Animal of the week - week 9

Forest elephant (Loxodonta Africana cyclotis)

The forest elephant is one of the two recognised subspecies of African elephant, the other being the substantially larger savannah type. The forest variety differs in several aspects other than size, noticeably it has more rounded ears and possesses tusks that are more downwards pointing to facilitate movement through the dense vegetation of the forest habitats they frequent.

It is incredible to think that such large creatures can move with ease in an environment that we have difficulty progressing through despite our secateurs. That is until you see evidence of the passage of the forest giants and realise that their bulk enables them to employ a method of movement that centres upon simply barging through the understorey as branches, vines and even small trees yield before them.

Frequently we come across trails of destruction in the forest that suggest the passage of a tank but are coupled with giant unmistakable footprints and piles of dung. The trampled grass and torn branches act to remind us that we are sharing the forest with the elusive elephants, as does the sound of trumpeting that often meets our ears as we move along the trails.

At times it has to be said that the elephants appear to be a little too close for comfort. For example, a few days ago we were startled by the sound of loud trumpeting emanating from the nearby forest as we traipsed through tall grass on the chase of chimpanzees. I asked William, the day’s ranger, where the trumpeting was coming from. “Jogo Jogo trail”, he replied. Moments later I asked where next he planned to take us in our search for the chimpanzees. “Jogo Jogo trail” he responded, apparently with no fear for our safety in light of his previous answer.

We put our trust in the previously-dependable William and headed off in the direction of the trumpeting. However, I have to admit that I was slightly worried when at one point we used a newly trampled elephant trail, complete with steaming dung piles, as a shortcut!

The sound of trumpeting is an exciting addition to the noises of the forest and the lack of recent sightings of the forest elephants despite their occasional proximity has made me realise how lucky I have been to glimpse them at all during my time here.

I love the thought of such giant beasts ambling through the forest and I am amazed by the ease with which the damage they leave behind them suggests they do so. The impressively powerful and fascinating forest elephant is therefore my 9th ‘animal of the week’.