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Hunting In Africa The Forest Elephant

Forest elephants are recognized for their smaller stature compared to their savannah counterparts

Elephant hunting in Africa is a dream of many dangerous game hunting enthusiasts, with some being a bucket list dream that has become a reality. To target one of the greatest animals worldwide and one of Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7 is truly an awe-inspiring big game hunting experience that a hunter never will forget!

The African Forest elephant is native to the humid tropical forests in West Africa and the Congo Basin. They can be found in numerous African countries, including Ghana, Libya, Cameroon, the Ivory Coast, the Central African Republic, Gabon, the Republic of Congo, and Equatorial Guinea.

The forest elephant is the smallest of the three living elephant species, reaching a shoulder height of approximately 7.8 feet. These elephants are social animals, living in groups of 2-8 animals, which is smaller than other species of elephant. Generally, the family groups consist of 3-5 elephants, with a female and her offspring or several females and their offspring. Males tend to live alone and only socialize when mating.

Its chosen habitat is that of tropical rainforests. These dense habitats provide adequate shelter as well as many varied food sources for this herbivorous mammal. Food options include fruit, grasses, herbs, tree bark, and shrubs. The forest elephant ingests up to 660 pounds of plant matter daily, with water sources such as rivers, streams, and swamps providing adequate water.

The forest elephant is listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as critically endangered. While hunting the forest elephant is a controversial issue, some countries do allow the hunting of this majestic beast with very specific regulations and permits in place.

AT A GLANCE

Name:
Loxodonta cyclotis

Male Weight:
1,982-6,610 pounds

Shoulder Height:
7,8 feet

Range:
West Africa and Congo Basin

Life span:
50-80 years

Hunting Forest Elephant

Forest elephants have unique rounded tusks, which are well-adapted for navigating through thick undergrowth.

Size and Appearance

The African forest elephant has oval-shaped ears and a large trunk, with two finger-like growths on the end of the trunk which assists it in grasping and holding items. The trunk is used for many activities, such as eating, drinking, exploring the world around it, in defense, breathing, and showing affection to those around it. Both male and female forest elephants have tusks that are straight and point downwards. Their tusks can grow up to almost 5ft, and weigh between 50 and 100 pounds, but this varies from one individual to the next. The elephant has tough, gray skin with coarse grey hair and a longish tail with a section of hair at the end of it. African elephants have a total of 26 teeth, including two upper incisors (the tusks), 12 premolars (non-permanent teeth similar to baby teeth), and 12 molars.

Hunting Methods

Elephant hunting in Africa is usually done on foot using trackers, by following fresh tracks or spoor until the animal is sighted. As with any game hunting safari, ensure that you are well-versed in the animal’s anatomy to ensure excellent shot placement and a quick, humane death for the animal. Elephants are often targeted by illegal poachers after their ivory tusks. Sadly, more than 20,000 elephants annually die because of poaching, even with many worthy conservation initiatives and programs in place to protect and assist these huge mammals.

Challenges and Rewards

The heat, humidity, and critters of the rainforest can make this hunting adventure quite challenging, but no true adventure comes without some discomfort! The thrill of tracking a forest elephant and the tales to share over a beer or braai after a successful hunt would be legendary and well worth the effort.

Rifles and Requirements

As with any dangerous game hunting in Africa, the minimum legal requirement is a .375 with a 300-grain bullet. Calibers 450 grain and up are recommended, including options such as a .416 Rigby, .458, or .458 Lott. Another consideration for hunters is the use of double rifles such as 470NE, 500NE, and up. Only solid bullets should be used when elephant hunting in Africa.