In Gabon, Forest Elephants Plummet

February 7, 2013

ABC News

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© Tomo Nishihara

A new survey conducted by WCS and partners reveals that, since 2004, poachers have slaughtered 11,000 forest elephants in a Gabonese national park. Until recently, elephant herds were thought to be less impacted by poaching in Gabon than in other parts of Africa.

We are sad to report new findings from Gabon. Once home to Africa’s largest forest elephant population, Gabon’s Minkebe Park has lost a staggering 11,000 of these animals to poaching since 2004.

“This sad news from Gabon confirms that without a global commitment, great elephant populations will soon become a thing of the past,” said WCS President and CEO Cristián Samper. “We believe that elephants can still be saved – but only if nations greatly increase their efforts to stop poaching while eliminating the illegal ivory trade through better enforcement and reduced demand.”

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