In 2006, the Minister for Environment Affairs and Tourism convened a Science Round Table to advise on the different approaches to elephant management in South Africa.

Attempts to resolve differences of opinion between the authorities responsible for elephant management in the country, private elephant owners, animal rights and biodiversity conservation organisations in South Africa and abroad, and representatives of local communities, had to date not led to a widely agreed future course of action.

It was recommended that a Scientific Assessment of Elephant Management be undertaken. This report is the product of that assessment,  undertaken during 2007.

To view the summary for policymakers, click here.

Main Photo: (Francis Garrard)