Nobody had seen the “ghost elephant” of Niokolo-Koba Nationwide Park in over half a decade. That’s, till now. Path cameras just lately recorded proof that this elusive African elephant, Ousmane, continues to be alive and wandering round in Niokolo-Koba Nationwide Park, a protected space of southeastern Senegal.
Panthera and Senegal’s Nationwide Parks Directorate (DPN) released the trail-cam footage, saying it’s the primary video of Ousmane since 2020. Ousmane, named after a park ranger, is known as a “ghost elephant” as a result of he’s a mere figment of a once-booming elephant inhabitants. In reality, Panthera says Ousmane might be the final of his sort on this space.
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“When final noticed in January 2020, Ousmane was thought-about certainly one of solely 5 to 10 elephants remaining within the park — a stark distinction to the a whole lot that after roamed right here and a reminder of the devastating impacts of poaching and habitat loss,” Panthera wrote in a statement. “Photographs and DNA evaluation counsel he would possibly now be the final.”
Panthera believes there may be hope for this solitary creature, saying: “This sighting has sparked discussions on what may be finished to guard the elephant and the technical feasibility of translocating a gaggle of feminine and male elephants to revive a breeding inhabitants in Niokolo-Koba Nationwide Park.”
See trail-cam footage of this uncommon “ghost elephant” right here:
Header inventory picture by Aida Servi/Getty Pictures
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