Jumbo problems
THE greatest threat to Africa's dwindling elephant population (currently around 500,000) is neither the illegal ivory trade nor the depredations of big-game hunting. It is the rapid shrinkage of the land where the beasts can stomp and forage unhindered. As a result of this shrinkage, elephants often leave the wilderness to seek food in human settlements--with unfortunate results for the people living there.
More from Science & technology
Can you breathe stress away?
It won’t hurt to try. But scientists are only beginning to understand the links between the breath and the mind
The Economist’s science and technology internship
We invite applications for the 2025 Richard Casement internship
A better understanding of Huntington’s disease brings hope
Previous research seems to have misinterpreted what is going on
Is obesity a disease?
It wasn’t. But it is now
Volunteers with Down’s syndrome could help find Alzheimer’s drugs
Those with the syndrome have more of a protein implicated in dementia
Should you start lifting weights?
You’ll stay healthier for longer if you’re strong