Elephant poaching in Africa results in an estimated $25 million in annual tourism revenue losses, significantly impacting national economies reliant on wildlife tourism. Using Bayesian modeling, researchers found that reduced elephant populations lead to decreased tourist visits to protected areas. These financial losses often exceed the costs of effective anti-poaching measures, particularly in savannah regions. The study concludes that elephant conservation offers strong economic returns, comparable to investments in education or infrastructure, making it not only an environmental necessity but a sound economic strategy for sustainable development.
