Since the mid-1980s elephant numbers in several African countries have been reduced by 90 per cent. This paper presents the results of the GEMS African Elephant Database Study, which provides African policy makers with the data they need to conserve and manage elephant populations in the future.

Since the mid-1980s, elephant numbers in several African countries have been reduced by 90 per cent or more. The immediate cause for this is poaching. This paper presents the results of the GEMS African Elephant Database Study, which has provided African policy makers with the data they need to conserve and manage their elephant populations in the future.

Overview
the scientific background
counting elephants
implications for policy.