In 1991 the number of wild elephants was reported as 1 900. There has been no official record since. It was estimated in 1997 that the number dropped to 1 700, and these consisting mainly of females and young males without tusks. This estimate is, however, said to be inaccurate. Judging from the number of elephants sighted and the number of elephants killed or found dead between 1991 and 1999, there should be less than 1 000 elephants in the nation's forests. Nevertheless, a complete survey and record of the actual number of elephants in the wild should be a high priority if proper protection is to be a national commitment.