A 27-year study of African elephants in Kenya’s Amboseli National Park tracked nearly 1,800 individuals to better understand population trends and guide conservation. From 1972 to 1978, elephants suffered significant losses due to drought and poaching, but thanks to stronger protections, the population rebounded with a 2.2% annual growth rate from 1979 to 1999. Elephants formed stable family units and showed seasonal birth patterns aligned with rainfall. Calving intervals averaged 4.5 years, with females typically giving birth at 14. Higher male mortality—caused by natural risks and human conflict—was a key trend. Importantly, this study shows that with proper management and protection, elephant populations can recover and thrive. It highlights the value of long-term research, habitat protection and human-wildlife coexistence. Ethical hunting practices that contribute to anti-poaching and habitat funding can support these efforts, proving that conservation and sustainable use can go hand-in-hand to protect this iconic species.
