Congo Basin, Part 6: Congo Rainforest is shaped by elephants, experts say

<div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--m RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph"> The African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) plays a critical role in shaping the Congo rainforest, experts say. Though they represent incalculable and intrinsic value, there is much scientists still do not know about this critically endangered species of megafauna. </div> <div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--m RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph">  </div> <div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--m RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph"> On this final episode of the Congo Basin season of Mongabay Explores, <strong>Fiona "Boo" Maisels</strong>, a conservation scientist at the Wildlife Conservation Society, and <strong>Andrew Davies</strong>, assistant professor of organismic and evolutionary biology at Harvard University, detail the 'irreplaceable' value of African forest elephants, what would happen if we lose them, and why they need urgent protection.</div> <div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--m RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph">  </div> <div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--m RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph"> If you missed the first five episodes of this podcast series, please subscribe to Mongabay Explores wherever you get your podcasts from, and follow the links below: </div> <div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--m RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph">  </div> <div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--m RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph"> <strong><a class="PrimaryLink BaseLink" href= "https://news.mongabay.com/2023/08/what-would-it-cost-to-protect-the-congo-rainforest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What would it cost to protect the Congo Rainforest?</a></strong></div> <div class= "TypographyPresent