During my field research in Botswana, I assisted in behavioural studies on African elephants (Loxodonta africana), a vital component of the ecosystem and an increasingly threatened species. Living in a tent in the bush, I was often surrounded by the sounds and presence of wildlife, including passing lions, hyenas, and elephants, immersing me in the complex, interconnected landscape these animals call home.

Elephants are divided into two species and several subspecies across Africa and Asia. The African elephant (Loxodonta) includes the African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana africana) and the African forest elephant (Loxodonta africana cyclotis). Together, these populations have declined dramatically, from millions a century ago to an estimated 415,000 individuals due to intense threats such as poaching for ivory, habitat loss, and human-elephant conflicts. In Asia, the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) faces similar pressures. This species, which consists of distinct subspecies in Sri Lanka (Elephas maximus maximus), India (Elephas maximus indicus), and Sumatra (Elephas maximus sumatranus), numbers fewer than 50,000 and is classified as endangered, facing pressures from deforestation and expanding agriculture.

Global conservation organisations are working extensively to protect elephant populations. In Africa, strategies focus on anti-poaching patrols, the establishment of wildlife corridors, and community-based conservation programs that promote coexistence. In Asia, efforts often emphasise habitat protection and conflict mitigation between elephants and local communities. These conservation initiatives aim to address not only immediate threats but also to create sustainable, long-term solutions for both species.

The research I participated in is essential for these conservation efforts. By studying elephants’ behaviour, such as their migratory patterns, social structures, and responses to environmental pressures, we gain critical information that can guide targeted conservation interventions. Such research is pivotal for understanding how elephants adapt to challenges, allowing conservationists to develop strategies that are responsive to the unique needs of each population. 

Protecting elephants not only preserves these iconic animals but also maintains the biodiversity and balance of ecosystems across Africa and Asia.