World Elephant Population: A Global Perspective Accurately counting the number of elephants in the world is a challenging task, as they inhabit vast and often inaccessible territories. However, organizations like the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and monitoring projects like the "Great Elephant Census" are constantly working to assess their numbers. It is important to distinguish between the two main species of elephants: African and Asian, as their status, distribution, and threats are significantly different. African Elephants: Total Population and Leading Countries African elephants, in turn, are divided into two subspecies: savanna and forest. According to the latest estimates (data from the IUCN and the African Elephant Programme), the total population of African elephants is approximately 415,000 – 500,000 individuals. The main populations are concentrated in Southern and Eastern Africa. Here are the data for key countries (numbers are approximate and constantly updated): Botswana: The largest population in the world — approximately 130,000 individuals. Here lies the heart of the elephant population in Southern Africa. Zimbabwe: The population is estimated at over 65,000 elephants. The country is facing the problem of elephant overpopulation on some protected areas. Tanzania: Despite significant poaching in the past, there are approximately 60,000 elephants here. Gabon (Central Africa): It is the main stronghold for forest elephants, whose population is estimated at 50,000 – 60,000 individuals. This is more than half of the world's population of this subspecies. Kenya: Thanks to successful conservation measures, the population is steadily growing and stands at approximately 36,000 individuals. Zambia: Approximately 22,000 elephants. Namibia: About 21,000 individuals. South Africa: Approximately 20,000 elephants, mainly in the famous Kruger National Park. In countries in Western and Central Africa (such as Cameroon, th ... Read more