The plight of the pachyderms Michael Gross  Current Biology  Volume 26, Issue 19, Pages R865-R868 (October 2016) DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2016.09.041 Copyright © 2016 Terms and Conditions

Hidden assets: African forest elephants were only recently recognised as a separate species from savannah elephants. Their wooded habitat makes it harder to study their population dynamics and ensure their survival. (Photo: Vicki Fishlock.) Current Biology 2016 26, R865-R868DOI: (10.1016/j.cub.2016.09.041) Copyright © 2016 Terms and Conditions

Standing tall: Savannah elephants are still widespread in Africa but declining rapidly due to massive poaching for ivory. (Photo: Lucy King.) Current Biology 2016 26, R865-R868DOI: (10.1016/j.cub.2016.09.041) Copyright © 2016 Terms and Conditions

Ecosystem services: Wild Asian elephants observed in Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka. The birds wait to catch insects disturbed by the elephants. (Photo: Carlos Delgado/Wikimedia Commons.) Current Biology 2016 26, R865-R868DOI: (10.1016/j.cub.2016.09.041) Copyright © 2016 Terms and Conditions

Illegal goods: Confiscated ivory items displayed ahead of the first official ivory crush held by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 2013. (Photo: Gavin Shire/USFWS.) Current Biology 2016 26, R865-R868DOI: (10.1016/j.cub.2016.09.041) Copyright © 2016 Terms and Conditions