This Plan ensures to continue with Zimbabwe s proud history of successful elephant conservation. It is made on the recognition that elephant populations in most of Africa were reduced to very low numbers by the late 19th Century. It is also recorded that between 1990 and 2006, elephant populations have grown exponentially but said growth has been limited by an escalation of poaching. This is vital owing to the fact that Zimbabwe is one of the key elephant range states and home to the second largest estimated elephant population of nearly 83,000 individuals following Botswana. As such, the country recognises the obligation to ensure the survival of the species for the benefit of present and future generations of all stakeholders. Zimbabwe has always been proactive in the conservation of elephants. It first adopted a specific Policy and Plan for Elephant Management in 1997 with the long term vision to Conserve elephants at levels that will enable them to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity, national development and Zimbabwe s cultural heritage. The vision of the Plan is to conserve elephants at levels that will enable them to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity, national development and Zimbabwe s cultural heritage. The targets of the Plan include; To maintain at least four demographically and genetically viable elephant populations in Zimbabwe; To maintain or increase core protected range of elephant in Zimbabwe; To maintain numbers / densities of elephant at levels that do not adversely impact on biodiversity conservation goals while contributing to economically viable and sustainable wildlife-based land uses in Zimbabwe. To build conservation capacity, the Plan ensures that sufficient and appropriately trained personnel, equipment, infrastructure and financing are mobilised, available and use efficiently and effectively.