Final answer:
Local communities, conservationists, and tourism operators might be affected by elephant populations in Africa, with varying viewpoints. Integrating conservation efforts with tourism appears to be more sustainable for helping the elephant population due to the economic incentives it provides to local villagers compared to exclusionary national parks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Three groups that might be affected by elephant populations in Africa include local communities, conservationists, and tourism operators. Local communities might support sustainable initiatives that include them in wildlife management because they often bear the costs of living alongside elephants, such as crop damage and potential danger. Conservationists might support strictly protected areas to ensure the conservation of elephant habitats and populations. Tourism operators might advocate for the integration of tourism and conservation efforts, as it provides economic incentives and raises awareness about elephant conservation.
The approach of setting up enormous national parks that exclude local communities may create conflict and resentment, potentially leading to non-compliance and increased poaching. Conversely, the approach of integrating local villages as tourist centers may provide economic incentives for preserving the elephant population, as it creates employment and income, fostering a more positive attitude towards conservation efforts among local residents.
Looking at the data and considering the importance of local community buy-in for successful conservation, the approach integrating tourism with conservation seems more likely to help protect the elephant population. It aligns the incentives of local villagers with the goals of conservation, potentially leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes.