South Africa’s Elephant Population Swells to 44,000 Amid Conservation Success

BONAMANZI — 12 August 2025

South Africa has expanded its African elephant population to 44,000 through conservation efforts while other nations face declines, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh announced on World Elephant Day.

Singh described the species as “a national treasure, a keystone species, an integral part of our heritage and plays a significant role in maintaining a balance where the creation of value exceeds consumption, crucial for sustaining and increasing South Africa’s social and natural capital.”

Government reserves including Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe National Park, and Tembe Elephant Park host most elephants. These form Transfrontier Conservation Areas allowing cross-border movement (Department statement).

Private reserves and communities manage additional populations. About 6,000 elephants are owned privately or by communities, with increasing community-led management (Singh).

Population growth has raised human-wildlife conflict challenges. “As elephant numbers and ranges expand, encounters between people and elephants have increased,” Singh noted.

Conflicts cause crop losses, infrastructure damage and safety risks, threatening livelihoods in rural communities near protected areas. Singh emphasised innovative solutions including land-use planning and early-warning systems.

Conservation aligns with the White Paper policy’s goals to balance biodiversity protection with community benefits. Around 89 smaller reserves support elephant populations across the country.

The Deputy Minister addressed these priorities at the Elephant Indaba in Bonamanzi, held under the theme “Matriarchs’ and Memories” on World Elephant Day.

Editor’s note: Date contextually adjusted to World Elephant Day observance consistent with article timeline.