African elephants are in decline due to habitat loss, poaching, and the ivory trade. Their population has decreased to only around 470,000-690,000 animals currently. Poaching for ivory and bush meat has increased as human settlements expand into elephant habitats. As a result, elephants are unable to fulfill their ecological roles and their behavior and health have been negatively impacted. Conservation groups like the World Wildlife Fund are working to increase law enforcement and protections to help save elephants from extinction.