DNA pulled from the dung of African forest elephants has given experts a more accurate -- and higher -- population estimate for the elusive animal, but the species remains critically endangered, a study showed Thursday.

The new status report shows there were 135,690 African forest elephants in 2024, a 16 percent increase from the previous figures published in 2016, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

"This report provides the most accurate picture of elusive African forest elephant populations to date," IUCN Director General Grethel Aguilar said in a statement.

"It shows us that conservation action is working for these iconic animals," Aguilar said.

The IUCN, however, said the animal remained on its "red list" of threatened species due to poaching an

See Full Page