The majestic forest elephant, a keystone species in Ghana’s ecosystems, is encountered with an alarming threat of extinction. A study in Central Africa reported a 62% population decline between 2002-2011, with elephants occupying less than 25% of their potential range (Maisels et al., 2013). Edward et al. (2024) studies reveal that forest elephant populations have plummeted by an astounding 90% over the past 50 years, while savanna elephants have seen a decline of 70% during the same period. With only about 415,000 elephants remaining across Africa, the urgency to act has never been greater. There are two main types of forest elephants: the African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) and the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). Among these, the African forest elephant is most threatened with extinction (Blake & Hedges, 2004). This species, which inhabits the dense rainforests of West and Central Africa, has been classified as critically endangered due to severe population declines driven by poaching for ivory and habitat loss. It is estimated that over 62% of African forest elephants have been killed for their ivory in the last decade alone. Their slow reproductive rate increases this crisis, as they reach sexual maturity at around 23 years and have a lengthy gestation period of nearly two years.
Importance of Elephant Preservation
Forest elephants contribute largely to biodiversity. Herbivorous creatures facilitate seed dispersal and influence their ecosystem by forming advantageous pathways to other species (Puri et al., 2019). These gentle giants are not just iconic animals; They are important for sustaining the health of their ecosystems, rendering their conservation imperative for ecological equilibrium Nevertheless, their populations are declining at an alarming pace due to habitat destruction, poaching, and conflicts with humans, putting the future of these elephants in jeopardy.
Causes of Extinction
Sadly, these gentle giants are going to extinction. The primary threats to forest elephants are multifaceted and deeply interconnected. Poaching, driven by the insatiable demand for ivory, remains a significant factor in their decline, with illegal hunting resulting in a direct threat to their populations. The Great Elephant Census estimated approximately 352,271 savanna elephants across 18 countries, with populations shrinking by 8% annually, primarily due to poaching (Chase et al., 2016) Additionally, habitat loss due to the expansion of agricultural lands and urban development encroaches on their natural habitats, further diminishing their living space and resources. This loss of habitat worsens human-elephant conflict, as communities encroach on elephant territories, leading to increased encounters that often result in retaliatory killings. Together, these threats create a perilous situation for forest elephants, pushing them closer to extinction.
Conservation Measures
To prevent further extinction of forest elephants, Green Growth Africa Network has established several key objectives within the Saving the Forest Elephant Project to address the extinction of forest elephants in Ghana. One primary goal is to mitigate human-elephant conflict by promoting innovative solutions such as chili pepper fencing, which is a natural deterrent for elephants and protects farmers’ livelihoods. The project focuses on community engagement which fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards wildlife preservation among local populations. Education and awareness are also important, with workshops and outreach programs designed to inform communities about the ecological significance of forest elephants and sustainable agricultural practices, ultimately reducing conflict. Additionally, the project aims to strengthen law enforcement efforts to combat poaching by training park rangers who can effectively monitor elephant movements and enforce anti-poaching laws. The SFEP seeks to improve the ecological environment and reduce human interference in elephant habitats by advocating for sustainable agricultural methods, including agroforestry and crop rotation. Through these extensive goals, Green Growth Africa Network is committed to establishing a sustainable future for forest elephants in Ghana, thereby ensuring their preservation and promoting a balanced coexistence between humans and wildlife.
This project can not be done single-handedly as an organization. GGA believes in the power of stakeholder engagement where local communities, government agencies, and conservation experts come into play in implementing effective strategies. Stakeholder engagement creates a unified approach to elephant conservation that addresses both ecological and socio-economic factors.
The Saving the Forest Elephant Project represents a requisite effort to safeguard Ghana’s forest elephants from extinction. Green Growth Africa Network is dedicated to creating a sustainable future that encourages a harmonious relationship between humans and elephants. This is achieved through community engagement, educational programs, law enforcement, and innovative solutions like chili pepper fencing. By working together, we can ensure that these magnificent creatures continue to thrive in Ghana’s forests for generations to come.
