South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed the presence of a female elephant in the Knysna forest and fynbos area under its management. As a result, the entity has conducted two types of assessments (sociological and ecological) to make evidence-based decisions for managing the elephant/s in the future.
A targeted survey was conducted as part of the sociological assessments. Its response rate reached a total of 74% of the 500 contacts made. Results of the study support the introduction of more elephants to the Garden Route elephant range while many recognised that the complexity of the situation required expert input.
Those respondents favouring the re-introduction of elephants in the Knysna forest cited reasons ranging from ecological, cultural and historic values and also cautioned against commercial interest.
Most respondents advised that there must be a cautious management approach that is informed by inputs from elephant specialists, followed by landowners and…
