The list of animal species that face the threat of extinction is becoming longer. In an effort to protect these species, various stakeholders have taken action. The African elephant is among the animals whose population is declining and is on the verge of becoming extinct. As the name suggests, this animal is found in Africa. As many as 37 African countries serve as home to the African elephant (“Facts”, n.d). Coastal East Africa and the Congo Basin are home to the largest populations of this species. To understand why Africa hosts these animals, it is important to examine their habitat. The African elephant is found mostly in grasslands and forests. Since Africa is defined by its extensive grassland and deep forests, it is little wonder that it is home to the African elephant. The main foods that this animal consumes include fruit, grass, roots, and bark (“African Elephant”, n.d). The discussion above has identified the African elephant as among the animal species whose populations are declining. A number of threats are to blame for this decline. Poaching driven by the demand for ivory is one of the factors. In such countries as China, there is immense demand for elephant ivory (“Threats to Africa”, n.d). To meet this demand, unscrupulous individuals kill tens of thousands of African elephants every year. The loss of habitat resulting from conflicting land use priorities is another factor that is responsible for the decline in the population of the African elephant (“Threats to African”, n.d). Communities in the African countries that host the elephants are encroaching into their habitats to set up homes and farms. Consequently, the size of the habitats declines. In some countries, the elephants invade homesteads and farms causing frustration and anger among communities that retaliate by killing the elephants. The world has taken a number of steps to protect the African elephant. Banning the sale of ivory is among these measures (Johnston, 2016). While this strategy has failed to completely eliminate poaching, it has helped to stabilize the elephant population. The establishment of reserves is another measure intended to protect the elephants (Johnston, 2016). These reserves offer sanctuary against such threats as poaching. Another strategy that is being implemented involves challenging African communities to support conservation efforts and encouraging political leaders to spearhead these efforts (Johnston, 2016). It is indeed encouraging that the world has taken steps to reverse the decline in the African elephant population. However, since this species is still regarded as endangered, it is clear that more concerted effort is needed.
References
African Elephant . (n.d). National Geographic. Retrieved July 24, 2018, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/a/african-elephant/
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Facts. (n.d). World Wildlife Foundation. Retrieved July 24, 2018, from https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/african-elephant
Johnston, I. (2016). Elephant populations in ‘deeply disturbing’ decline in African
Savannah. Independent. Retrieved July 24, 2018, from https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/elephants-great-elephant-census-decline-population-poaching-savannah-africa-a7218691.html
Threats to African elephants. (n.d). World Wildlife Foundation. Retrieved July 24, 2018, from http://wwf.panda.org/knowledge_hub/endangered_species/elephants/african_elephants/afelephants_threats/
