The elephant population in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda has hit the level of three decades ago of about 3,000 according to a census report released by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

The population doubled between 2000 and 2004 when it increased from 1,100.

The growth has been attributed to a reduction in poaching and increased migration of elephants from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park’s management has also stepped up the protection of animals and instituted measures to fight poachers.

Wild animals suffered a population decline due to poaching caused by a breakdown of law and order in the 1970s and 80s. Elephant numbers had gone down to just 400.