2025 FWS Data Management Workshop

Conserving African elephant populations requires the integration of diverse, regionally collected datasets to create a cohesive and actionable understanding of population size, distribution, and trends. Methods such as aerial surveys, dung counts, GPS tracking, and, in dense habitats, camera traps, acoustic monitoring, and DNA analysis contribute valuable data, yet they vary widely in collection approaches and settings. The African Elephant Database (AED) plays an essential role in consolidating these disparate datasets, transforming diverse data into a unified, reliable resource that informs conservation strategies. By synthesizing this information, the African Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG) provides critical insights to range states and international organizations like CITES, supporting evidence-based management and policy decisions. This integration-driven approach highlights the power of data integration and harmonization in addressing conservation challenges across Africa.