The Beach going Forest Elephants & Loango National Park, Gabon

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“It was a Friday afternoon when I got the call that invite me to N’dola lodge to join a group of tourists traveling with See Wild Travels for the weekend. Being a park ranger it is a welcome invitation to experience the park from a tourist perspective.

I arrived at the lodge and got settled in. The safari tent was a welcome site, much better than the one-man tents I’m used to during our anti-poaching missions. I met up with the other guests at the bar and got familiarized with everyone. The guides turned up and we departed on our safari experience.”

Loango National Park, located on the stunning coastline of Gabon, is a gem of biodiversity brimming with unique wildlife, including the elusive forest elephants. These remarkable creatures have adapted to their lush rainforest habitat, showcasing behaviors that are as extraordinary as the environment they inhabit. One of the most fascinating aspects of forest elephants in Loango is their remarkable affinity for the beach, where they often bask in the sun, developing a distinctive chocolate-colored tan.

The Role of Forest Elephants in the Ecosystem

Forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) are smaller than their savanna counterparts (savanna males stand up to 4 meters tall, while forest elephants barely reach half that height) and possess unique adaptations, such as smaller, rounded ears and straighter tusks, that enable them to thrive in dense, wooded environments. They play a crucial role in their ecosystem as seed dispersers; by consuming fruits and foliage, these elephants aid in seed dispersal, contributing to forest regeneration and ensuring the health and diversity of their habitats.

“We went on a single tract sandy road and headed towards the beach. The guide assured the guest that late afternoons are the best time to observe the forest elephants up close. And he certainly delivered”

Beachside Behavior

What sets the forest elephants of Loango apart is their intriguing behavior of venturing to the beach. Unlike most elephants that stick to wooded areas, these gentle giants make journeys to the coastline, where they can interact with the marine environment. Observers have noted that the elephants enjoy a leisurely stroll along the sandy shores, splashing in the waves and rolling in the sand.

• This beach behavior serves multiple purposes. It’s believed that the sunbathing and sand-wallowing help them with skin care, helping to repel insects and protect against sunburn. The distinctive chocolate-colored tan they develop from sun exposure adds to their unique charm, making them a sight to behold against the backdrop of the vibrant green rainforest and azure ocean.

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

Conservation Concerns

Despite their enchanting behaviors, forest elephants face significant threats. Poaching and habitat loss due to logging and agriculture pose serious risks to their survival. Conservation efforts in Loango National Park aim to protect these majestic creatures and their habitat, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at their beauty and unique behaviors.

Conclusion

Exploring Loango National Park provides a rare opportunity to witness the intricate connections of wildlife and their habitats, reminding us of the importance of preserving our planet's biodiversity. As a former park warden, I can attest that seeing the forest elephants up close is an experience of a lifetime that deserves a spot on anyone’s bucket list.