Elephants in Southern Africa

Elephant Facts

Elephant conservation is plagued by issues of debate. Professor Rudi van Aarde, a prominent elephant ecologist has made a constructive attempt to put the discussion on a factual footing. We all need to abandon myths and fables in favour of the facts as they are currently understood and, in the absence of certain knowledge, apply precautionary measures so as not to further jeopardise elephants in the wild. Not only are such measures critical, they are essential if we are to make progress towards conserving elephants, now and in the future.

The ‘Elephant Problem’

“Hearsay often dominates discussion on the ‘elephant problem’, thus confusing decision making processes and reducing the role of science in conservation management”

Africa Geographic Publication – July 2013 Edition Supplement

Elephant Facts & Fables Authored by Professor Rudi J van Aarde

Prof van Aarde states it is not surprising that fables replace facts when proposing solutions for the ‘elephant problem’, or when discussing elephant conservation. Most of the information presented in the referenced publication which is a ‘must read’ stems from more than a decade of intensive academic research on elephant populations in southern African countries such as Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia.

Elephant Statistics

Present estimates suggest that some 470 000 to 600 000 elephants live in Africa, some of which are better protected than others. Some feel that the forest elephant and some savannah elephant populations are in deeper trouble than ever before. Based on numbers it may well be argued that the African elephant is not endangered in southern Africa, but that several local populations are severely threatened. 

Water and Elephants

Elephants, like most other mammals, depend on water, not only for drinking, but also for thermoregulatory needs. During the heat of the day elephants often bath and play when the opportunity arises. The early development of their kidneys and lungs suggest that elephants may once have been well adapted to living in water.

Facts and Fables – What is True?

Ivory poaching continues to threaten the survival of elephants in some southern African populations. Water is a key resource for elephants. Elephants depend on water. Breeding herds seldom wander more than 10 kilometres from water. Elephants are long-lived and typically experience several droughts during a lifetime, especially when living in savannahs where three to four year long droughts may recur at about twelve year intervals. Elephants can cope with extreme environments and live in habitats ranging from desert to forests. The elephant is an important component of savannahs. Elephants are ecological engineers that maintain savannahs. 

Elephants have had the misfortune of being referred to by some as a ‘problem species’ and even a ‘pest’ while others have coined phrases such as ‘flagship species’ and ‘conservation ambassadors’. 

Are There Too Many Elephants? 

This is a matter of opinion. Culling reduces numbers but does not reduce their impact therefore elephant management should not be based on numbers alone. 

Several peer-reviewed research papers in leading international journals support the notion that the ‘elephant problem’ is one of limited space, not numbers.

2007 African Elephant Status Report - Some 280 300 Elephants Live in Nine Countries Across Southern Africa

	Country	Number of Elephants	Area Range of Elephant
	Botswana	133 829	100 265 km²
	Zimbabwe	84 416	76 931 km²
	South Africa	17 847	30 455 km²
	Zambia	16 562	201 247 km²
	Mozambique	14 079	334 786 km²
	Namibia	12 531	146 921 km²
	Angola	818	406 946 km²
	Malawi	185	7 538 km²
	Swaziland	31	50 km²

Fenced Parks

Fenced parks show more negative than positive responses recorded, thus illustrating that fencing enhances the impact that elephants have on plants.

Professor Rudi van Aarde (PhD, FRSSAf)

Professor Rudi van Aarde is Professor of Zoology and directs the activities of the Conservation Ecology Research Unit in the Department of Zoology & Entomology at the University of Pretoria. His research focus on elephants has contributed much to our present understanding of elephant conservation and management.