The African forest elephant is its own species apart from the African plains elephant. 85% of the remaining African forest elephants now reside within Gabon’s borders and national parks. Even though the national park system was a positive stance on protecting Gabon's natural resources, statistics show that measures taken to protect the forest elephant population are not enough. It is estimated that they will become extinct within the next decade unless drastic measures are taken to prevent this tragedy to occur. The poaching of forest elephants is an endemic problem that is taking top priority in the government. Measures to stop poaching include military training, education, and monetary opportunities for tourism.