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Statistics

Between 1979 and 1989, Africa lost half its elephants to the ivory trade, as revealed by a pan-African census led by Save the Elephants’ (STE) founder, Iain Douglas-Hamilton. Kenya responded by burning its ivory stockpile in 1989, and CITES imposed a global ban on ivory trade, allowing elephant populations to recover to an estimated 470,000 to 690,000 by 2007.

However, a 2008 legal ivory sale to China reignited poaching, with black market prices peaking at $2,100 per kilo by 2014. Conservation efforts escalated, and STE played a critical role with tools like the Wildtracks App and the establishment of the Elephant Crisis Fund (ECF). China’s 2018 ban on ivory sales marked a key victory, significantly reducing illegal trade.

While poaching has decreased, elephants now face growing threats from habitat loss and human-elephant conflict (HEC). In response, STE developed the Human-Elephant Coexistence (HEC) Toolbox, a collection of 80+ solutions for peaceful coexistence, shared through the ECF network. STE also works with communities to secure vital wildlife corridors, ensuring space for both livestock and elephants to follow seasonal rains across the landscape.

 

  • 100000 +

    Elephants killed across Africa between 2009 and 2012

    More than 100,000 elephants were killed across Africa in the second wave of the ivory crisis which was sparked by a one-off legal sale of ivory stockpiles to China in 2008.

  • $ 37.4 million

    Granted towards the protection of elephants across Africa

    Since its launch in 2013, the Elephant Crisis Fund (ECF), a joint initiative of Save the Elephants and the Wildlife Conservation Network, has distributed $37.4 million through 489 grants to 114 partners in 44 countries worldwide.

  • 105

    Tons of ivory burnt by Kenya

    In 2016, Kenya burnt 105 tonnes of ivory, representing around 8000 elephants, in a dramatic appeal to close all domestic ivory markets.

  • 2018

    The year China banned ivory trade

    China, the largest market for ivory, banned all ivory trade within its borders, in 2018. This significantly reduced the demand for ivory, marking a key victory in the decade-long fight against the second wave of poaching.

  • 2022

    Historic year: no elephants poached in Samburu-Laikipia

    In 2022, for the first time in over two decades of monitoring, no elephants were killed by poaching in the Samburu-Laikipia ecosystem. This marked a historic milestone, with not a single poaching incident recorded within the official elephant population monitoring site.

  • 550000 +

    Estimate of Africa’s elephant population in 2024

    Today, elephant populations remain stable in much of Africa but still face threats from poaching, reduced rangeland and human-elephant conflict. Latest estimates place the total number of African elephants at around 550,000.

  • 14000 +

    Beehive fences as elephant deterrents in 97 locations

    STE researchers, testing a folklore that elephants are scared of bees, discovered that beehive fences have an 80% success rate in deterring crop-raiding elephants. Today (2024) there are more than 14,000 beehive fences in 97 locations across Africa and Asia.

  • 7 out of 10

    Wildlife corridors protected in Kenya

    Using 30 years of tracking data, STE has identified 10 key wildlife and livestock corridors in northern Kenya. As of 2024, seven of these corridors have been demarcated with 164 markers, and are patrolled and safeguarded by 16 Mama Tembos (elephant mothers).

  • 500 +

    Human-Elephant Coexistence Toolbox manuals distributed globally

    The illustrated, free manual features over 80 tried-and-tested techniques for fostering peaceful coexistence between humans and elephants. Each method is assessed based on factors such as budget, complexity, and risk, empowering communities to choose tailored interventions that suit their specific needs and circumstances.

  • 200 +

    Number of scientific publications published by STE

    These peer-reviewed papers have unlocked deep insights into the lives of wild African elephants including how they move, forage and even communicate.

  • 500 +

    Number of collared elephants across Africa

    The data from tracking collars has given elephants a voice in how landscapes are planned, helping to prevent conflict now and into the future.

  • 900 +

    Elephants studied in Samburu

    Over 900 identified elephants have been recorded using the reserves along the Ewaso Ny’iro river over many decades. STE’s intimate knowledge of their family structures and history has opened a rare window into the world of elephants.

 

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ELEPHANT FACTS

How You Can Help

Over the last years our world-leading conservation efforts have been possible thanks to the dedication and generosity of loyal supporters. To join them you can donate in a number of ways: