Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 27 November 2025 – DNA-based inventory methods have enabled a new assessment of African Forest Elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) populations with improved accuracy. This is the first time the entire species has been assessed since they were recognized as a full species in 2021, separate from their cousins, African Savanna Elephants (Loxodonta africana).

Released at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES Cop20), the 2024 African Forest Elephant Status Report, published by the African Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), reveals the most accurate estimation ever made of the number of forest elephants: 135,690 individuals.

The estimate lies between 99.343 and 172.297 with 95% confidence, plus an additional 7,728 to 10,990 elephants based on more tentative 'guesses.’ Thanks to a combination of a DNA-based survey technique, a reassessment of older data, and expanded monitoring across the species' range, 94% of all African Forest Elephants counted are now based on reliable estimates, up from 53% in 2016.

The new assessment totals 16% more elephants than the figures published in 2016, due to the improved methods rather than an increase in the number of forest elephants.

Said Dr. Fiona Maisels, WCS scientist and co-author of the assessment:

“These new figures for the whole of the African Forest Elephant population are reassuring, as there are only two sites where major declines took place since 2016. However, we must not be complacent as this critically endangered species declined by 86% between 1984 and 2015, and the sharpest decline was of 62% between 2002 and 2011.”

The latest assessment incorporates DNA capture-recapture, a method that first identifies the unique genetic “fingerprints” of individual elephants from dung samples. By comparing initial “captures” with subsequent “recaptures,” scientists can calculate population size with far greater reliability.

The surveys show that Gabon, where WCS is supporting a significant effort toward peaceful Human-Elephant co-existence, boasts 66% of the remaining population of African Forest Elephants, with another 19% in the Republic of Congo. The remaining populations are scattered over Africa.

Said Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General:

“This report provides the most accurate picture of elusive African forest elephant populations to date. It shows us that conservation action is working for these iconic animals, which are crucial forest ‘gardeners,’ essential for tree seed dispersal. With this new data, we have an unprecedented opportunity to focus conservation efforts where they are needed most and give the species a real chance to recover.”

Although elephant poaching is mostly decreasing since 2018, it remains a threat in West and Central Africa, along with mining operations, infrastructure and agricultural development, which lead to habitat fragmentation and loss.

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