Over the festive period, we gathered with our families, just as the African forest elephants in Dzanga Sangha Protected Area (DSPA) in the Central African Republic gathered with theirs.
Three newborn elephant calves were observed for the very first time visiting Dzanga Bai.
Bais are mineral-rich clearings that serve as vital social hubs for wildlife. The mothers—Perdita III (38 years), Jane II (41 years), and Harpy Assoc (49 years)—brought their young to the bai, located deep within the rainforest. This introduction of calves to the wider community is a crucial step in their development because socialising helps them learn essential skills and integrate into a complex social structure.
Seasonal Highlights and Elephant Movements
During the dry season (December-February), large gatherings of African forest elephants are more frequent. The clearing’s mineral-rich resources attract elephants from far and wide because water is hard to find elsewhere. The Elephant Listening Project observed wildlife movements in the bai throughout December 2024, recording a maximum of 197 elephants at one time.
African Forest Elephant Families
African Forest elephants are exceptional mothers, nurturing and guiding their calves through the challenges of the dense rainforest. A single calf is typically born after a 22-month gestation period, the longest of any land mammal. Mothers nurse their young for up to three years, and calves often remain with their maternal herd until adolescence, around 8-12 years old. Within the matriarchal herd, other females, or ‘aunties,’ often assist in caring for the young, providing additional protection and guidance.
Unlike their savannah counterparts, African forest elephants face unique challenges in their habitat. The dense vegetation of the rainforest requires heightened communication skills, as visibility is often limited. Mothers use low-frequency rumbles to keep calves close and maintain group cohesion. Additionally, calves in this environment may grow more slowly and nurse longer, as the forest’s resources can be harder to access.
Forest Elephants: Ecosystem Guardians Under Threat
Elephants play a critical role in shaping their ecosystem, acting as ‘gardeners’ of the forest by dispersing seeds and creating clearings that benefit other wildlife. However, forest elephants face grave threats, including habitat loss and poaching for ivory.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) classifies the African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) as Critically Endangered, noting a population decline of over 86% in the past 31 years. As of 2016, the combined population of African elephants (both forest and savanna species) was estimated at approximately 415,000 individuals, with forest elephants now estimated at around 100,000 individuals. Precise numbers remain challenging to ascertain due to their dense habitats and ongoing threats.
Supporting Conservation Efforts in DSPA
EAE is proud to have supported DSPA’s forest elephant conservation programme in 2022 through Sketch for Survival funding. Our partnership funded tracking collars and 24 months of monitoring for Critically Endangered forest elephants. Learn more about our efforts to protect DSPA’s wildlife here.
Each calf born is a symbol of hope, and their presence is a reminder of the vital work required to safeguard their future and the future of the forests they call home.
Image at top: Miguel Bellosta, DSPA
