The Impact of Climate Change and Habitat Loss on African Elephants in the Greater Virunga Landscape: A Dynamic Simulation Study

February 4, 2024 / activist360

Artwork for Bill Madden’s music video “Mother”. The artwork was created by Kasia Haldas. CC BY-NC-ND 3.0.

Introduction

African elephants, the majestic giants of the savannah and forests, are facing unprecedented threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflicts, and the looming specter of climate change. A recent study by Simon Nampindo and Timothy O. Randhir, published on January 31, 2024, in PLOS Sustainability & Transformation, uses dynamic modeling to unravel how these factors are influencing elephant populations in the Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL), a biodiversity hotspot in Africa.

Greater Virunga Landscape with vegetation map.

Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL) with vegetation map. Developed by Simon Nampindo and Timothy O. Randhir in collaboration with the WCS Uganda program. The GVL straddles Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Understanding the African Elephant Crisis

The African elephant, once roaming freely across vast stretches of the continent, is now confined to fragmented habitats, with populations experiencing alarming declines. The 2016 IUCN African Elephant Status Report highlighted a 30% decline over ten years, with human activities and climate change at the heart of this crisis. Elephants play a pivotal role in their ecosystems, from seed dispersal to landscape modification, making their decline a matter of global environmental concern.

The Study: A Closer Look

Nampindo and Randhir’s study is a testament to innovative conservation science, employing dynamic simulation models to analyze the effects of changing climates, habitat loss, and water resource availability on the age-class structure of elephant populations. Their research, underpinned by data from the GVL — an area spanning Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo — provides a comprehensive understanding of how different age classes of elephants respond to environmental stressors. This approach is crucial for developing targeted conservation strategies.

Conceptual model for population dynamics of elephants in GVL, linking climate, habitat changes, and resource variability to population shifts over 50 years.

Key Findings

The study reveals several critical insights:

Climate Change Impacts: Older elephants are more vulnerable to climate change, affecting their survivability and migration patterns. This vulnerability is attributed to direct impacts, such as disease and physiological stress, and indirect ones, like habitat alteration and drought-induced deaths such as fire and risk of predation.
Habitat and Water Resources: An improvement in habitat quality and water availability positively affects elephant populations, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts that enhance these critical resources.
Future Projections: Without mitigating environmental and anthropogenic stressors, the GVL could see a demographic shift towards younger elephants, potentially impacting the long-term viability of these populations.

Conservation Implications

The research underscores the necessity for a transboundary management approach, incorporating climate change mitigation, cooperation among conservation agencies, and partnerships with relevant stakeholders. It also highlights the importance of understanding age-specific responses of elephants to environmental changes, facilitating the development of comprehensive conservation strategies that address water availability and habitat quality.

To ensure the survival of African elephants in the face of climate change and habitat loss, the study recommends:

Enhanced Transboundary Cooperation: Strengthening collaboration across borders to ensure cohesive conservation efforts.
Habitat Restoration and Protection: Implementing measures to improve habitat quality and connectivity, including reforestation and the establishment of wildlife corridors.
Community Engagement: Involving local communities in conservation efforts, providing them with sustainable livelihood options to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.

The study by Nampindo and Randhir offers a critical roadmap for the conservation of African elephants in the Greater Virunga Landscape. By focusing on the dynamic interplay between climate change, habitat loss, and elephant population dynamics, their work provides valuable insights for crafting resilient conservation strategies. As we face the challenges of a changing planet, such research is indispensable for guiding our efforts to preserve the natural world and its magnificent inhabitants.

Final Thoughts

This comprehensive study not only advances our understanding of the intricate relationships between elephants and their environment but also serves as a clarion call for urgent, collaborative conservation action. The fate of Africa’s elephants hangs in the balance, and it is incumbent upon us all to heed this call and act decisively to secure their future.

Embracing Ecodharma: How Buddhist Philosophy Meets Environmental Activism

January 7, 2024 / activist360

David Robert Loy: A Visionary

In this enlightening interview, we sit down with David Robert Loy, a renowned professor of Buddhist and comparative philosophy and an acclaimed Zen teacher in the Sanbo-Zen tradition. David shares his profound insights on the intersection of Buddhism and modern ecological challenges, introducing the concept of Ecodharma.

Throughout the interview, David eloquently speaks on topics such as healing ecology, the parallels between Buddhist teachings and environmental challenges, and the significance of nonattachment in activism. His thoughts on how Buddhism and Ecodharma can contribute to a deeper understanding and resolution of environmental issues are both thought-provoking and inspiring.

Merging Spiritual Insight with Environmental Action

David’s journey from anti-war activism to a deep engagement with Buddhist philosophy and his contributions to various organizations, including as a co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Retreat Center (RMERC), highlight the breadth of his experience and expertise.

His profound teachings, encapsulated in works like “Ecodharma: Buddhist Teachings for the Ecological Crisis,” have resonated in major journals worldwide, underlining the urgency of integrating spirituality with environmental activism.

Ecodharma is a compelling response to the ecological challenges we face, extending the profound teachings of Buddhism to deepen our connection with the Earth. David underscores the importance of Buddhist principles in understanding and resolving environmental issues, an understanding vital for grappling with climate change and fostering sustainable living.

When asked if there were figures within or outside of Buddhism that have particularly inspired his approach to Ecodharma, David referenced being influenced by Joanna Macy of Berkeley, California, the grandmother of the whole Ecodharma movement, and called attention to her writings.

The Power of Nonduality and Nonattachment in Environmental Activism

Central to his teachings is the Buddhist principle of nonduality. This concept challenges the traditional view of separation between individuals and the natural world, highlighting this separation as a fundamental cause of environmental degradation. David argues that acknowledging our integral connection with the Earth is key to effective ecological solutions.

Additionally, David highlights the Buddhist teaching of nonattachment to outcomes. This principle is crucial for environmental activists and practitioners, helping them stay resilient and motivated, even amidst slow or uncertain progress in ecological conservation.

A Future Vision: Spiritual Traditions Reorienting to Protect Nature

Looking to the future, David envisions a shift in spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, to prioritize and safeguard our natural environment. This transformative vision calls for transcending our limited perceptions and embracing a more profound interconnectedness with nature.

This conversation is not only a must-watch for those interested in Buddhism and environmental activism but also for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of our connection with the world around us. David Robert Loy’s insights offer a powerful and timely contribution to the conversation on spirituality and environmental activism. His perspective opens up new avenues for integrating Buddhist practices into modern environmental discourse and action, making a significant impact on how we approach ecological challenges.

Harmony with Nature: A Core Principle in Major Religions

December 10, 2023 / activist360

*Yosemite Valley, among the trees, in June 2023.*

In a world increasingly focused on environmental conservation, it’s enlightening to explore how major religions respect and honor nature. These ancient faiths provide a rich tapestry of beliefs and practices that highlight the sacred bond between humans and the natural world.

Let’s take a look at how major religions prize harmony with nature:

Buddhism: Mindful Stewardship of Nature

Buddhism teaches the interconnectedness of all living things, promoting a deep respect for nature. The concept of ‘Ahimsa,’ or non-violence, extends to all living beings, fostering a mindful approach to environmental stewardship. The ancient Hindu texts discourage wanton destruction of nature including of wild and cultivated plants.

The forest is a peculiar organism of unlimited kindness and benevolence that makes no demands for its sustenance and extends generously the products of its life activity; it affords protection to all beings, offering shade even to the axe-man who destroys it.
―Gautama Buddha

Hinduism: Divine in Nature

Hinduism views nature as a manifestation of the divine. The reverence for rivers, mountains, flora, and fauna in Hindu texts underscores the faith’s ecological ethos. The Earth is often personified as the goddess ‘Bhumi,‘ reinforcing the sanctity of the natural world.

Mother Earth, may whatever I dig from you grow back again quickly, and may we not injure you by our labour.
—Atharva Veda

Christianity: Stewardship of God’s Creation

Christianity advocates for stewardship of the Earth, viewed as God’s creation. Biblical scriptures, such as Genesis, emphasize humanity’s role in caring for and preserving the environment. In Genesis, God instructs humanity to manage the creation in particular ways.

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
—Genesis 1:26–28

Islam: Nature as a Sign of God

In Islam, nature is seen as a tapestry of signs pointing to the divine. The Quran frequently references the environment, urging believers to protect and respect it as a gift from Allah.

“And Allah has sent down rain from the sky and given life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who listen.”
—Quran, 16:65

Judaism: Balancing Use and Preservation

Judaism teaches a balance between utilizing and preserving nature. The concept of ‘Bal Tashchit‘—do not destroy—highlights a commitment to avoiding wastefulness and promoting sustainability.

If not for the trees, human life could not exist.
—BT Taanit 23a

Each of these faiths brings a unique perspective to environmental ethics, yet they all share a profound respect for the natural world. This universal reverence underscores the importance of collaboration across religious lines for the conservation and protection of our planet.