African forest elephants are now classified as critically endangered following poaching that reduced populations by 62% between 1992 and 2011. They live in the Congo Basin rainforest and are fundamental ecosystem engineers.
Forest elephants killed by poachers often experience prolonged suffering from non-lethal initial shots. The slow reproductive rate means each adult female represents irreplaceable reproductive capacity. Social bonds are severely disrupted by poaching events, with surviving elephants showing trauma-like behaviours including increased vigilance, avoidance of formerly used areas, and unusual aggregation in safer zones. The welfare and conservation implications of poaching are inseparable for this critically endangered species.