Smaller and rarer than its cousin, the African savanna elephant, the forest elephant holds an essential role in the delicate balance of its tropical ecosystem. With its impressive stature, distinctive features and slow reproductive rate, the African forest elephant is a species of great interest and concern.

Evolutionary Distinction: Separate Species

For many years, scientists considered African forest elephants to be a subspecies of the African bush elephant (or African savanna elephant), known as Loxodonta africana. However, groundbreaking research in the early 21st century revealed that these two elephants belong to separate species.

Genetic evidence indicated that forest elephants and savanna elephants diverged from a shared lineage approximately 2.5 to 5 million years ago, around the same time humans and chimpanzees deviated from our shared lineage.

This recognition of two distinct African elephant species has added a new layer of understanding to the rich tapestry of biodiversity on the continent.

African forest elephants inhabit the lush and dense tropical rainforests of central Africa. Their range extends from Senegal to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Despite their historical presence across a more extensive area, African forest elephants now inhabit only 25 percent of their original range. The geographic expanse and living population of these elephants have experienced rapid decline since over the last three to four decades, primarily due to the devastating habitat loss and poaching.

These magnificent creatures face numerous challenges, including illegal wildlife trade and deforestation. As a result, African forest elephants hold IUCN Red List critically endangered status, demanding urgent attention and conservation efforts.

African forest elephants are smaller in size compared to their cousins, the African savanna elephants. They typically reach heights of approximately 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3 meters) and can weigh between 4,000and 12,000 pounds (1,800 and 5,400 kilograms).

Male African forest elephants boast overall larger sizes than females, exhibiting longer tusks with more space between the protrusions. Their backs are straighter, and they have rounder foreheads than female elephants.

Tusk Shape and Orientation

One of the notable differences between African forest elephants and savanna elephants lies in the shape and orientation of their tusks. The tusks of African forest elephants have straighter and thinner tusks that, rather than swooping outward, point distinctly downward.

These tusks serve various purposes, from defense to foraging and social interactions. Unfortunately, their ivory tusks also make them highly vulnerable to the illegal ivory trade, contributing to the decline of their populations.

Unique Ear Structure

Another distinguishing feature of African forest elephants is their unique ear structure. They have more rounded ears, setting them apart from savanna elephants which have more triangular ear shapes.

This distinction is an adaptation to their forest environment, where the rounded shape allows for better maneuverability and navigation through dense vegetation.

As herbivores, African forest elephants have a diverse diet of plant material. Foraging for food occupies a significant portion time as they consume between 220 and 660 pounds (100 to 300 kilograms) of vegetation per day. Leaves, grasses, seeds, fruits, tree bark, shrubs and herbs all form part of their diet.

With their elongated trunks and specialized teeth, forest elephants have adapted to reach high branches and strip leaves from trees, allowing them to exploit the abundant resources found in the forest canopy.

Mega-gardeners of the Forest

African forest elephants consume a variety of fruits, providing essential nutrients and energy. The seeds of these fruits pass through the elephants' digestive tracts and are excreted in their dung.

This process of seed dispersal is vital for the survival and regeneration of tree species in the forest. African forest elephants act as "mega-gardeners," facilitating the dispersal of seeds over significant distances, allowing for the colonization of new areas by tree species.

Additionally, their movement patterns and feeding habits contribute to the thinning of vegetation, creating gaps in the forest canopy. These gaps subsequently allow the soil to receive more water, sunlight and nutrients, benefiting the remaining plants and promoting biodiversity.

African forest elephants exhibit complex social structures, existing in small communities known as herds. These herds consist of several related individuals, including adult females and their offspring.

The size of the herds can vary, with some groups comprising only a few elephants, while others may consist of up to 20 individuals.

Within these herds, there is a hierarchical structure, with a matriarch leading the group. The eldest female — which is likely also the most experienced — guides the herd in search of food, water and suitable habitats.

Mating Behavior and Gestation Period

African forest elephants have a unique mating behavior that occurs year-round, although researchers have observed the highest density of mating activity from October through May (the wet season).

Male elephants go through something called musth — a sudden increase in testosterone — for two to three months. Musth is characterized by increased aggression and heightened sexual activity.

Females typically veer towards mating with males that are in musth and around 35 years of age. After mating, female elephants undergo the longest gestation period of any living mammal: a remarkable 22 to 24 months.

Slow Reproduction: A Challenge for Population Recovery

The slow reproductive rate of African forest elephants poses a significant challenge for population recovery. Females become sexually mature between the ages of 14 and 17, while males take even longer, often not reproducing until they reach 25 to 30 years old.

This slow reproductive rate, coupled with other threats such as poaching and habitat loss, impedes the rebound of forest elephant populations. Efforts to conserve and protect these magnificent creatures must consider their unique reproductive biology and the need for long-term strategies to ensure their survival.

African forest elephants face numerous threats that have led to their critically endangered status. The primary driver of their decline is the illegal poaching for ivory.

Poaching for Ivory: A Grave Concern

The illegal ivory trade remains a grave concern for African forest elephants. The demand for ivory products, particularly in international markets, drives a relentless cycle of poaching and trafficking.

The tusks of forest elephants are highly sought after. This relentless hunting for ivory has had devastating consequences, resulting in the loss of countless elephant lives and the destabilization of entire populations.

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

Habitat loss and fragmentation pose significant threats to African forest elephants. The conversion of forests for agriculture, mining, logging and infrastructure development has led to the destruction and degradation of their natural habitat.

As their forest homes shrink, elephants face increased competition for resources and reduced connectivity between populations. The loss of habitat also disrupts their natural movement patterns and creates barriers to gene flow, which can lead to inbreeding and reduced genetic diversity.

Countries such as Gabon and the Republic of Congo have established protected areas that serve as important strongholds for forest elephants. These areas, managed effectively with anti-poaching measures and strict law enforcement, have shown promising results in stabilizing and even increasing elephant populations.

Collaborative efforts between local communities, nongovernmental organizations and government agencies are instrumental in combating the illegal ivory trade. Strengthening legislation and penalties for wildlife crime, along with international cooperation, are vital for deterring poachers and dismantling the networks that perpetuate the trade.

The success stories in Gabon and the Republic of Congo demonstrate that with dedicated efforts and effective conservation strategies, it may be possible to reverse the decline of African forest elephants.

Understanding the behavior, ecology and population dynamics of African forest elephants is critical for their conservation.

Scientists and researchers employ various methods to study these elusive giants, including radio telemetry, camera traps and satellite tracking. These technologies provide valuable insights into their movements, habitat preferences and social dynamics.

Tracking technologies have revolutionized the study of African forest elephants. GPS collars and satellite tracking devices allow researchers to monitor their movements, providing valuable information on migration patterns, resource utilization and habitat requirements.

Population surveys and monitoring initiatives are essential for assessing the status and trends of African forest elephant populations. These surveys, conducted through systematic data collection and analysis, provide vital information on population size, distribution and demographic changes.

Long-term monitoring initiatives enable the tracking of population trends and the evaluation of the effectiveness of conservation interventions. Regular monitoring ensures that conservation efforts remain adaptive and responsive to the dynamic nature of forest elephant populations.

Cultural and Economic Value

African forest elephants hold cultural and economic significance for local communities. They are revered in many African cultures, symbolizing strength, wisdom and resilience.

The elephants also contribute to ecotourism, attracting visitors from around the world who wish to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Sustainable tourism initiatives that prioritize conservation and community engagement can provide economic benefits for local communities while promoting the protection of forest elephants and their habitats.

Coexistence between African forest elephants and local communities is crucial for conservation success. However, conflicts can arise when elephants come into contact with human settlements and agricultural areas.

Crop raiding by elephants poses significant challenges for farmers, resulting in economic losses and potential human-elephant conflict. Implementing strategies to mitigate these conflicts is essential, such as the use of deterrents, community-based early warning systems and compensation schemes for affected farmers.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.