Elephant Conservation

Impact of African Elephants on the Human Population

African Elephants are extremely important not only to Africa but to the places around it. These elephants are the largest animals walking the Earth. As the human and elephant populations grow closer together in proximity, there are increased occurrences of crop raiding by elephants. Crops provide a good amount of food in one area, which is convenient for elephants. An elephant herd can satisfy all of its dietary requirements for a whole day by spending just seven or eight hours in a cultivated field. African elephant herds wander through thirty-seven countries in Africa. Their trunk that is used for communication and handling objects easily recognizes them. And their large ears allow them to radiate excess heat. Upper incisor teeth develop into tusks in African elephants and grow throughout their lifetime (WorldWildLife).  

 

African Elephants Negative Impact on the Human Population

Elephants are fairly huge mammals, which weigh a lot, and for them to walk through the forest and farms is disastrous for the people.  If an elephant were to walk through a farm it would practically destroy all the crops and kill the plantation that is growing. “ Elephants impact negatively on local communities in many ways for example; by raiding crops, killing livestock, destroying water supplies, demolishing grain stores and houses, injuring and even killing people” (Warner). Another negative impact elephants have is the amount of space given to them. Over the years architectures are developing and buildings are taking over empty land and forests that cause the elephants tolose their national habitat, which they live in. 

 

 

The Economic Status of the African Elephants

Humans have previously profited from ivory as it was used for jewelry, sculptures, pianos, and tools. Their hides were sometimes used for clothes and blankets and the local people ate their meat. Ecotourism activities revolving around seeing African elephants in the wild now provide significant sources of revenue for some regional economies in Africa. The economy may be benefitting from this act, but the long-term ecological affects are detrimental. It is important take into account the unequal distribution of African Elephants in the region. 

 

Impacts on Tourisism

Tourism is big business in Africa, and one of the major draws is the wildlife in the continent's national parks. There's plenty at stake, for the African economy, the continent's ecological balance, and the elephants. The growing demand for ivory in China and other Far Eastern countries has been identified to have negative impacts on tourism development in this country, which used to be the number one tourist destination.The loss of elephants has a tremendous impact on the global tourism industry and Africa’s economy. In countries such as Kenya and South Africa, where tourism is vital, millions of people employed directly or indirectly in tourism risk losing their livelihoods. With no wildlife to view, travelers will disappear and subsequently, safari lodges and African tour operators will not be able to survive. Local communities, many of whom are reliant on funds from lodges, will suffer and be unable to protect whatever wildlife is remaining. (Burnett)

 

 

Governmental Impacts on the African Elephants

The Worldwide Fund, or WWF, helps governments produced organizations like “Adopt Elephant” that come up with conservation strategies, allowing them to survey, and manage elephant populations and to implement a new system for monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE).” (WWF). This organization also worked with the local governments and communities to establish a park management system that would protect wildlife and livelihoods. WWF also develops and supports community-based wildlife management plans that contribute to elephant conservation while providing benefits to local people.” (WWF)