eleblog

“Research and DNA analysis from earlier this year has revealed the existence of five previously unknown, female elephants in the Knysna Forest in the Southern Cape region at the tip of South Africa. Researchers say the discovery is reason for cautious optimism that the world’s most southerly elephant population may have survived the onslaught of ivory hunters in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.” - Wildlife Extra

“The Knysna elephants, made famous through the books written by Dalene Matthee, were thought to be on the verge of disappearing from the forests around the Southern Cape Town. But recent research indicates that a small elephant population still occupies the area and their numbers are increasing.” - SABCnews.com

“An international team of scientists has unlocked the genetic blueprint of hair samples from ancient woolly mammoths found in Siberia. VOA’s Jessica Berman reports the researchers say the DNA will give them valuable information about the evolution of elephants and possibly other prehistoric animals.” - VOA News

“Scientists from Cardiff University are planning to set up a field centre in Borneo to research and conserve the smallest and rarest elephants in the world.” - News Wales

Miller has had chance to observe elephants’ feet at close quarters - a process that depends entirely on the cooperation of each individual elephant. One that felt disinclined to bare its sole could hardly be forced to do so. Lifting a leg is not really an option for anyone with less than superhuman strength or the services of a haulage contractor. “They have to be well trained, and most of them in captivity are,” she says. “A zoo keeper or trainer taps its leg and it will be raised on command.” The fact that Miller herself walks without a limp is confirmation enough that she hasn’t yet been trodden on in the course of her investigations. “You have to be sensible,” she says, “and alert.” - EducationGuardian.co.uk

“Endangered species on five
continents are benefiting from $1.3 in awards recently distributed by the
Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund (DWCF). Projects studying sea turtles,
elephants, butterflies, dolphins and gorillas are among the 80 recipients for
2005.” - PR Newswire

” For close to three decades Poole has made important discoveries about the intimate social lives of elephants through the study of their communication. Using her in depth knowledge of elephant society she is fighting for their better treatment and protection, building tolerance where there is conflict, and encouraging delight in the intelligence of these extraordinary mammals.” - Idaho Mountain Express