Abstract

The study was undertaken to assess the trends and status of forest elephants decline in Idanre Forest Reserve. Reconnaissance survey was conducted prior to data collection from the site. Data collection was carried out with a structured questionnaire, which was administered to 120 respondents at the study area. Analytical techniques were employed by random sampling techniques; the data were analysed descriptively to determine the statistical distribution test. Observation reveals that occurrence of forest elephant in the study area is declining. Respondents that sighted either an elephant or it signs are 42.5% while 57.5% neither sighted an elephant nor their signs. It was recorded that out of the 42.5% respondents (n= 51) that sighted the elephant or their signs are those that sighted the animals physically (9.8%), those that heard the call of the animal (2.0%), those that saw the animal faecal droppings (7.8%), Those that heard their presence from other people (9.8%), those that sighted their footprints (23.5%) while those that sighted the carcass of the animals are 47.1%.The study  reveals that there is a scaling down in the trend and conservation status of the elephant population index in the forest reserve, as recorded since 1994 to 2019. This is in line with the study conducted in 2018 and 2019. The findings suggest that habitat management, human anthropogenic activities and migratory routes of the forest elephants should be identified by the forest management. Strict regulations should be promulgated for the protection of these wild animals to maintaining their endangered species list in the study area.

Key Words: Habitat management, Conservation, Forest elephants, Anthropogenic activities