What used to be a spectacular rainforest harboring gorillas, monkeys and elephants has been hacked to stubble. The debris will soon be burned away. The poor soil of this rainforest region will barely provide for two years of manioc before the plantation will be abandoned and a new tract of forest reduced to cinders. Elephants and other wildlife trying to return to what was once a sustaining habitat are now at risk of being snared or shot. This slash and burn approach to land management is detrimental to long term biodiversity in the Gamba region.An elephant crosses a road near Gamba airport. Unfortunately, these majestic and intelligent creatures have become accustomed to raiding trash bins on the Shell Gabon concession. They have become habituated to human presence. The lack of problem-solving initiative, consequence management, and respect for wildlife has created a human/elephant conflict in the Gamba community. The elephants will ultimately pay the price as the local community labels them aggressive and unsafe.
david korte photographs 
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