The unique welfare needs and conservation challenges facing African forest elephants.
African forest elephants represent one of the most critically endangered large mammals on Earth, making their welfare inseparable from urgent conservation action. The species' elusive forest habitat makes welfare assessment difficult, but available evidence indicates populations are experiencing severe stress from poaching pressure and habitat fragmentation. Unlike savannah elephants, forest elephants cannot easily be protected in open parks, requiring sophisticated anti-poaching networks and community engagement in dense forest landscapes. Captive forest elephants are extremely rare and present profound welfare challenges.