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https://reasonstobecheerful.world/savannah-elephant-populations-rebound-southern-africa/>
"The sun is setting above the horizon in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, but
it’s still 40°C (104°F). A large group of elephants has just arrived at a
lagoon to refresh themselves and get their daily dose of water: Drink up 200
liters each, and they are good to go. They frolic a little in the water and
then set off to search for leaves and grass in the parched savannah, only to be
replaced by another herd with many young calves.
While most species’ populations are decreasing, elephants in southern Africa
are doing well. A newly released study of 103 elephant populations from
Tanzania southwards — the most comprehensive ever — finds that conservation has
halted the decline of savannah elephants in southern Africa over the last 25
years. To be more precise, as of 2020, the elephant population had rebounded to
the same number as in 1995: 290,000. The scientists found that large,
well-protected areas connected to other protected areas are far better than
isolated “fortress” parks at maintaining stable populations.
Even though these outer areas don’t have the same level of protection so
animals face a higher risk of dying, they are vital corridors that allow the
elephants to migrate back and forth when core areas are too crowded or when
facing threats such as poaching or unsuitable environmental conditions."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
