Photo Michal Bednarek/Shutterstock

Julie Larson Maher © Wildlife Conservation Society

Christian Samper© Wildlife Conservation Society Asian Elephant, Elephas maximus African Savanna Elephant, Loxodonta africana Christian Samper© Wildlife Conservation Society African Forest Elephant, Loxodonta cyclotis Julie Larson Maher © Wildlife Conservation Society Current Elephant Population African: ~ 420,000 Asian: ~33,000

Communication Memory and Recognition Family Bond Ecological Role Julie Larson Maher © Wildlife Conservation Society

Christian Samper© Wildlife Conservation Society Julie Larson Maher © Wildlife Conservation Society

Disperse seeds Extract salts Maintain clearings Maintain forest paths Spreads nutrients on a continental scale Julie Larson Maher © Wildlife Conservation Society

Field research informs conservation work and helps us understand elephants in ways that improves their protection. Conservation work helps elephants and people avoid conflict by addressing the interests/needs of all. Conservation work directly protects elephants in the field through training guards, patrolling parks, and exploring technology tools. Over 100 zoos/organizations have built a campaign to save elephants and we also need the help of you, the visitor. You can continue to be part of this movement to save elephants.

The more we know… the more we want to save Paul Telfer/WCS Mike Fay/WCS

WCS Field Biologist, Andrea Turkalo is studying communication amongst forest elephants, Loxodonta cyclotis at Dzanga Bai. 3,000 individuals have been sighted over the last 20 years, the largest sightings in Central Africa.

Studying the behavior, demography and genetics of the northern sub-population of elephants in Tarangire. Evaluating the level of human- elephant conflict in the ecosystem and developing methods of ameliorating the problems. Investigating elephant movement patterns throughout the ecosystem and working to protect the key elephant migration corridors.

Established migration corridors meet elephant needs Julie Larson Maher © Wildlife Conservation Society Other revenue or employment opportunities meet the needs of local communities

A success Two villages have agreed to set up easements that protect the land for wildlife and livestock. Locals Benefit : Tourists give an economy boost Elephants Benefit : Migratory route Breeding grounds Julie Larson Maher © Wildlife Conservation Society

Partnering on law enforcement efforts Ruth Starkey © Wildlife Conservation Society Julie Larson Maher © Wildlife Conservation Society

SMART, the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs) Satellite Telemetry (radio collars)

Write a letter Sign a petition Take the pledge Share your #elphie Post to your social media Julie Larson Maher © Wildlife Conservation Society Inquire before purchasing Learn more and share with others Create a supporter network Host an event increasing awareness Give a donation

Have children stamp a pledge card Write letters to government officials Play the Migration game

I have ivory, what do I do? I see ivory, what do I do and who do I call? If elephants are social animals and it is important to their livelihood, why do you not see more elephant family groups at Zoos. Why do some institutions choose not to display? What is the policy with training elephants? What does WCS and AZA think of elephants in the circus? What are the rules and restrictions for elephants in captivity? I am a child, what can I do to help? What is WCS doing for Asian Elephants and other endangered species? (Will provide a handout with Questions and Answers) Julie Larson Maher © Wildlife Conservation Society