SANParks has confirmed the presence of a female elephant in the Knysna forest and fynbos area. Assessments have been conducted to support the introduction of more elephants into the Garden Route elephant range.
More elephants may be introduced into the Knysna forest following the rare sighting of a wild female elephant. SANParks, the South African National Parks, has confirmed the presence of a female elephant in the Knysna forest and fynbos area under its management. As a result, they have conducted two types of assessments to make evidence-based decisions for managing the elephant/s in the future.It stated that a targeted survey was conducted as part of the sociological assessments.
The response rate reached 74% of the 500 contacts made. The findings of the study support the introduction of more elephants into the Garden Route elephant range. The SANParks statement said: ‘Those respondents favouring the re-introduction of elephants in the Knysna forest cited reasons ranging from ecological, cultural and historical 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 conservation authoritie
Elephants Knysna Forest Sanparks Assessment Reintroduction Conservation