NEW YORK (January 19, 2016)—A newly published book focused on promoting research and conservation methods and strategies for the African forest elephant arrives at a crucial time for this species, which is being decimated by poaching, habitat loss, and other threats, according to authors from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)  and other organizations.

The new book—titled “Studying Forest Elephants”—provides scientists, wildlife managers, park rangers, and government officials with a “How To” manual for initiating studies on the needs of forest elephants and detecting threats to their existence.

“Since 2002, more than 65 percent of the world’s forest elephants have been wiped out, almost exclusively by poaching,” said Dr. Thomas Breuer, WCS scientist and co-editor. “We implore all scientists interested in saving this animal to build on the lessons presented here to ensure a future for these magnificent rainforest giants.”

“Forest elephants are key architects of the ecosystems they inhabit, and we still have much to learn about them at a time when they are disappearing,” said Vicki Fishlock, editor and resident scientist for the Amboseli Trust for Elephants. ”The best observation conditions for studying elephants are at forest clearings, or bais, where elephants maintain their social relationships and obtain minerals. Unfortunately, this is also where they are most vulnerable to poachers.”

The book is written by the leading experts in several disciplines, and begins with a history of bai research in the region, reviews our current knowledge about forest elephants and identifies important areas for further study. Subsequent chapters provide guidance on how to identify study sites and establish the necessary infrastructure, and then expand into detailed areas of study including census methods, behavior, genetics and acoustic monitoring.

Protecting forest elephants requires cooperation between all agencies. The book covers assessment of wildlife and human activity, advice on organizing protection activities and a monitoring framework for assessing threats to populations. It also provides guidance on how to disseminate information to guide conservation actions.

“We want to guide conservation scientists how to understand the needs of forest elephants, without compromising elephant safety. Careful, noninvasive studies can provide the information to improve elephant protection in a rapidly changing world,” said WCS Conservation Scientist Dr. Fiona Maisels, one of the book’s authors.

Subsidised copies of the book will be available to conservation professionals in range states, and can be obtained by contacting the editors.

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