• Scientists argue elephant impacts depend more on movement than overall population size.
• Artificial waterholes concentrate elephants, intensifying local damage to vulnerable tree species
• Research suggests managing elephant distribution is more effective than broad-scale culling.
• APNR’s plan to include elephant culling in their management plan has prompted calls by Africa Geographic for greater scientific transparency and public accountability.
• South African law allows culling only after other management options have been properly considered.

The elephant culling debate has returned to the private reserves that share an unfenced border with South Africa’s Kruger National Park – and it has returned carrying all the old ghosts.