The Significance of Elephants In the Ecosystem

Africa offers a variety of experience, from spectacular sights to unique and iconic wildlife—like the big 5: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and Cape buffalos. However, peaceful coexistence of wildlife and human beings has been very difficult to achieve.

Today, wildlife enthusiast Tatiana Regan explains why we need elephants.

Forest elephants are crucial for seed dispersion around Africa’s ecosystem. Their manure serves as perfect fertilizers for trees and is an essential ingredient for the forest. By excreting, they spread and redistribute nutrients, like nitrogen and sodium. Moreover, their digestive tract helps the germination and the growth rate of seedlings.

Walking around, breaking limbs, peeling bark, and stomping saplings are some of the simple tasks of forest elephants that help shape the forest canopy.  By clearing the underwood, large trees can spread roots and grow tall. Without this activity, trees will compete for light and soil. Greater competition can stunt their growth and size.

Because of their size, they’re known to be the largest fruit-consuming animals. They can also carry seeds that are too heavy and big for smaller animals. Studies show that forest elephants can spread the seeds of at least 43 different plant species around Central Africa.

Loss of forest elephants will significantly impact the ecological process.

Huge Decline in Elephant Population, Continuing Issue

Comparative surveys show that in 1970, there were about a million elephants in Africa. Now, they are down to only 400,000. This decline is attributed to poaching for ivory tusks. In 2011, it was reported that around 36,000 elephants were poached annually. While poaching contributes to the material decline in the elephant population, the bigger issue is the continuous growth in the human population.

The construction of roads and railways and the conversion of vast landscapes into settlements and farmlands have disrupted natural habitats. This results in restricting many elephant populations into smaller areas of land and fenced reserves.

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