Why is the African forest elephant classified as critically endangered?

The African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) is classified as a critically endangered species primarily due to a dramatic population collapse, with numbers falling by more than 86 percent between 1989 and 2020.1

This decline is driven by two major factors:

• Poaching: The illegal hunting of these mammals for their ivory tusks remains the primary cause of mortality for the species.1
• Habitat Loss: The destruction of their environment through deforestation, logging, and the conversion of land for agriculture and mining has severely restricted their range, leaving them to inhabit only 25 percent of their historical territory.1

Additionally, human-elephant conflicts—often resulting from crop damage—further contribute to their vulnerability. Protecting these animals is an ethical imperative, as they provide essential ecosystem services, including seed dispersal and vegetation management, which are vital for the health of their forest habitats. While some conservation programs have seen limited success, the species remains under severe threat.1