Forest or Savanna? A Question of Elephants Identity in Mole National Park, Ghana

The Classification Conflict

My doctoral research at Mole National Park in Ghana has brought a fascinating and critical question to the forefront: the identity of the elephant population(s) in the savanna landscape of northern Ghana. For several years, researchers and conservationists have viewed the elephants in Mole and the broader landscape as savanna species Loxodonta africana. This view is based on the elephants' morphology, behavior, and social structure, as well as the park's savanna ecosystem. In contrast, elephants inhabiting the forest ecosystems in the south of Ghana, such as Kakum National Park and the Bia conservation area, are unarguably classified as forest species Loxodonta cyclotis. However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies all elephants in Ghana as forest species Loxodonta cyclotis. This classification completely overlooks the distinct savanna ecosystem of Mole National Park and the clear morphological and behavioral differences of the elephants here compared to their southern forest counterparts. This has sparked confusion and a knowledge divide among interested parties, given the IUCN's reputation and weight in global biodiversity conservation and classification. Our direct observations and extensive camera trapping in Mole National Park strongly suggest this blanket classification may be incorrect for the population in this savanna ecosystem. 

Morphological and Social Evidence from the Field

The elephants we encounter daily and capture on our camera traps exhibit a strong morphological outlook of savanna species Loxodonta africana. Savanna elephants are typically larger, with large, triangular ears with pointed lower edges, a concave back profile, and an angled forehead, traits that are distinct from the smaller, rounder-eared, straighter-backed, and flatter-foreheaded forest elephants (see some comparing images below). The visual evidence from the field is compelling and appears to contradict the current official classification by the IUCN.

Beyond morphology, the social structure we observe also points toward a savanna identity. Our camera traps and direct field observations, including data dating back to 2019, consistently show large social groups of elephants numbering over 15 individuals, which is characteristic of savanna species, contrasting sharply with the small group sizes (usually up to 4 individuals) typically observed in forest elephants. This discrepancy raises a profound scientific question. If these elephants are indeed morphologically savanna species, why are they classified as forest species?

The Genetic Imperative

The answer lies in the genetic data we are currently collecting. Our fieldwork is designed to resolve this very issue. We are collecting dung samples for DNA analysis, which will provide the definitive genetic profile of the elephants of Mole National Park and the broader landscape. The results will lead to one of two important conclusions:

1. Confirmation of Savanna Species: If the DNA confirms a savanna species identity, it will necessitate a review of the current IUCN classification for this region, ensuring that conservation efforts are based on the correct biological unit.

2.  Confirmation of Forest Species: If the DNA confirms a forest species identity, it will open up a new set of complex and intriguing questions about their genetics, adaptations, and origin. How are forest elephants thriving in a savanna ecosystem, and why do they exhibit such strong savanna-like morphology? Could they be hybrids, and if so, how did that happen? More interestingly, could there be a mix of both species coexisting in this savanna landscape? 

To wrap up ...

The current classification inconsistency poses a significant challenge to the effective conservation of Ghana's elephants. Conservation strategies, resource allocation, and international support are fundamentally tied to accurate species identification. By classifying the Mole population as forest species, the IUCN classification risks misdirecting conservation efforts, as management plans tailored for the small, secretive forest elephant may be inappropriate for the large, wide-ranging savanna-like population in Mole National Park. Furthermore, it risks undermining local knowledge, as the official classification contradicts the long-standing observations of local researchers, rangers, and conservationists, creating a knowledge divide that hinders collaborative management. Crucially, it obscures the potential presence of a distinct savanna elephant population in Ghana, which would have its own unique conservation needs and status. My research aims to provide the immediate, definitive genetic evidence needed to clarify this classification inconsistencies to ensure that conservation policies are based on scientific reality, allowing us to tailor strategies that are truly effective for the unique population of elephants in Mole National Park and secure their future amidst the challenges of the biodiversity and climate crisis.