The study was presented at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Cites – the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora – in South Africa, where measures to protect the species are being discussed, BBC reported. The study, which quoted data from the Great Elephant Census, also used elephant dung counts and individual observations as its other sources.

It pegs the number of elephants in the continent at around 4,15,000, while acknowledging that around 1,17,000 to 1,35,000 may be unaccounted for in areas that have not been systematically surveyed. IUCN Director General Inger Andersen said, "These new numbers reveal the truly alarming plight of the majestic elephant – one of the world's most intelligent animals and the largest terrestrial mammal alive today."

In addition to poaching for ivory, major infrastructure projects that destroy elephant ranges are a matter of concern, as well. The report's co-author Dr Chris Thouless said this was a particular problem for road development in Central and East Africa.

However, the study does show conservation efforts succeeding in South Africa, Namibia and Uganda. Countries like Namibia and Zimbabwe are pushing for relaxing restrictions and opening up ivory trade at the conference, which will be held till October 5. A proposal to shut down domestic ivory markets will also be discussed.